In 2010 over 6.5 million families changed households. And every single one of them experienced some kind of stress in the process. Frustration, worry, and stress are virtually inevitable when moving, whether across town or across the country. But one of the number-one ways to reduce stress is to reduce the cost of your move. Here are a few examples of how to do just that, with proper scheduling, a little bit of extra elbow grease, and strategic use of storage moving pods.
- Scheduling
If you have the flexibility, when you decide to move can have a big impact on the overall cost. Whether you’re renting a truck yourself or hiring a full-service moving company, you’ll get the best rates in the middle of the month and in the middle of the week. From June to September, moving services are at their peak rates, so avoid these times if you can, and you can save even more. - Effort
While a full-service company will always be more expensive than truck rentals or storage moving pod companies, you can still reduce what you pay by electing to pack, load, and unload your own boxes and/or furniture. The less the movers have to lift, the less you have to pay. - Portable Storage
Storage moving pods can eliminate your need to rent (and drive) a bulky, unfamiliar truck. Portable storage unit companies also generally allow more time with a unit than typical rental truck companies, so the time crunch is considerably lessened. A unit can make a great shelter for a yard sale, and when all is said and done, you can simply close the door and send the remaining items to a storage facility.
There are ways to save money, whether you choose a rental truck, storage moving pods, or a full-service moving company. With proper research, preparation, and a determination to save money, you can do yourself, your family, and your wallet a favor during your next move.