Moving can be an expensive undertaking. From buying packing materials to paying movers, going from one home to another can end up putting a huge financial strain on the average individual. As the sales manager of Affiliated Movers of Oklahoma City, Inc., Nathan Howell understands how the costs of moving can add up. Here, he offers tips on how to save money on your moving day.
Pack efficiently
If you pack efficiently, your movers will spend less time shuttling your belongings out of the house and onto their trucks, so you will save money. You should make sure that all of your boxes are properly loaded and sealed. This way, your movers won’t have to stop to repack anything. Also, you should put as many boxes as possible toward the front of your house, without blocking the doorway. A garage can be a good place to store boxes, as it often leads to the driveway, where a moving truck is likely to be parked. Finally, label all of your boxes according to where they’re going. This way, your movers will know where to put them when they arrive at your new abode.
Clear the path to your doorway
One of the best ways to save money on your move is to offer your movers a clear path in and out of the house. This way, they can transport boxes and furniture without having to worry about hitting things or tripping in the process. Before your movers arrive, make sure to get rid of any rugs or floor mats that lead to your doorway. Take all of your pictures down from the wall, and avoid stacking any boxes in a place that might block the doorway or adjacent hallway area. By giving your movers plenty of room to work with, you can make the process go quicker and increase the likelihood of your bill being a lot cheaper.
Bring your things downstairs
If your home has multiple levels, it’s a good idea to bring down as many boxes as possible to the first floor before your movers arrive. Walking up and down steps can be time-consuming and physically draining, and the more your movers have to go up and down those stairs, the more tired they’re likely to get early on. Of course, since the speed at which your movers operate directly correlates to your final bill, you’ll want to do everything in your power to minimize their burden. By taking the time to move some of your lighter boxes to the first floor, you can end up saving yourself a lot of money on the cost of your move.
Keep kids and pets out of the way
In order to allow your movers to work as quickly and efficiently as possible, you should keep pets and small children out of the way. The presence of pets — yappy dogs in particular — can be rather distracting to movers. From a safety perspective, it’s a good idea to get children and pets out of harm’s way. So ask a neighbor to watch your children, or find a dog-lover to look after your pup. By doing so, you’ll save your movers time, and save yourself money.
Have refreshments on hand
Lifting and carrying heavy boxes and furniture for multiple hours can be extremely strenuous, even for the strongest and most experienced of movers. So you should keep plenty of cold water on hand to keep your movers hydrated. After all, the more energized they are, the better they’ll perform. And the faster they move, the more money you’ll save.
Disconnect any appliances before movers arrive
In order to make the moving process as efficient as possible, you should disconnect any appliances you’re taking with you before your movers arrive. This way, the movers won’t have to waste time fiddling around with plugs and wrapping up cords.
Reduce your inventory
One good way to save money on your move is to rid yourself of any unwanted stuff prior to your moving day. With fewer boxes for your movers to carry, it’ll take them less time to complete your move. By selling or donating unwanted items, you can simplify your life and minimize your moving bill.
By adhering to these helpful tips, you can do your part to keep the cost of your move as low as possible so that you’ll have more money left over to invest in your brand-new home.
