There are many ways in which you can save money on moving costs. One way is to get free boxes from your local drugstore or retail outlet instead of buying them. While these may not be as big as purchased packing boxes, they won’t be as heavy when packed, either. There’s another way to get free boxes too. If you see a For Sale notice in your area suddenly taped over with “Sold”, watch to see when the new residents move in. They’ll probably be glad to get rid of all their packing boxes for free, instead of paying extra to have the garbage man take them. You’ll need lots of tape to secure the boxes with and even this can be bought more cheaply at a hardware store than a grocery shop.
Once you’ve settled into your new home, getting rid of those boxes may cost you extra, so see if you can donate them to a neighbor who is moving. Otherwise you may be able to let garden worms dispose of them for you. Mulching the garden will save your water bills, too. Cover the flattened cardboard with straw and manure to get those worms munching.
It will probably save you heaps if you hire a truck and drive it yourself. But be sure you have a strong back or some good, strong friends to help with the loading. Also, check that your insurance for both household goods and auto will cover your goods in transit and any truck damage or repairs. Don’t forget you have to pay for gas, so factor this into your costs.
If you hire a removalist, be sure to get at least three quotes as the cost varies considerably. Ask about insurance and times, too. Some removalists also hire out storage that could come in handy if there is a delay. Many items that you’ve accumulated may be things that you don’t now use. Why pay for the cost of carting these items if you don’t want to keep them? Instead, send them to your nearest charity of have a garage sale to dispose of them.
Remember to cancel all your utilities ahead of time; if you paid a deposit, you may be eligible for a refund. Make sure you set the date for cancellation for the day after you leave, then you won’t be likely to be left without power if they come early. Do it a day early for switching on in the new house. You don’t want to arrive at midnight and be unable to have a coffee or shower.
Save all your moving receipts because if your move is associated with a new job, it may be tax-deductible.
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