Moving to the city is expensive. Moving to the country can hurt your wallet. Bottom line is, relocating will always be a pricey time. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to save up. You just need to do your research, understand the process, and stay on top of things. That being said, if you’re switching from out of state to the beautiful region of Pennsylvania, you better come prepared! It might not be as costly as moving to NYC, San Francisco, or Seattle, but if you’re not careful, your budget might spiral down the drain. But worry no more! Here are proven ways to reduce your moving expenses to the Keystone State.
Do Your Homework
You might be tempted to start packing up your belongings as soon as you’ve decided to move, but it’s vital that you research first. Planning ahead can help you save a lot of money by avoiding crucial mistakes in the long run.
Start by figuring out how much your move is going to cost. Get estimates from different moving companies that work in Pennsylvania and compare prices. You might be able to save money by renting a truck or hiring movers for just the labor rather than the entire move.
Be sure to also factor in the cost of postage and packing materials. You can save money by using boxes you already have or by buying them at a discount store. On top of that, you can also save space by getting creative with your packing.
Hire a Budget-Friendly Moving Company
People might suggest that the best way to save on a move is to do everything yourself. But this isn’t always the case. To avoid wasting time and money while relocating, hiring a long-distance affordable moving company in PA is the most practical option.
A mover can offer professional packing services to pack your belongings tightly in a truck. They also have the necessary equipment to get heavy furniture down from multiple flights of stairs without causing damage. And, because they have experience with state-to-state moves, they know how to protect items from wear and tear during the transition.
In addition, they are familiar with traffic laws and regulations so that your belongings arrive on time without any problems or delays. You get to avoid dangerous situations, too, and save yourself or your friends from devastating hospital bills. In the end, you’re likely paying the movers for the assurance, convenience, and time efficiency they provide. Can’t go wrong with hiring them!
Check Your Mover’s Credentials
Nothing’s worse than hiring a mover and realizing they’re not as transparent as you expect them to be. To avoid this, always check your mover’s credentials before hiring them. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provides all the information you need on its website. All you need is your potential moving company’s USDOT number, and you can run it on the search tool. It would also help to read reviews about your movers, inspect their BBB rating, talk to their references, and check if they’re registered with the Pennsylvania authorities.
Get Rid of Unnecessary Clutter
Moving all of your stuff will do your budget more harm than good. Downsizing your belongings before moving makes sense if you wish to be thrifty. Not only will you save on the cost of packing, but shipping fewer items also lightens up the weight of your entire luggage, so your movers will charge you less. But what items are worth bringing, and which ones should you leave behind? A general rule of thumb is to ditch any duplicate and stuff you haven’t used in the past six months. You can either choose to donate them to charity or sell them online to get back on your moving expenses.
Pack Wisely
Packing is like a game of chess. You need to approach it with a creative mindset. If your packing strat is a mess, you might end up paying more by buying more boxes or wasting packing materials.
So start by packing items that are lightweight and don’t take up a lot of space, like clothing and bedding. You can store books inside suitcases. Also, don’t forget to put foam peanuts and foam pads before you place fragile objects. Be sure to color code the labels for easier unpacking later on.
Another thing that might not save you money but will save you a lot of time is by packing the kitchen first. It’s notorious for being the most complicated room to box up with all the utensils and glassware in place. But once you’ve conquered this section, you’ll have more morale to tackle on other rooms in the house.
Move During the Off-Season
When relocating to Pennsylvania, timing is everything. If you can, try to time your move during the off-season. This is typically the winter months when demand for movers is low, and prices are often cheaper. But here’s the catch. The road conditions are more dangerous, and the weather isn’t that ideal for a move. So if you don’t want to deal with such hassle, consider relocating during the fall. The demand would still be low by then, but you won’t be plagued by the disadvantages of the cold season just yet.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania is a beautiful state with plenty of things to see and offer. But honestly, there’s more to it than what an article on the Internet can provide. Go out and see for yourself. Good luck with your upcoming move!