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Everybody has a budget, and we all want to make the most of it. For 40 years, we’ve been helping New Yorkers move in their neighborhoods, throughout the City, and across longer distances— including cross-country and international moves. That means we’ve seen a few things, and since we value our NYC community so much, we’re sharing our top moving hacks to help you save money before, during, and after your move. Keep reading to learn more!
The price of moving services varies based on demand: during busy times, moves cost more. This means that you can save money by scheduling your move during off-peak times when demand is not as great. For example, scheduling your move during the second and third weeks of the month is more affordable than scheduling during the first and last weeks of the month (which is when most rental agreements begin/end). Your move will also be more affordable if you avoid scheduling from the 14th-16th of any given month.
If you’re going to be working with a professional NYC moving company, you’ll want to secure their services as far in advance as you can. There are two reasons for this:
Because the cost of a move is calculated by weight, you can save a lot of money (and space in the moving truck!) by pre-shipping heavy books and other “media mail” items via USPS Media Mail. Just be aware that it does take some time for packages to arrive, so make sure to take advantage of available tracking features.
Another way to drop some extra weight (and cost) for your move is to donate items you no longer need or use to those in need. If you have a particular local charity in mind, Shleppers will drop your items off for you! You can also sell unwanted belongings on websites like eBay, Etsy, and Poshmark to earn some extra cash in advance of your move. Additionally, Shleppers’ fast and affordable same-day Junk Removal service is an excellent way to lighten your load (and your bill) before your move. You can use our Junk Removal services to rid your home of large, bulky items that are unfit to sell or donate to charity.
Save money and stress by being on-site when the movers pack and load your possessions. This is a great way to ensure your wishes are followed should any unforeseen circumstances arise. Also – being present on moving day means you can complete a final walkthrough of your old home to make sure nothing has been forgotten or overlooked.
Many families hire pet sitters or board their animals to ensure their pets are safe during their move. A more affordable way to protect your pets is to keep them in their crates or carriers while the move is taking place. Be aware that pets can’t travel in moving trucks, so you’ll need to have a plan in place to move your pets to your new address.
It’s a great idea to use up all perishable groceries before moving day, but that doesn’t always happen. Rather than tossing food in the trash, save a few bucks by making some moving day snacks! Skip those roadside restaurant prices— pack meals to eat on the road instead!
Safe and secure storage units are a cost-effective way to stow your belongings when you’re not ready to move into your new home just yet. To keep storage costs under control, rent the smallest unit available that still fits everything you plan to store (your moving company or storage facility can help you figure this out). Read the storage unit rental agreement carefully and make sure you understand all the terms. *Pro Tip: Some storage companies offer discounts for paying storage rental fees in advance!
After you move, you have lots of empty moving boxes. Other people will happily take those off of your hands, eliminating your need to spend any time or money disposing of them. Social media is one way to spread the word; workplace message boards are another option.
Did your movers do a great job? You can make some easy money simply by letting the world know! Most moving companies will reward you for referrals by paying you a commission. While it won’t offset the entire cost of your move, it’s nice to get a little cash back in your pocket!
For instance, Shleppers’ Refer-a-Friend Program pays YOU each time a co-worker, colleague, family member or friend uses Shleppers at your referral! You’ll earn 10% commission for local moves and 5% commission for long-distance and international moves. From there, you can choose to get paid directly, donate your funds to charity, or pass your commission along to someone else who is using Shleppers for their move! It truly is a win-win way to move.