Whether you’re going across town or across the country, moving is one of the most exciting adventures you can embark upon. It’s also easily one of the most stressful, not just from a logistical standpoint, but in terms of budget. According to Zillow, the average cost of a move is $80 to $100 per hour when moving within the state, and $2,000 to $5,000 when moving interstate.
Though some moving costs are unavoidable, it is possible to save money in a few areas. To help you do just that, we enlisted a handful of pros to share their best money-saving advice for your next big move.
Declutter Before You Pack
It may feel like an added item on your to-do list but getting rid of everything you don’t want to take with you before you move will ultimately save you time, space, and money.
Go through all of your belongings, from cookware, clothing, and even furniture, and take inventory of what you no longer need or want. Downsize before packing and you will be surprised by how much you own. Depending on how much you have downsized, you could save hundreds of dollars, as one of the big costs of moving is the hourly expense of the movers themselves.
Beyond that, you can actually make money on the things you’re getting rid of and allocate those funds toward moving costs. Take furniture or nice clothing to consignment shops, throw things onto websites like eBay and Poshmark, and hold a garage sale if you’re feeling ambitious. Making donations has never been easier, since many charities allow you to schedule a pickup or drop off.
Get Creative When Sourcing Moving Supplies
The cost of moving supplies—which include boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and padding—adds up very quickly. Instead of spending hundreds on the aforementioned, think outside of the box (literally).
Before you purchase any other packing material, make sure you are utilizing all of your own suitcases, hampers, and baskets. And instead of bubble wrap, use towels to pad delicate items and socks for the smaller ones. If you end up needing boxes, hit up local businesses or big-box retailers for their old cardboard boxes, or ask friends and neighbors.
Depending on how much you’re moving, you can save between $50 and $400. Not to mention, you’ll also benefit the environment.
