Ways to Save Money on Your Upcoming Move

After four generations of moving industry experience, our team at R.C. Mason Movers is skilled in the art of relocation—and takes pride in offering low-cost, affordable moving solutions for our customers. Take a look at these helpful tips for moving on a budget to help you get started planning an affordable, cost-efficient moving project. 

(1) Start Early and Plan Ahead

Last-minute movers, beware. The simple act of starting early can help to save you hundreds of dollars if not more on your move. In general, we recommend starting at least a month in advance for a local move, and at least two months or more for long-distance moving projects. If you’re moving internationally, give yourself an even longer time to plan—perhaps six months to a year in advance. 

Of course, it’s not always possible to start early. Sometimes, our customers need help moving at the very last minute for reasons beyond their control. In this situation, a reliable and professional moving company can be a wonderful way to manage the process quickly and efficiently, so reach out and find one that can help out and offer advice on how to structure the project. 

(2) Find Free and Low-Cost Packing Materials

Visit bookstores, department stores, grocery stores, shoe shops, liquor outlets, and any other businesses you can think of to find boxes. Most of these places are swimming in boxes and wind up giving away or trashing those they no longer need. Others might charge you for them, but it’s not likely to be much. 

Gather as many different-sized, high-quality boxes for packing as you can. Doing this will help you to save a lot of money on buying packing materials at the last minute. Also, check discount stores for low-priced packing tape, bubble wrap, plastic covers, and other things you’ll need for moving day.

(3) Choose Your Moving Dates Wisely

Moving costs fluctuate throughout the year according to demand. Moving on a popular date will cost a lot more than it will move over the off-season, so if your dates are flexible, save money by choosing your moving dates carefully.

For most moving companies and moving truck rental facilities, the high season starts in mid-May and ends the first week of September over the Labor Day holiday weekend. In general, moving companies will also be busier on weekends and holiday weekends throughout the year. For the best rates, contact your moving company early and get quotes for several dates you have in mind to compare. 

(4) Order Pizzas or Pick Up Fast Food, but Skip the Restaurants

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with pizza night or a fast food meal the day before or the night after you move into your new home. But try and resist the urge to eat out at restaurants every night, especially in the days leading up to your move and after moving in. This includes ordering restaurant food from Uber Eats or another food app. As convenient as it can be to order in, over time, the delivery fees and expense of the food you order can mean major spending.Instead, take a trip to Costco or Trader Joe’s and stock up on easy meals you can make at home. For example, frozen lasagna or a rotisserie chicken meal can be especially satisfying to eat at home after a long and tiring day relocating, while sandwiches are quick and easy lunch options. 

(5) Hire Competent Movers from a Reliable Moving Company

The best advice we have on saving money during a move is to hire a reliable moving company that can help you save money. The best moving companies will go above and beyond to custom-create a specific moving plan that suits your specific needs and your budget. While you can also save money doing-it-yourself, non-professional movers can also easily overspend on moving trucks, moving equipment rentals, while experiencing possible delays and other problems. 

At the same time, beware of moving companies that aren’t licensed, insured, or well-established. Many moving scams prey on customers by offering impossibly low rates or hard-to-resist offers on moving packages that are simply too good to be true. A lot of time, money, and patience can be lost by hiring one of these scam artists—so do your research and make sure your moving company is reliable before hiring them.

Discover Expert Moving Solutions at Affordable Rates with R.C. Mason Movers

R.C. Mason Movers is proud to serve our customers in the United States and Canada with a broad range of comprehensive moving services for long-distance and local moving. From custom crating and full-service packing to international and commercial moving projects and more, our team can handle your next relocation with ease, efficiency, and the professionalism you can count on.