Month: May 2022

Moving can quickly get expensive between taking off time from work, hiring movers, putting down payments on homes, or leaving security deposits for apartments. To help scale down costs, many people look for easy ways to budget their moves.

The good news is there are numerous ways you can trim moving expenses. Here are six tips you can try to help you plan a budget-conscious move.

1. Move Off-Season

This isn’t possible for everyone but move during the off-peak season if you can plan for it. Prices might be lower for professional movers since demand is lower. If your move must be during peak season, try to move from Tuesday to Thursday since fewer people are moving during those days. Additionally, home and rental prices tend to drop.

2. Find Free Boxes

Boxes can quickly get expensive, especially if you’ve got a large household or years of accumulated belongings. Check grocery stores, liquor stores, offices, Craigslist, and other places people commonly find free boxes—this can save some money.

3. Use recycled or free packing materials

Packing materials can get costly, so instead of purchasing lots of bubble wrap, be inventive and see how you can get around paying for these items. Items you can use to wrap fragile items include towels, dish towels, clothing, or blankets, to name a few.

4. Reduce the Unnecessary

This is simple math—the more stuff you move, the more expensive it’ll be to transport. Whether you’re transporting yourself or hiring professionals for your move, you’re either paying in gas and time for multiple trips (or renting a bigger truck) or paying for weight with a mover.

Downsizing unwanted, unused, and broken items by giving them away, donating them, or throwing broken things out can go a long way toward reducing moving expenses. (Remember, to recycle anything eligible!) Holding a yard sale or selling stuff on Marketplace can also bring you extra cash.

5. Consider Not Bringing Some Furniture

Try to offload any bulky furniture by selling or donating these pieces if they aren’t exceptionally sentimental or easy to replace. Then, use the money you’d spend to move these items and buy new furniture for your new place. If donating, note what you’ve donated and ask for a receipt; you may be able to benefit come tax time.

6. Measure New Place

Be sure anything you bring will fit in the new place. Measure doorways, halls (some corners are tight!), and actual room space. If you have belongings with no place to put them, you certainly don’t want to pay to move them and make a costly mistake.

To save money on the move, the best thing to do is plan for it. Then, aside from the above, look for ways you can reasonably reduce costs—sometimes, it’s the minor ways you find that make the most significant impact.

Moving Made Easy

Moving is undoubtedly a big task, but DIY jobs can also be more costly than you think. Hiring pro movers who can get the job done quickly and efficiently may be the least expensive option depending on your circumstances.

Contact us today with any questions or to receive a free moving quote. We’re happy to help you explore your moving options.

Are you moving out of your rental home? Moving is a significant change, with the potential for new beginnings and a fresh start. And while you’re undoubtedly looking ahead to the future with anticipation, there are still a few things to take care of before you move out of your current rental.

When moving day is just around the corner, don’t forget to add these important “to do” items onto your moving checklist.

1. Review Your Lease

Before you take any other steps, review your rental agreement. This legal document will lay out everything you and the property owner agreed to when you moved in. This should include how much notice you need to give and the terms of getting your security deposit back.

In most cases, you’ll need to let the landlord know you’re moving within a specific timeframe. This gives them time to find a new tenant and gives you time to pack, transfer utilities, move out and clean up.

Often, you’ll need to provide written notice of your intent to vacate. Be sure to follow the terms of the lease that you signed.

2. Inspect and Fix

Usually, rental agreements specify that the tenant must leave the rental in the same condition as when they moved in. Therefore, the landlord should have provided you with a condition report that detailed any issues with the rental.

Some normal wear and tear are expected. But any damage that goes above and beyond may come out of your security deposit if you don’t fix it. This may include:

• Holes in the walls where you hung artwork
• Returning painted walls to their original color
• Replacing broken windows and light fixtures
• Repairing dents or scratches on walls, cabinets, doors, and floors
• Ensuring appliances, plumbing, and electrical systems are in working order

3. Clean Up

To get the maximum amount of your security deposit back, you’ll probably have to clean your rental. But, again, your lease documents should specify the level of cleanliness the property manager expects.

Overcleaning is usually a safer bet than under-cleaning, at least when getting your deposit back. Common cleaning tasks tenants tend to overlook include:

• Windows and windowsills
• Blinds and window treatments
• Ceiling fans
• Range hood filters
• Around and under the range burners

4. Pack All Belongings

When moving day rolls around, pack all of your belongings. Your goal is to leave the rental empty. Of course, you don’t want to forget any of your things. But you also don’t want to get charged if the landlord has to dispose of left-behind belongings.

After the move, do a complete walk-through. Don’t forget to check in every drawer and cupboard, the very backs of shelves, under the staircase, the basement, the garage, the attic — be sure that you haven’t left any forgotten items behind.

5. Document the Condition of the Property

Once you have made repairs to the rental unit — clean, empty, and document it! Take pictures and video so you’ll have a record of all the work you did.

You may want to schedule a walk-through or inspection with the landlord. They can make a list of any issues so you can fix any problems.

Moving Assistance

Now you’re ready to move on into your new home. Contact us for a free quote. We can help make your moving day smooth and simple.