The Ultimate Guide to Moving on a Budget

August 2, 2023

Your Comprehensive Moving Checklist

We’ve all been there. The stress and anxiety of an upcoming move. The fear of the unknown costs. The worry about how much time it’s going to take. Well, we’re here to tell you that moving doesn’t have to break the bank or your spirit. With careful planning and preparation, you can make your move smooth, efficient, and cost-effective.

Starting Point: Inventory Your Belongings

Begin your moving journey by taking a thorough inventory of your items. It’s easy to underestimate the volume of our belongings until we start packing. The total amount and weight of your possessions directly impact the time and cost of your move. The more items you have, the more resources are needed to transport them.

Start by making a list of all your items, big and small. Pay special attention to larger, heavier items such as furniture, gym equipment, pianos, or appliances. Bulky items weighing over 200lb, 300lb, or 400lb may require additional manpower or special equipment to move, potentially adding to the overall cost.

Step Two: Evaluate Access to Your Home

The logistics of moving out of your current home play a significant role in the time and cost of your move. Start by considering parking accessibility for the moving truck. A difficult parking situation or a long carry distance from the truck to your entrance can add hours to your moving day.

If you live in an apartment or condo, consider whether there’s an elevator, and if it can be reserved for your move. Moving companies often need to schedule elevators in advance, and without one, moving out can take much longer.

Step Three: Determine How You Can Help

While insurance and liability restrictions mean you can’t help load the moving truck, there are other ways you can assist on a moving day. If you’re eager to expedite the moving process, there are several tasks you can undertake. You can carry smaller, lightweight boxes closer to the truck or move items downstairs, which will save the movers time.

Not only does this help cut down on the time it takes to load the truck, but it also allows you to have a more active role in your move. Remember, every minute saved is a penny earned!

Step Four: Prepare for the Move

Preparation is key to a smooth and cost-effective move. The more work you do before moving day, the less time the move will take. Start by packing your items into boxes. This might sound like a daunting task, but don’t worry, we’ve got a comprehensive guide on how to pack fragile items for a move to help you through.

Next, disassemble any bulky and heavy furniture. Items like king-size beds, large wardrobes, or oversized tables can slow down the moving process significantly. Disassembling them in advance will make them easier to transport, saving both time and money.

Once your items are packed and furniture disassembled, protect your belongings by wrapping them in moving blankets. Not only does this prevent damage to your items, but it also protects the walls and floors from scuffs and scratches.

Finally, don’t forget to label your boxes. This may seem like a minor task, but it’s a major time-saver when you arrive at your new home. Clearly labeled boxes make unpacking quicker and more organized.

Remember to empty out and pack items from often-overlooked areas like the garage or storage units. These can add unexpected time to the move if they’re not dealt with in advance.

Final Step: Plan for the New Location

Now that your current home is sorted, it’s time to think about your new place. The distance to your new location is an obvious factor impacting the time and cost of your move. The further away your new home is, the longer the move will take. However, there are other factors at your new location that can also affect your move.

Consider the size of your new place. Are you downsizing or upsizing? If you’re downsizing, you may need to get rid of some items, which can be a time-consuming process. On the other hand, if you’re upsizing, you might be tempted to keep more items, leading to a larger, more time-consuming move.

The type of your new place is another important factor. Moving into a house may be quicker than moving into an apartment or condo, especially if there are stairs or elevators involved. It’s essential to evaluate your new place and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth transition.

Conclusion

Moving can be a daunting task, especially when you’re on a budget. But with proper planning and preparation, you can make it a cost-effective and stress-free experience. Our comprehensive moving checklist will help you prepare for every stage of the move, from taking inventory of your items to planning for your new location.

Remember, every move is unique, so this guide may need to be tailored to your specific situation. If you’re a senior or moving an elderly loved one, we have a dedicated guide on moving tips for seniors that offers helpful advice and suggestions.

At the end of the day, the goal is to make your move as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Open communication with your moving company can make a world of difference. They are there to assist you and make the process easier, so don’t hesitate to reach out to them with any questions or concerns.

Now that you’re equipped with all the tips and tricks to save time and money on your move, you’re ready to embark on this exciting journey. To make things even easier, we have a downloadable version of the general moving checklist for you to keep handy.

Ready to take the next step? Book your move with us today and experience a seamless, cost-effective moving journey.