Have you daydreamed about moving house? Scoured the property listings for months…or even years? The grass is always greener. We like to imagine ourselves somewhere new, improving our lives and standards of living. But once you commit and actually do it, this is a process that can also be astoundingly costly. Between hiring movers, packing materials, deposits, and all those hidden expenses, the costs can quickly spiral out of control. But moving doesn’t have to empty your bank account. With a little planning and some clever strategies, you can reduce your moving expenses without sacrificing quality or driving yourself up the wall.
So where do all the different costs creep in when you moving home. A typical house move might involve expenses for the following:
- Professional movers: These costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the distance and size of your move.
- Packing supplies: Bubble wrap, boxes, tape… it all adds up in ways you don’t expect.
- Deposit or down payment: Moving into a rental property or buying a house? You’re bound to face a hefty upfront payment.
- Utilities and connection fees: Setting up electricity, gas, water, and internet in your new home isn’t free.
- Miscellaneous surprises: Forgot about the pizza and drinks for your moving helpers? How about the last-minute storage unit you suddenly needed? Yup, it’s all coming out of your wallet.
So what can you do about some of these costs?
Use a Mortgage Broker
If you’re moving into your own home rather than a rental, working with a mortgage broker can save you a substantial amount of money.
Mortgage brokers have access to a wide range of lenders and products, which can mean lower interest rates and better terms for you. They’ll find you the best deals while saving you the hassle of shopping around yourself. Plus, many brokers won’t cost you a dime, as they earn commissions from lenders.
Over the lifetime of your mortgage, the savings they help you unlock can amount to tens of thousands of dollars. If you haven’t considered this, now is the time to explore your options.
Plan Ahead Like a Pro
One of the surefire ways to keep costs low is by planning ahead. The more time you have, the less likely you are to make costly impulsive decisions.
- Compare moving quotes: Start by researching at least three to five moving companies. Ask for quotes and see what’s included. Don’t assume the lowest quote is the best; always read reviews and check for hidden charges.
- Book early: If you’re hiring professionals, schedule your move well in advance. Movers often offer discounts for early bookings, and you’re more likely to snag your preferred date.
Top tip: Avoid moving during peak times (e.g., weekends or end-of-month). If you can, pick a weekday or mid-month date to keep costs low.
Declutter Before You Pack
Do you really need those stacks of unread magazines or the treadmill you haven’t touched in years? Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter. The less stuff you have to move, the cheaper it’ll be.
- Sort and purge: Go through your belongings room by room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or toss.
- Sell unwanted items: Host a garage sale or list items online. Not only will this lighten your load, but you can pocket some extra cash too.
Thoughtfully reducing the volume of what you’re moving can make a noticeable dent in your overall moving expenses.
Save on Packing Supplies
Packing materials seem deceptively cheap at first, but they can quickly stack up. Think creatively and you might not have to spend much at all.
- Use what you have: Towels, blankets, and old clothes make excellent padding for fragile items.
- Find free boxes: Grocery stores, liquor stores, and local Facebook marketplace groups often have free boxes up for grabs.
- Borrow packing tools: Instead of buying, borrow tape guns, dollies, and furniture sliders from friends or family.
DIY Whenever Possible
Professional movers are convenient, but they’re also expensive. If you’re willing and able, doing a move yourself can dramatically reduce costs.
- Enlist friends and family: Offer pizza or a home-cooked meal as compensation, and you’ll have a willing crew to help pack, load, and unload.
- Rent a truck: If you’ve got a lot to move, renting a moving truck will still cost less than hiring a full-service company.
- Disassemble furniture yourself: Save on labor costs by breaking down beds, tables, and shelves on your own.
That said, don’t be too hard on yourself. If something like moving a piano or heavy antique furniture feels out of your comfort zone, leave it to the pros.
Take Advantage of Tax Deductions
If your move qualifies as work-related, you might be able to deduct certain expenses when filing your taxes. Moving deductions often include costs like transportation, storage, and lodging for the trip.
Be sure to check with a tax professional to see if you qualify. It’s not an immediate saving, but it’s a win in the long run.
Pack Smart for Utility Savings
Don’t leave setting up utilities for the last minute. Research your new area to compare utility providers and rates. Competitive pricing can save you a lot on monthly expenses.
Also, avoid overlap. Cancel the utilities at your old place on the day you move out to ensure you’re not paying twice.
Cut the Surprise Costs
Last-minute expenses are the villain in every house-moving story. Avoid hidden costs with these tips:
- Be wary of cancellation policies: If you need to reschedule movers, make sure you’re not hit with a penalty fee.
- Measure your new space: This avoids moving furniture you can’t fit, saving time and money.
- Keep essentials handy: Pack a separate bag with toiletries, chargers, snacks, and coffee (trust us). This prevents unnecessary trips to the store on moving day.
If you’re going to make that daydream a reality and move house, you’re going to want to save money where you can. Do a little savvy planning, be resourceful, and put your creative thinking hat on. Renting, buying, downsizing, whatever. These strategies will help make your move as cost-efficient as possible.
