Shifting homes doesn’t always have to be expensive. It can be done in a cost effective way too.
- Strategize
If you have plenty of time before shifting, then chalk it out properly. Make a detailed schedule and don’t miss any small detail. Fix dates. Calculate how many trips you would have to make, and then add the cost of each trip. Make a listof the essential things that need to be shifted. Find second hand markets in your new neighbourhood. Minimize the cost of shifting as much as you can. Avoid redundancies in your shifting.
- Packers and movers
Now it is not necessary to hire packers and movers every time. If you have your own vehicle then you can easily shift all the items on your own. Though it may take more trips, but if it saves you money then it is worth the efforts. You can take the help of your friends too and set out on a road trip sorts to shift away!
Or you can hire movers who will do the job in one go. Check out at least 3-4 packers and movers before finalizing so as to get the best deal out there. Don’t be shy to negotiate the fees. Try to hire then a bit early only so that you get the benefits of some early booking discount.
One point that is to be noted here is that whether hiring packers and movers will be cheaper or doing the shifting yourself varies from situation to situation. Because the amount of petrol that is going to be consumed in making those trips on your car may turn out to be more expensive than the single trip made by the movers.
- Reduce
Start getting rid of things that you do not wish to take with you. Carry only essential things with yourself. Don’t increase the load by carrying unnecessary articles like furniture which can be easily purchased second hand. It will be difficult to get over the attachment that would have developed by now. But remember, this is not the time to get nostalgic. Push it aside and carry only those items which are irreplaceable, that have antique value.
- Reuse
Find out such packers and movers which allow you to return the packing boxes (if not scribbled with anything). There are such movers out there who even give some amount back if the boxes are returned. At the same time you can also used already used packing boxes. This is simultaneously cost effective and environment friendly.
- Do the packing yourself
Movers usually charge extra for packing stuff. So do this yourself. Before starting to pack, sort and separate the stuff first. Mark all the boxes and especially the one containing fragile articles. This is for your convenience only. Do not wait till the last minute to start packing. It will get very chaotic. And do note that movers, if you have hired one, charge extra for waiting.
Keep in mind above points the next time you shift. Then shifting won’t be a tedious thing anymore!
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