Let’s face it, the thought of moving can send shivers down anyone’s spine—not just because of the emotional toll of leaving a familiar place, but because of the hefty price tag that often comes with it. We’re constantly bombarded with advice on saving money during a move, but how much of that advice is actually practical or even realistic? As an expat with a background in real estate, I’ve seen the ins and outs of moving across major U.S. metro areas, and I’m here to share some lesser-known tips that could save you a pretty penny. Buckle up; you might find some of these suggestions a bit unconventional.
Moving Costs in Major US Metro Areas
Now, let’s talk numbers. Moving costs can vary widely depending on distance, volume, and services required, but here’s a rough idea for some major U.S. metro areas according to the moving expert Joshua Green from the relocation portal MyMovingReviews:
New York City: Moving within the city can range from $480 to $2,880 for a small to medium-sized home. Long distance moving costs in New York? Expect to pay upwards of $3,322 for a two-bedroom home.
Chicago: Staying within the city limits might cost you $480 to $2,160. If you’re heading to another state, it’s more in the ballpark of $2,780 to $7,250.
Houston: Local moves are somewhat cheaper, around $510 to $850 for a two bedroom home, with long distance movers in Houston costing between $2,200 and $7,600 based on the distance.
Los Angeles: Local moves start around $826, while longer distances can jump to $1,830 to $7,231.
These are ballpark figures that can fluctuate based on various factors, but they give you an idea of what to expect.
The Contrarian Budgeting Method
When it comes to budgeting for your move, forget meticulously categorizing every little expense. Instead, set a solid lump sum based on your overall moving cost estimates and work backwards to cut costs. This simplifies the process and forces you to prioritize what’s truly necessary.
Rethink Your Timing
One common belief is that there’s a “good” time to move. But what if I told you that the “bad” times could actually work in your favor? Moving during the winter months or in the middle of the month could snag you a deal, as demand for moving services is typically lower. Yes, it might be a bit more inconvenient, but the savings could be substantial.
Use Your Network and Get Creative with Packing Materials
This might go against the grain, but consider not hiring professional movers for the entire move. Instead, see if you can handle some of it with the help of friends or family. For long distances, maybe it’s worth hiring pros for the heavy lifting and driving, but for packing and unpacking? A pizza party can turn that into a fun DIY project.
Forget buying bubble wrap and packing peanuts. Why not use your own linens, towels, and clothing to wrap your fragile items? It’s environmentally friendly and cuts down on costs. Plus, it’s a bit of a fun puzzle figuring out which shirt best fits around your favorite vase.
Don’t pay for boxes! Yes, this advice is everywhere, but it’s for a good reason. Boxes can be ridiculously expensive, and there’s an abundance of them out there for free. Hit up local stores, your workplace, or even check out online marketplaces. People are always looking to offload boxes after a move.
5. Purge, Then Purge Some More
The less you have to move, the cheaper it will be. This is a no-brainer, yet so many of us cling to items we don’t need. Sell, donate, or dispose of things that no longer serve you. This not only lightens your load but can also put some extra cash in your pocket if you choose to sell items. Do not get extra storage to put extra stuff as these costs will slowly pile up.
Conventional wisdom suggests always getting full-value protection for your move. However, consider evaluating the actual value of your belongings. Sometimes the cost of the insurance might not justify the coverage, especially if you’re moving a lot of items that aren’t of high value.
Moving doesn’t have to drain your bank account if you’re willing to think outside the box and challenge some conventional wisdom. By embracing a bit of inconvenience, leveraging your network, and getting creative with your resources, you can significantly cut down on moving costs. Remember, the goal isn’t just to move your belongings from Point A to Point B; it’s to do so in a way that’s both efficient and economical. Happy moving!