Relocating to a new home or city is one trend that never seems to slow down for Americans. Whether it is a move to accept a new job, be closer to family, take ownership of a first residence or retiring to a dream home, 40 million Americans move each year. If moving is in your future, here are a few tips to help you save money on the process.
Use Storage Pods
The biggest new trend in moving is storage pods St Louis MO. Large storage containers are delivered to your home, and you fill them with your belongings. The company then picks up the pods and delivers them by flatbed truck to your new location, where you unpack them. The empty containers are then picked up again by the moving company.
This transportation method gives you control over how your items are packed onto the truck and keeps you from driving everything to your new home. It also saves you a lot of money as you are doing all the packing, loading and unloading.
Time Your Move Right
As with most industries, movers raise their rates for the busiest times of the year. Knowing when these busy times are will help you avoid paying a premium price for your relocation. The highest rates are charged in the summer months. Weekend days at the beginning or end of any month generally cost more as well. If you can’t avoid a summer move, at least try and schedule it for a weekday.
If you are flexible in your dates, the lowest priced moves are weekdays in the winter months.
Check for Discounts
Always asks for discounts when you are getting quotes from companies. Common discounts include:
- Veteran
- Active-duty military
- Repeat customer
- Senior citizen
- Educator
- Health care worker
Sell What You Don’t Need
There is no need to pay to move any belongings you no longer need. It is worth the time to sort through all your stuff and sell or donate those items you haven’t touched in years.
If you aren’t sentimentally attached to your furniture, consider selling some of those pieces as well. It may be less expensive for you to buy new or used items in your new city instead of paying to move what you have.
Ask About Relocation Funds
If a new job is a reason for your move, check with your new company to see if relocation funds are available to pay for all or part of your expenses.
Using one or more of these tips will help you save money on your next move.