They say that moving homes can be one of the most stressful experiences you will ever go through in your life – but moving can not only cause stress for the body and mind, it can also place huge strains on your bank balance (and this is after you’ve purchased your new home).
In this article, I will cover nine steps to ensure that the financial burdens of moving are lessened and your bank account can breathe a sigh of relief.
1. Be Ruthless
Sorting through all of the knick-knacks, curios and just plain junk that you have accumulated over the years is a good place to start. This process should ideally be started as early as possible – you’ll be surprised by how much stuff you actually own.
A lot of removal companies calculate their jobs by assessing the volume of what needs to be moved. Hauling unnecessary items is just that, unnecessary.
If you have some items that are complete and in good working order and you no longer require them you could always sell them and make a little extra on the side.
2. Shop Around
Compare quotes from removal services – you don’t necessarily need to book the first service you come across.
You must, however, ensure that when you’re comparing quotes you outline all of the requirements you’ll be needing from them. This ensures that you’re receiving like-for-like quotes on all of the companies you’re interested in using.
3. Get in Early
Once you have compared and contrasted each quote from the removal companies, the next step is booking it. The later you leave it, the more likely they are to charge you more.
Once you have booked the company, you know exactly how much it will cost and you are then able to factor this into your budgeting.
4. Be Aware of the Time Frame
When you are choosing a moving date, you must bear in mind that during public holidays and weekends the roads will be busier than they would be on a Wednesday morning for example. Not only are this but the prices are likely to be higher for holidays and weekends.
5. Survey the Space
This little tip could turn out to be very healthy on your purse strings in the long run. Hiring a chartered surveyor can save you a bundle of repair costs later down the line.
If the survey reveals any significant problems, then you won’t be the one standing there with the hot potato and a large sum of cash to fork out.
Additionally, your survey report may allow you to negotiate on the purchase price of the property, or for the remedial work to be completed before you move in.
6. Unleash the Inner Chef
Most will be tempted to throw out all the freezer food before moving, but there really isn’t any need to literally throw money away. Take a list of everything you still have left in the freezer and be creative by drawing up a meal plan in the days and weeks leading up to your move.
It makes sense, after all you did purchase all this food for a reason?
7. Thrifty Packing
Professional packaging companies can cost an absolute fortune, especially if you have underestimated the volume and have to keep going back for more. But instead of this, take a trip to the super market. They recycle thousands of tonnes of cardboard each year, so why not cut out the middle man and ask for them yourself.
In addition to this, try packing up your belongings with things that you already own. Wrap ornaments in towels and bedding. They’re all heading to the same place anyway.
8. Review Your Utility Options
Staying loyal to your current utility provider may actually mean that you’re no longer getting the most for your money. Shopping around for a better deal can save you more money in the long run, despite the hassle it may appear to be.
Keep in mind though that you may be applicable for an exit fee, depending on how long your contract has left to run. However if you’re planning on moving your contract to your new home, you would probably be required to pay admin fees anyway.
9. The Golden Rule
The most overlooked aspect of relocating is the budget.
Before doing anything else you must set up a budget. Most people overlook this aspect as a drain on their time, especially since there are more important things afoot.
However, not preparing a budget will, more often than not, cost you more in the long run. It’s the small things that add up; a new vacuum, a new set of pots and pans or simply just re-stocking the new fridge.
About the Author:
Karen James is a Financial Content Executive at http://www.ppirefund.co.uk/ and a passionate blogger who enjoys walks with her chocolate lab Coco.