Five tips for decreasing moving expenses

About 65,000 people move each year in Quebec. But moving can be costly. While inflation is eating away at our budget and everything (or almost) is rising, here are five tips for saving if you need to move this summer.

In short

Moving is expensive. These five tips will help you save:

  • Make a budget : this way, you’ll know whether you can afford a moving service or if you’ll have to rely on yourself.
  • Declutter and pack less: you can save on the size of the truck, since this is one of the biggest expenses during a move.
  • Prepare your boxes: movers are often paid by the hour. By being prepared, you can save them some time and save yourself some money.
  • Make money with items you no longer want
    Organize a garage sale or sell things you no longer want on special websites.
  • Collect free boxes in your neighbourhood and from your friends and family: this will save you the trouble of buying them and give shopkeepers a hand.

Whether you decide to handle the move yourself or hire professionals, the important thing is to budget for your expenses and reserve your labour and truck in advance.

With costs ranging from $1,000 to $2,000, moving is expensive. These days, our budget is already adjusting to the impact of inflation on groceries, gas and other expenses. To help avoid adding stress to this already stressful day, here are five tips to help you prepare and more importantly, save money.

1. Make a budget

A move, like any other expense, has to be budgeted for. Use our budget calculator to see how much you can afford. If your budget is very tight, consider doing the move yourself (or with the help of family and friends) rather than hiring professional movers.

2. Declutter and pack less

Moving gives us the opportunity to sort through our things. Take advantage of this time to get rid of items you don’t need or use very little. By having less stuff to move, you can save money by renting a smaller truck. The biggest expense is the cost of the rental truck or the movers’ services (often paid by the hour).

3. Prepare your boxes

If you’re using movers, your boxes will need to be ready when they arrive. Prepare several days in advance. Then, disassemble large pieces of furniture and pack them up. The same day, unplug the refrigerator and other appliances and do a partial cleanup.

4. Make money with items you no longer want

Holding a garage sale or using sites like Kijiji or Facebook’s Marketplace to sell your unwanted items will help you make money and reduce your moving costs.

5. Collect boxes in your neighbourhood and from friends and family

Another great way to save money when moving is to get boxes from nearby merchants and businesses. In fact, businesses are overflowing with solid cardboard boxes of various sizes that you can pick up for free. Why deprive yourself? It saves them from having to recycle the boxes themselves!

Move by yourself or call the professionals?

Of course, if you move with the help of your friends, you’ll pay less than if you used a moving service. However, you and your friends don’t have the expertise of professional movers. You also risk getting hurt and breaking valuable objects. It’s up to you to decide what’s best for you.

Whichever option you choose, you can avoid unpleasant surprises by taking the time to budget your expenses and reserving your labour and truck as early as possible. If possible, avoid moving between June 25 and July 2.

Everything costs more during this time. Also, check to see if the movers are registered with the Commission des transports du Québec and if they have been the subject of a complaint or conviction with the Office de la protection du consommateur.

There are always simple ways to protect your budget when it comes to moving. But if, despite your best efforts, you run into financial difficulties, you know you can always count on our financial recovery advisors and licensed insolvency trustees.

Main costs to plan for

The cost of moving can add up quickly. Here are the main costs to consider in your budget:

  • Renting a 16-foot truck: between $100 and $150 per day including insurance, sometimes more in high season (also provide insurance without deductible)
  • Moving service with truck: Rates range from $100 to $150/hour for three men. The rate can double between June 25 and July 2. If you have stairs, you may also be asked to pay more. Often, a minimum of 4 hours of travel time will be required.
  • Heavy or special objects: additional fees will be charged for moving these (e.g., piano, glass table, safe), etc.)
  • Buying boxes, packaging and adhesive tape: plan on a hundred dollars (and try to get boxes from nearby businesses!)
  • Renting equipment (if you don’t use professionals): such as trolleys (about $25), straps (about $6 each), protective covers (about $20 for 12)
  • Pizza, beer and soft drinks: between $50 and $100 based on the number of people who have helped

And don’t forget to furnish your new home (paintings, decorating, etc.)!

You should know that some moving expenses are deductible for federal or provincial purposes, subject to certain conditions.

You accumulated some debt? Don’t hesitate to contact one of our financial recovery counsellors. They will help you find solutions to reduce or eliminate your debt.

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