Moving can be expensive, and a move in the Chicago area is no exception! But with a little strategic planning, you can significantly reduce your relocation expenses. These tips from local movers will provide you with insider knowledge on how to save money on your move. You’ll also get some helpful tips to save money moving to Chicago and help you avoid the unexpected while keeping your budget realistic.
Planning Ahead Is the Best Way to Save Money on Your Move
There are plenty of ways to cut your moving expenses, but the ones that make the biggest difference are based on when you move and what you’re moving.
- Timing Your Move – If you can, plan to move between October and April. This is the off-peak moving season in Chicago, and prices tend to be lower. You’ll also save money by planning to move in the middle of the month instead of at the beginning or end, and by moving on a weekday instead of a weekend. Remember that summer and holiday periods are the most expensive time to move, so if you’re on a budget, avoid them!
- Minimize What You Move – It’s hard to let go of belongings, but if you can cut down on the amount of stuff that you’re asking a moving company to move, it will significantly cut your costs. Consider selling the things you don’t want anymore using an online marketplace or hosting a garage sale. Depending on what you sell, doing so may bring in enough cash to pay for your move! And you can donate unwanted belongings to a worthy charity and take a tax write-off.
Cost-Saving Tactics Specific to Chicagoland
Some areas of Chicago are more expensive than others, and moving during certain times of the year can also increase your costs.
- Neighborhood Considerations – Chicago is a college town, so moving companies charge a premium near the universities. There are also additional parking permit costs in certain neighborhoods. Take the time to research what each neighborhood’s additional expenses are, and be aware of local moving restrictions and street cleaning schedules so that you can avoid having to pay fines.
- Transportation Optimization – You can cut costs by moving some of your own items. To optimize this approach, consolidate trips, use public transportation if you’re only carrying smaller things, and try to carpool with friends going in the same direction. Every little bit you can save on moving costs helps!
Packing Cost Reduction
Taking a smart approach to packing can lead to big savings on your move. Do as much as you can yourself, but remember that when moving special items, it makes sense to let a professional take over.
- DIY Packing Techniques – Instead of investing in packing boxes, plan ahead and start saving shipping boxes from Amazon, as well as collecting them from local stores. Keep your eyes open for household items like towels, and clothing that you can use as packing material, and ask whether your moving company provides free packing supplies as part of their service.
- Professional Packing Alternatives – For many people, packing is the worst part of a move – that’s why Joey’s Movers offers professional packing and unpacking. Consider using your moving company’s packing service, especially for fragile items. What you’ll save in time and worry will make up for your expense.
💬Frequently Asked Questions
1️⃣ How can I reduce my moving costs?
Effective strategies include reducing the amount of stuff that you’re moving, moving during off-peak seasons, and getting multiple moving quotes. You can also use free packing materials and ask friends and family for assistance with non-fragile items.
2️⃣ What moving expenses can be tax-deductible?
Many people don’t realize that they can write off the cost of their move. Potential tax-deductible moving expenses include the cost of professional moving services, storage expenses, transportation costs, packing material costs, and the mileage for your personal vehicle.
3️⃣ How far in advance should I book movers?
Professional movers recommend an 8-week advance notice for moves during the peak season of May to September, while for the off-peak season, only 4-6 weeks are needed. If your move is more complicated, provide extra time.
Pro Tips
To sum up, local Chicago movers suggest several ways to save on moving costs:
- Negotiate with moving companies
- Be flexible with your moving dates
- Understand that you have options on which professional moving services you use
- Plan meticulously
With research, planning, and strategic decision-making, you can save money on your move in Chicago. For a free price quote with no hidden expenses from Chicagoland’s most referred moving company, contact Joey’s Movers today.
