Those who split their time between two or more locations to get the best weather and lifestyle are known as snowbirds. Moving to begin your snowbird lifestyle can be expensive, but there are ways to move your belongings and still save money.
You’ve worked hard and now have a property in more than one place, allowing you to decide where to live for part of the year. If you want to make sure your travels are cost-effective, here’s how to move for cheap as a snowbird.
1. Start Planning Early
The benefit of being a snowbird is that you know the dates you’ll be moving in advance. Rather than wait until the last minute to organize your move, start planning as early as possible. This way, you’ll have time to shop around for the best deals on moving costs and see if there are any discounts or promotions available.
Additionally, according to Harrison Gough, a cross-country moving specialist at MovingAPT.com, “People underestimate the logistics that moving companies have to go through. If you wait till the last minute to search for ‘hire cheap movers near me’ on Google, they may not have the necessary resources or personnel to accommodate your move and therefore have to up the price to meet your moving schedule. By planning early, you make sure that the company can accommodate your move and get a good deal in return.”
2. Don’t Take Everything You Own
Getting affordable movers is often more about taking less stuff than finding the cheapest ones. You’ll be able to save money on your move if you cut down on the number of items being transported.
Snowbirds often experience FOMO or “fear of missing out” when it comes to leaving things behind, so they try to take as much as possible with them. But this only adds more weight and cost to your move.
You should go through the items you own and be honest about what is worth taking with you on your journey. If you don’t need it, don’t bring it. It’s better to save the money and buy what you need at your destination instead of lugging unnecessary items around from place to place.
3. Do Some Moving Stuff Yourself
The logistics of planning a move, no matter how long you’ll be at the new location, can be overwhelming. Because of this, many snowbirds opt for full-service concierge moving packages that take care of all their needs, from packing to unpacking. While this is a great way to free up time and energy for other essential moving tasks (e.g., setting up your mail, etc.), it can also be costly.
If you’re on a budget, try and do some of the work yourself. From packing your own supplies to finding your own packing materials, there are many ways you can save money on your move without sacrificing quality service.
4. Compare Quotes Before Choosing a Moving Company
Sometimes opting for the cheapest moving company isn’t always the best decision. You need to make sure that you’re getting a reliable service, as well as one that fits your budget. Take some time to compare quotes from different companies before making your final decision.
Make sure each quote includes an itemized list of services and costs, so you know exactly what you’re paying for. You should also read through their reviews online to make sure the company is reputable and trustworthy.
5. Hit the Shoulder Seasons
Peak moving seasons range from May to August and from December to February, meaning moving prices also increase during these times. To get the most affordable rate for your move, try and plan it for the off-season, usually in September, October, March, and April.
By moving slightly before the weather in your current location starts to get too cold or after it starts to warm up again, you can save yourself a lot of money. Not to mention, it’s much easier on the movers since they don’t have to worry about snow and ice during the winter months or extreme heat in the summer months.
6. Reuse Moving Supplies Whenever Possible
Moving is expensive enough, so why add to the cost by buying all new packing supplies? If you know anyone who’s recently moved, ask them if they have any boxes or packing supplies left over. You can also check online marketplaces for free or reduced-price secondhand supplies.
It’s also possible to use items you already own, such as towels and blankets, as packing materials. Doing this will help reduce the amount of money you spend on moving supplies and save you even more on your move – plus, it will let you fit in a few extras in the moving van that you wouldn’t have been able to take with new packing materials.
7. Leverage Rewards Programs & Discounts
Many moving companies offer rewards programs like loyalty cards, which give you discounts on your next move if you book with them again. If you’ve used the same moving company in the past and they offer this type of program, make sure to take advantage of it.
You should also check online for any discounts or coupons that can save you money on your move. Moving companies often offer promotional prices or discounts during certain times of the year. By doing a bit of research, you can often find a great deal that fits your budget.
Where are the Best Places to be a Snowbird?
With all the great options for affordable movers near you, getting to your desired winter destination doesn’t have to be expensive. Some of the most popular places for snowbirds include:
- Florida
- Arizona
- New Mexico
- Texas
- South Carolina
- California
- Utah
- Nevada
These states typically offer the warmest climates and the best amenities for snowbirds to enjoy.
Make Moving Easy & Affordable
It is super easy to hire movers around you for cheap when you are a snowbird. With the right research and planning, you can find a quality moving company that fits your budget and timeline. By following these tips and finding an affordable mover near you, you’ll be able to make sure your move is stress-free so that you can focus on enjoying your winter getaway.
