Moving house is often touted as one of life’s most stressful and costly experiences. Between buying packing materials and dealing with unexpected expenses of furniture removals, the costs can quickly add up. However, with careful planning, you can save money and make your move smoother.
Below, you’ll get some creative ideas on how to help you save money when moving house whilst making sure your move goes to plan and is the least stressful as possible.
Start early and plan ahead
Starting as early as possible in the piece and planning your move can save you a lot of stress and money. Here are some steps to get you started:
- Create a Moving Checklist: List all tasks you need to complete before, during, and after the move. This includes sorting out utilities, packing, and notifying important contacts of your new address.
- Meal preparation: Prepare meals and snacks in advance to avoid the temptation of expensive takeaway food during the busy moving days.
Declutter
One of the most effective ways to save money is to move fewer items. Here’s how to declutter effectively:
- Sell unwanted items: Use platforms like Gumtree, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace to sell items you no longer need. This not only reduces how many things you need to move but also generates some extra cash.
- Donate: Consider donating items in good condition but no longer useful to you. Charities like the Salvation Army and Vinnies will appreciate your contributions.
- Dispose of junk: For items that are beyond repair or use, arrange for a rubbish collection or take them to the local tip.
Stealth packing
Efficient packing can save space and reduce the number of trips needed, which can save you money. Here are some packing tips:
Label boxes: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room in which it belongs in the new house. This will make unpacking easier and quicker. You might even like to make a note of favoured items on the box, for quick access. Kids have a favourite toy? Do you have a preferred frying pan you use? Jot it down.
Pack heavy items in small boxes: So that boxes don’t end up breaking and to make them easier to carry, pack heavy items like books in small boxes and lighter items in larger boxes. That way, you will also save your back or muscle strain by picking up overweight items.
Use suitcases: Pack heavy or bulky items in suitcases with wheels for easier transportation.
Backloading basics
Backloading is an innovative and cost-effective furniture removals solution that involves sharing a truck with other customers who are moving in the same direction. This service is particularly advantageous for long-distance moves, as it maximises the use of space in the truck and minimises the number of trips required.
By consolidating multiple loads into one journey, removalist companies can offer significantly reduced rates, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking to save money on their move. Additionally, backloading is an environmentally friendly choice, as it reduces the number of vehicles on the road, thereby lowering carbon emissions. This efficient method not only cuts down on transportation costs but also ensures that customers only pay for the space their belongings occupy, making it a smart choice for cost-conscious movers.
Ask us about our backloading options.
Get your bond back
Don’t forget about the important things of vacating a property that you’ve been renting, too. Ensure you get your rental bond back by leaving your current home in good condition:
Thorough cleaning: Clean each room thoroughly as you move out. Pay special attention to carpets, tiles, and walls.
Minor repairs: Fix any small damages, like nail holes in the walls or scuffed paint, to avoid deductions from your bond.
This is where hiring a removalist company comes in handy also. Especially a moving company like AtoB Furniture Removals who are absolute professionals that take extra care of your furniture and surrounds. All too often, we see people try to tackle moving on their own and end up putting dings in walls or doors which can severely impact the return of their bond.
Plan for utility services
Managing your utilities properly can save you from unnecessary expenses:
Disconnect services early: Schedule disconnection of services at your old home for the day after you move out to avoid paying for unused days.
Compare new service providers: Research and compare utility providers in your new area to find the best deals on electricity, gas and internet.
Hire professional removalists
You might be tempted to handle the move yourself to save money, but hiring professional removalists can actually be more cost-effective in the long run. Here’s why:
Time efficiency: Professional removalists are experienced and can pack and move your belongings much faster than you and your friends (if you can even manage to rope someone into helping).
Avoiding injury and damage: Moving heavy furniture and boxes can lead to injuries or damage to your belongings. Removalists are trained to handle these things safely, but efficiently. In 2022–23, the leading causes of injury hospitalisations were falls (238,000 hospitalisations), followed by contact with objects (78,700 hospitalisations). Don’t be one of those statistics!
Cost of DIY moving: When you add up the costs of hiring a truck, buying packing materials, and potentially taking time off work, hiring professionals might be more economical. Additionally, professional removalists offer insurance, which can save you from unexpected expenses if something gets damaged.
Prepare for the unexpected
Having a backup plan can prevent unexpected costs. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Emergency fund: Set aside some cash for emergencies or those “just in case” moments that might arise during the move, such as car repairs or last-minute accommodation needs.
Flexible moving options: Choose a moving company that offers flexibility without hefty change fees in case your plans change at the last minute.
By following these tips and considering professional removalists, you can make your move more efficient and cost-effective. Planning ahead, decluttering, and strategically managing your resources is key to saving money when moving house in Australia.
