Moving house is no fun and can be a costly exercise, but what if costly just isn't an option? If you're on a tight budget, moving doesn't have to turn into a financial crisis, but you won't be splashing out on packers and a professional cleaning company. Instead, you'll have to put together a cost-cutting plan that will likely involve doing some of the work yourself. Here are some money-saving tips:  

Embrace Minimalism

The less stuff you have to move, the cheaper it will be. Go through the contents of your home a room at a time and be radical in your approach. When was the last time you used that bulky food processor? Yes, you love books, but do you really need to keep every book you've ever read? What about ornaments, side tables and lamps that look lovely but are really just dust collectors? Moving home provides you with an opportunity to declutter and assess what you own and whether it truly adds value to your life. Clutter has been linked to depression and anxiety, so embrace this opportunity. You may also be able to sell some of your unused stuff to help pay for the cost of moving.

Don't Buy Boxes Or Packing Materials

It's easier and quicker to buy nice new boxes online and have them delivered straight to your door, but new boxes are pricey. Stores are usually happy to let you take empty boxes, so ask them what day of the week they get their main delivery of stock. Boxes that have been used for high-value heavy items, such as bottles of spirits, are sturdy and ideal for packing those books you decided to keep. Websites and community groups that connect people offering free items can also be a good place to source free boxes and bubble wrap.

Do What You Can Yourself

Hiring a van and moving everything you own yourself can be more expensive than using a removal company that charge by the hour, as experienced house movers tend to be able to load a van up quicker than someone who's not used to lifting heavy items every day. However, you don't have to use a removal company to move everything. If it's practical, move smaller items and light boxes yourself. You can also keep the time it takes a removal company to move your items to a minimum by making sure everything is ready to go as soon as they arrive. So, dismantle any furniture that won't fit through the door and separate boxes with fragile items from those that can be stacked on top of each other.

Timing Counts

It's not always possible to choose the time of year you move, particularly if you're moving for a new job, but if you can, move in winter. Most people try not to move house in winter in an attempt to avoid bad weather on moving day, but good weather isn't guaranteed at any time of year. As removal companies tend to be less busy during the winter months, they are more willing to negotiate their price and secure your business.

Don't Pack Too Early

Packing weeks before you move may seem like a good idea, but do you want to come home to piles of boxes every evening and spend that precious time after work looking for things you didn't think you'd need again before you move? Packing too early can increase the likelihood you'll spend money going out to eat instead of going home to a house full of boxes or buying items you know you have but just can't find. Leave packing to the weekend before you move; it won't take as long as you think.

These are just a few ways you can save some money when moving. When calling removal companies (such as Melbourne Cheap Suburb Removal) for quotes, why not ask them if they have any tips? After all, they move people every day and will likely have had some pretty frugal customers in the past.

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