Moving can grate the nerves of an inexperienced homeowner unfamiliar with the seemingly never-ending relocation to-do list. For those in the process of uprooting your family and putting down new roots, you’ll need to be familiar with the costs that accompany a life-changing move, i.e., moving supplies, a deposit, and any repairs/renovations that your new pad might need.
Even if you budget carefully, there are bound to be unexpected costs that arise. To no one’s surprise, a brand-new home often requires finishing touches that tie formerly disjointed living spaces together. For instance, you may need to swap out your loveseat for a couch to fit your more grandeur living areas. In other cases, re-stocking your pantry with essentials may be non-negotiable.
Without a cost-cutting strategy in place, you may unintentionally empty your pockets before swinging open your new property’s front doors. Instead of running the risk of a drained bank account, take your finances when moving into your own hands and make decisions that will help you save money throughout the entire process.
Don’t Overspend On Car Shipping
If you’re moving somewhere far away from your current location, avoid blowing your limited financial resources on shipping your car to your final destination. Getting an auto transport quote will take the unknown out of moving your vehicle and put a dollar amount to that service. Learning how much this costs will help you effectively budget for this part of your move.
Sell Items You Won’t Need Anymore
Lessen your moving load by selling belongings that you no longer use or need. When living in an apartment, condo, or suburban home, you acquire knick-knacks and trinkets along the way. Because these items act as a memento of your complex life story, sorting your belongings into “toss” and “keep” piles can tug at a homeowner’s heartstrings.
Think about things that bring you joy and make you feel at home. Those are the pieces that will breathe life into your blank canvas of a new home. Sell other belongings that don’t meet these criteria online or to people you know. Not only are these garage sales an excellent opportunity to make money, but they’ll give your prized possessions a new life.
Move On A Weekday
The time, week, or even year that you choose to move can significantly impact the cost. Picking a random day during the week is preferred because moving companies have wide-open availability, ensuring you score the best deal possible. For those homeowners tackling their first relocation, note that the summer season is the busiest for movers, so try to avoid those months if you are looking to save a little extra cash.
Decide Whether You Need Movers Or Not
To some homeowners, a moving company is an unnecessary cost. In contrast, first-time movers view these professionals as an invaluable resource in transporting their prized possessions from point A to point B damage-free.
While a moving company may appear to be an essential service, in reality, it’s a luxury. Calling in favors from friends and bribing them to help you move with pizza will get the job done in a flash at a fraction of the cost and will give you a chance to spend some quality time with loved ones.
Get Creative With Your Packing Materials
Packing supplies are much more expensive than you might think. Opting for using blankets or sheets instead of bubble wrap is eco and budget-friendly. For those penny-pinching movers, contact local businesses and ask if they’re recycling any boxes. More times than not, these business owners will allow you to take this spare cardboard off their hands.
With these cost-saving strategies in mind, don’t spend your hard-earned money on boxes that will end up in your recycling bins. If your attempts to contact local business owners prove unsuccessful, check local online postings. You might find someone who has just finished a move and will be giving away moving materials for free.
Final Words
Moving is a huge life step that helps you grow as a person and needn’t be a milestone that puts you in a financially-compromising position. Taking the initiative and funneling more of your own time into the process will make you feel more invested in the experience. Not to mention, your wallet with thank you.