Moving on the Fly: Your Guide To a Proper Move Without Proper Funding

We review our writer’s top tips on what areas of the move can be shaved off, how to declutter and move less volume, and savings post-move to help you pay less and save more.

Moving can be very expensive and a huge ordeal or it can be a family effort that is done DIY style, it all depends on the budget. There are several ways to save money without stressing out before you move.

Here are some tips to help you save for what matters:

Beforehand What You Can Do To Save

1. Declutter The Hell Out Of Your House Before Packing: Actually take the time to sort through your things and get rid of items you no longer use or won’t fit well in your new space. Donate, sell, or just throw out all the items you can to reduce the volume you’ll need to move which will directly result in savings as volume is a major cost factor.
2. Take the Time to Compare Moving Companies: Get quotes from multiple moving companies on iMoving and compare their services and pricing. All the vendors on iMoving are reputable with great reviews. You can compare and contrast all their extra services and basic rates and make the best choice for your family.
3. Choose Your Moving Date and Time Wisely: Moving during off-peak seasons (winter and mid-week) or mid-month (no weekends or end-of-month dates) will help you save hundreds of dollars due to lower demand. People usually finish their contracts at the start or end of the month so demand is much higher. Also being the second move of the day is cheaper.
4. Pack Ahead of Time: If you have the time, pack yourself instead of paying for a full packing service unless it saves money due to childcare expensive costs. Use free or low-cost packing materials like newspapers, blankets, and clothing. 
5. Use Free Packing Materials: Check with local grocery stores, alcohol stores, or recycling centers for free boxes. Many people also give away moving boxes on community websites or Facebook. You can get free cartons from many local shops and bubble wrap from families who finished their move. You can also use empty suitcases, backpacks, bins, and baskets you already own for packing.
6. Insurance Coverage: Opt for basic coverage provided by the moving company rather than purchasing additional insurance, if your belongings are not very valuable. Verify the insurance coverage included in the moving company’s quote to avoid unexpected costs. This means checking the premiums you will be expected to pay if things go south.

• If It Makes Sense Get a Smaller Truck or Container: Choose the smallest truck or container size that can realistically fit all of your items after being disassembled. This will help save on rental costs and fuel prices. Don’t cheap out and get too small of a size that will require driving back and forth or you will end up spending way more. 
• DIY Load and Unload Yourself: If you’re physically capable and have friends or family to help that you can pay off with pizza and beer, then plan for DIY loading and unloading the truck. Make sure to lift and carry items safely. Maybe start working out ahead of time to get in shape. Make sure all your helpers have proper insurance just in case anyone gets injured on the job.
• Drive Yourself: If it’s feasible and you have the proper licensing and insurance, consider driving your belongings to your new home instead of paying for a full-service moving company. This combined with DIY lifting will mean a very cheap move.
• Negotiate With Pride: Don’t be hesitant to negotiate with moving companies. Ask if they can match a competitor’s quote or if they offer discounts for specific circumstances (military discounts, seniors, students).

• Share Leftover Packing Materials: If you have leftover packing materials that you don’t need, consider selling the excess or giving it away to someone who is moving and also needs to save. Sharing is caring and helps keep our planet green.
• Claim Moving Expenses on Your US Taxes: If your move is work-related or even partially work-related since you work from home then check if you meet certain criteria. You could be eligible to deduct some or all of the moving expenses on your taxes. Consult with a tax professional.
• Utilities and Services: Coordinate directly with utility providers to set up services at your new home instead of paying for a moving company to handle it.
• Cancel Unnecessary Services: Cancel or transfer subscriptions and services that you won’t need at your new location to avoid unnecessary costs. You might not need Netflix for a month or can save on the internet if you won’t be working from home for a while.
• Return Unused Packing Materials: If you bought packing materials like cartons and bubble wrap rolls from the local store or moving company or elsewhere, return any unused materials to get a refund if you can. The store will usually allow returns if you keep the receipt.
• DIY Home Setup: Set up your new home yourself instead of paying for professional installations and builds for furniture and appliances, if possible without causing harm to your body or the item.

By really implementing these tips and being proactive in planning, you can reduce moving expenses and keep your budget in line with your broke self while ensuring a smooth transition to your home.

By planning and making decisions ahead of time to declutter and scale down, you can skim down and reduce costs during your move without the worry that you will be causing damage. Best of luck from our iMoving team on your journey!