Moving is overwhelming, particularly if you’re a large family. With all there is to pack, get sorted, and coordinate, it’s no surprise that you’re dreading it. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to break the bank to do it! There are many budget-friendly hacks that can make your move simpler, easier, and much less expensive. So, whether you are moving across town or just a block, here are some simple ways to keep your costs down and your stress levels even lower.
1. Start Early and Declutter
One of the greatest ways to save money when you’re moving is to lighten your load. The lighter you are, the less you’ll be paying for packing supplies and transportation. So, once you start packing, go through every room in your home and remove items you don’t need anymore. Have a family decluttering day, where everyone pitches in and goes through their clothes, toys, and old appliances. It’s a great way of not only saving money on your move but also of starting anew in your new home.
And don’t forget to sell or donate the still-good stuff. Not only will you be helping other people, but you might even earn some money to pay for your moving fee.
2. Be Creative with Packing Supplies
It can be costly to buy boxes, packing peanuts, and bubble wrap, but you don’t necessarily need to spend much on these things. Take a tour of your house—you could just have more that you can reuse. Worn-out blankets, towels, and sheets will protect your fragile items just as bubble wrap will. You can even wrap breakables in clothing! Getting the children involved and making it a packing challenge to reuse as many of your own things as possible is a great idea.
Also, check in local stores to see if they have some free boxes that they’re discarding. Grocery stores, liquor stores, and bookstores even sometimes have sturdy boxes that they’d like to dispose of. You can acquire these boxes in advance and save yourself some cash.
3. DIY Moving
It is very expensive to use a professional moving firm, and for a big family, costs can easily get out of control. But don’t worry—you have options! If your family is cooperative, you can save a lot of money by doing the heavy lifting yourself. Rent a moving truck for a few days, and recruit your family and friends to help with the packing and loading. Not only will this save you the labor charges, but it’ll also give you more control over the timing of your move.
And if you’re not certain how to rent the right truck, it always benefits you to take a glance at local Chula Vista movers with good reputations, who will be able to help you choose the most suitable vehicle for your needs. They can even give you tips on how to plan your DIY move so that everything goes smoothly on a budget.
If you need a little help but do not want to hire a whole crew, make your next best friend a labor-only mover. They will help you load and unload your truck without paying the additional fee of driving the truck itself. It’s a great way to save money while getting professional help where you need it.
4. Stay Organized with a Moving Checklist
Having a large family means keeping everything in check, which is key to making sure things do not slip through the cracks. Create a master list of everything you need to do in the weeks and days before the move—packing out each room, connecting utilities at the new location, etc. Break down tasks and delegate them among your family members. The kids can help pack their own stuff (which is a great way to get them involved), and older family members can help with the heavy lifting.
Box labeling is also a requirement. Color-code the labels for various rooms so you can easily know where to place everything on arrival at your new home. And don’t forget to include an essentials box for every member of your household—this should have all the things you will be requiring on the first day or two in your new house.
5. Call on Family and Friends
Relocation is an enormous undertaking, but you don’t have to do it by yourself! With having a big family, you have an at-your-disposal team of cooperating family members to work with to get the special day done. It’s time to call for help from a wider network and engage distant families, relatives, or friends. Get assistance for anything from babysitting children to loading, even goodies supplies for the relocation team. It’s an awesome way to get everyone pumped up and save a little money on ordering food delivery or takeout.
You could also think about providing a token of appreciation (such as a home-cooked meal) to express your thanks for their assistance. Believe me, a small amount of appreciation can go far!
6. Be Smart About Truck Rentals
Renting a moving truck can be one of the larger costs when moving, but there are options to save on this as well. Make sure to shop around and compare prices from various rental companies before making a choice. Some rental companies have better deals than others, and it is always a good idea to read reviews and ask people for their opinions to get the best deal for your requirements. If you’re not sure what size truck you’ll require, a company like Blue Dog Moving can give you some advice to enable you to rent a truck that’s not too big (and too expensive) or too little to accommodate all your belongings.
Careful planning of your move-out day will also save you money. If possible, rent your truck mid-week or off-season since weekends and summer moving seasons are typically more expensive.
7. Be Positive and Flexible
Admit it—moving is a whole bunch of work, and everything does not always go the way it should. The key to making everything work is to be flexible and stay positive. Even if everything doesn’t quite go according to plan, remember that it’s all part of it. With a plan B, a great sense of humor, and plenty of help, you’ll be okay. Remind all the people and let the family know that the end prize is a fresh start in a new place, which is always worth the hassle!
Conclusion
Moving doesn’t have to cost much, even for large families. With a jump-start, being creative with the packing process, and your team beside you, you can keep your dollars coming in while keeping things simple. So, if you have to make a budget move, remember that planning, organization, and teamwork are key. And if you need a little bit of an extra push or idea, companies like Blue Dog Moving are always available to help. Happy moving
