7 Tips for Moving on a Budget
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Credible reports reveal that an out-of-state move will cost you around $4,300. On the other hand, the average cost of a local move is roughly $2,300. Among other things, hefty expenses make moving one of life’s most stressful experiences.
But the good news is that you can leverage some tried-and-tested methods to save money while moving. So be sure to read up on these money-saving moving tips from the pros before you start packing up your belongings:
Declutter Your House
The stockpile of magazines in the corner is breeding families of dust bunnies; when was the last time you read any of them? What happened to all the sports gear you bought with the best intentions, but now you just use it as another place to hang your clothes? When people stay in one place for a long time, they accumulate a lot of stuff that eventually becomes useless. Moving is a great time to get rid of them and save money along the way.
To get started with the purging process, make a comprehensive inventory of the stuff you own. Check out everything in your home, room by room, and decide what to pack and what to leave behind. Be mentally prepared to make some tough decisions. Remember that moving more stuff will eat into your already tight budget.
If you do not want to overwhelm yourself with unpacking a ton of boxes simultaneously, consider keeping some items in the storage unit until the dust settles down in the new residence. Finding a storage unit has become easier, regardless of your location.
Most storage units are easily searchable based on their location. For instance, if you’re in Boise, searching for Storage units Boise can identify storage facilities closest to your current location. Do ensure that you pick a storage facility that you can access conveniently.
Avoid Purchasing Boxes
Buying a plethora of boxes means your moving costs could quickly skyrocket. However, boxes are available just about anywhere you look. Workplaces are typically veritable treasure troves of boxes. Use the boxes lying around the office instead of buying new ones. Before packing day, you may ask your coworkers to set aside boxes for you.
Compare Moving Companies
In addition to the base rate, movers may charge more for things like mileage, gas, and bulky items. Get multiple estimates before committing to a professional moving company. Check the line-item costs with each company and compare at least three estimates. Does it include insurance in case any of your belongings get damaged during the move?
Do your homework and check out websites that collect customer feedback on local businesses. Before hiring movers, it is a good idea to research the company’s legitimacy and see what kind of experience other customers have had with them.
If possible, move during the offseason. There will be less competition for moving services during these times, so you may be able to negotiate a better price with your chosen mover.
Stay On Top Of Utility Planning
When you move, knowing when to transfer your utilities will enable you to save money. The timing of opening a new utility account is also important from a financial perspective. Why should you shell out cash for services you are not using?
Set the date of your move and the date the utilities in your current home should be disconnected. Do not leave your old place without first getting the meter reading. That way, you would know exactly how much you owe in utilities. Also, nobody wants to start a new life and move into a new home only to find that it is dark and the water is freezing. You should notify your new utility company of your impending move so that they can get your services set up.
Load A Cooler To Capacity
When relocating to a new state, stock up on food and beverages for meals and snacks at the supermarket. Pack an ice chest to the brim with these treats. That will save you time and money compared to eating at fast food joints or sitting at a restaurant. You can save even more money on groceries by waiting for sales, using credit cards with cash-back rewards, and searching online for coupons and other discounts.
Pack Yourself
Hiring professional packers to do all of your packing will put a serious dent in your moving budget. To reduce your moving costs, you should start packing yourself as soon as you know the moving date. If you are worried about missing your moving deadline because you have not finished packing and do not have the money to hire professional packers, you could ask some close friends for help.
Track Your Expenses
Although you might already have a budget before the move, monitoring every cent you spend is important. The moving costs can quickly add up, so keeping track of what you spend is essential if you do not want to dip into your savings.
In all likelihood, your new employer may cover some of your relocation costs, or you might be able to deduct them from your taxes. The key to successfully claiming reimbursement is meticulous record-keeping.
Conclusion
Changing residences is thrilling but can also be a source of financial strain. Costs can easily run into the hundreds, if not thousands, for a single move when you factor in labor, gas, packing supplies, truck rental, and more. Luckily, sticking to the above-listed seven suggestions will make up for significantly trimming moving expenses.
*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.
