It can be easy for the budget to get out of hand when moving into a new home, which is why it’s so important to get organized early when planning a relocation. One of the best ways to make sure to keep costs down without losing control of the project is to hire a reliable moving company to help you plan. At Westheimer Transfer & Storage, we understand that a stress-free move is an affordable one. That’s why our team is proud to provide moving coordination services from the start of your moving project, to help you determine the best strategy available for a cost-effective and streamlined experience according to your budget and your needs. 

If you’re planning on moving on a budget and thinking about hiring a professional moving company, you’re off to a good start. In this article, we share some of our best tips for saving money on a professional relocation to help you get started with your own moving project.


1. Choose Your Moving Dates Wisely

Moving rates are not the same across the board—not even within the same moving company. Rates fluctuate considerably over the course of the year, with some days and seasons spiking in price according to popularity and other factors. For example, summertime is peak moving season. More people move over the summer weeks than during any other time of the year, which is a good reason to avoid planning your relocation on these dates if possible. If you must move over the summer, try planning your move at the beginning of the month instead of over the last two weeks—which usually tends to be the busiest times of the year for moving companies. 

Weekends are also usually more expensive than weekdays for moving—especially three-day weekends. For the best outcome (and if your moving dates are flexible), get quotes from several reputable companies for different dates throughout the month, season, or even the year to find the lowest ones. 


2. Save on Packing Materials by Starting Early

The best way to lose control of a move is to leave everything until the last minute. The moment you begin planning your move, learn what you can do to get boxes and other packing materials and start stockpiling whatever you can. Many local businesses will give you excellent quality boxes for free if you ask—or at a very low rate. If your moving company does not offer free packing materials with your package, ask them for tips on finding good boxes and start hitting up grocery stores, Costco, and other places to find good ones. Also, search the 99 Cent stores, Dollar Generals, and Dollar Trees for boxes and for packing supplies like heavy-duty duct tape, packing tape, bubble wrap, and more. The more you can find early on, the less likely it will be that you’ll need to scramble and pay top-price for these items later.


3. Forward Your Mail Online (and in Advance)

At some point before you move, you’ll need to have your address changed with the United States Postal Service by filling out a change of address form. This will start the process of having the USPS to begin forwarding your mail to your new address. Most people do this right before moving, in person at the post office—even just the day before or day of the move. However, you can actually file the forms online and in advance—just visit USPS.com/move and set the date to kick in whenever you need it to. If you file them in advance, say weeks or even months before moving, the post office will begin sending you promotional items in the mail that will help you plan and strategize a cheaper move. For example, you’ll get discounts on rates from local moving companies in your area, and coupons for other moving services that you might be able to use to save extra money. 


4. Choose a-La-Carte Moving Services

Even if your moving company offers full-service moving options, you don’t need to use them all to experience a smooth move. Look for a company that offers a-la-carte services, that will customize your package to include only the options you really need. 


5. Streamline the Moving Process (to Save Time and Money)

Many movers charge by the hour or by the pound. Depending on how they charge you, you can take the necessary steps to bring the costs down by streamlining your move. In both cases, you can facilitate an easier and less-expensive move by getting rid of things you don’t need. Have a yard sale or sell your items online, or donate things you no longer want or need. Throw trash away (you definitely don’t want to take junk with you to your new home), and cut down the things you need to have moved. This will save time and reduce the weight of the items in the truck. Also, have your things packed efficiently and on-time. You and your movers can take a lot more time to move your things if they’re not packed appropriately. Avoid using poor-quality packing materials like boxes that are falling apart, and have everything packed on-time. If you’re still scrambling to shove things into garbage bags in the final moments before the movers arrive, you’re setting yourself up for a chaotic and possibly more expensive ordeal.


Cost-Effective Moving Solutions in Houston, Texas

Since 1883, Westheimer Transfer & Storage Co. has been a leader in the moving industry, with over a century of experience moving Houston residents, businesses, and corporations to new locations all over the globe. As a member of Allied Van Lines, we have access to world-class moving solutions that are designed to make moving more efficient, cost-effective, and enjoyable. 

To learn more about our award-winning team of moving specialists at Westheimer Transfer & Storage Co., or to find out how to get started planning an easy and affordable move with us, give us a call to speak with one of our agents now. You can also fill out our online form to request a free, in-home pricing estimate and consultation with one of our expert moving coordinators.