For renters, in general, moving can be a stressful and expensive time. Though hiring professionals can alleviate the challenges of moving, those services often come with a high price tag, maybe even thousands of dollars. The good news is that there is a lot you can do to reduce your moving costs and still get the help you need. Transitioning to your next single-family rental home can be inexpensive, only if you follow a few simple steps.
Make your next move more affordable by limiting the number of belongings you bring with you. Donate or sell unwanted personal items, furniture, or other belongings. This will definitely make your move less costly.
Don’t start packing without looking around and seeing where you can get boxes and other moving supplies for free. Buying brand new moving boxes can put a large dent in your wallet, so it’s worth taking the time to look around first. Scout your area for stores that might have extra empty boxes that they’re not using. They might sell it for cheap or even give it away. Also, check your local online ads or ask your friends and neighbors. You may be able to find someone who has a stack of boxes they’d happily be rid of.
Pack your boxes yourself! This is another sure way of saving some money on your next move. For a price, many professional movers will offer packing services. Of course, this is additional expenditure — not exactly cost-effective. Save yourself from being billed by the hour for expensive packing services by packing your own boxes. You can even save on bubble wrap by using towels and blankets to protect fragile items.
Wanting to hire a professional mover in Brandywine? There are options and other ways to help trim those costs. Set your move to a date and time that is off-season or less in demand. Prices in many places are a bit cheaper between September and May and on weekdays. Save more money by doing your research. Get estimates from multiple moving companies before hiring one.
It is a mistake to assume that all professional movers are the same. Some are definitely a better value than others. While professional movers usually offer multiple services, some of them have transport-only options. Should you choose not to drive a rental truck for when you are moving to a new state, this can be a great way to avoid paying for a full-service moving company while still getting the help that you need.
You don’t have to bear the heavy burden of moving all by yourself when the day to move finally comes. Have friends and family over and ask for their help. In doing so, you’re not only relieving yourself of stress but also cutting down on costs. However, consider hiring hourly helpers if there simply aren’t enough volunteers available to help. Especially if you are planning to rent and pack your own moving truck, this can be a great way to keep moving expenses to a minimum.
Lastly, if the move is related to your job, best to inquire if there is a chance of getting reimbursed for moving costs. Some employers will pay some or all of an employee’s costs, especially if the move is long-distance. Ask your employer about this before you move. And remember to save all your receipts since you will need to present them for reimbursement. In some cases, you may also be able to deduct part of your moving expenses on your federal income tax return. But don’t assume that this is the case. It is important to speak to a tax advisor to understand whether this deduction applies to you. A few well-thought-out strategies can go a long way towards cost-efficiency with regard to your next move.
On the lookout for your next Brandywine rental home? Make sure to browse through our available rentals. Dial 301-392-2172 for more details.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.