Nearly 17 million household moves occur in the United States annually, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In Florida, there are about 1,000 people who come to the Sunshine State each day to live, choosing the best destinations, such as Orlando. The growth here is on a routine upward climb and new construction is something that occurs all the time.
Because of the many opportunities the area has to offer, many individuals relocate here. Those relocation moves come with a cost, and one that isn’t inexpensive. The average move costs more than $12,400 for a full-service move, which includes packing, loading, shipping, and unloading. Since most people don’t have large vehicles to accommodate their belongings, it’s usually a combination of DIY and professional services.
Hiring Professional Moving Service versus Do-It-Yourself
Hiring a moving company makes relocation a simple affair. It essentially eliminates the need to dismantle large items, load them onto a truck, haul them to their new home, and unload the many boxes, decor, and furniture. However, this is quite an expensive option, especially if you’re purchasing a home. The majority of households choose to hire a moving service to handle large items, such as furniture, while carting the rest on their own.
“While many people choose to hire professional movers, others opt to orchestrate the move themselves—by renting a truck through U-haul, for example (In-town moves start at $19.95, plus costs for mileage.) This is a good option if you have the manpower to move by yourself, but if that’s not feasible, you may need to enlist the help of professional movers.” —U.S. News and World Report
Doing it all on your own will cost considerably less. Instead of paying hundreds of dollars, you’ll spend about $20 per day, plus the cost of mileage. That’s considerably less, and, if you have the fortune of a few helping hands, even better. Should this not be a feasible option, then you might have to rely on a moving company.
Ways to Lower Moving Costs
Moving simply isn’t a fun prospect. Though it can be an exciting life change, it doesn’t come without a bit of anxiety and hard work. To lower moving costs, try some of the following suggestions:
- Lighten the load. We all accumulate a lot of stuff. As the years go by, we pile more and more into our closets, garages, and storage spaces. Several days prior to your move, do yourself a favor and start lessening the amount of stuff that will go with you. Sell things through free ads, donate items to charity, and give other things to people you know. The point is to have less to move and that will significantly cut-down on the cost.
- Move during off-season. The summer months are the most expensive time to move. If possible, move during the off-season, which is in the early part of the year to the fall. Doing so will allow you to get discounts and be able to relocate on a schedule that’s most convenient to you.
- Be flexible about time schedules. Speaking of schedules, if you allow the moving service to pick a time, you’ll probably find it less expensive. While it might not fit into your day perfectly, it will save a little bit of money.
- Start packing and transporting early. You should begin to pack and ship or pack and haul away as much as possible prior to moving day, if possible. The more you are able to ship or transport on your own, the less the moving company will have to do.
Another suggestion is to look-into relocation reimbursement from your employer. If you’re self-employed, ask your tax professional about possible deductions. Well before you relocate, you should speak with a real estate professional to learn more about the area and to find the right home for you.