Moving from one place to another can get a little hectic. Not only do you have to find a new home, but you also have to sell your old one and pack all your belongings into cardboard boxes for the movers. It’s an expensive and time-consuming process, so many people avoid moving as much as possible.
However, there are ways that you can make the experience less stressful and cheaper than you might expect. Moving doesn’t have to be expensive – with some forward planning, careful budgeting, and smart strategy, you can save money while still moving house. Here are some simple tips that will help you save money when moving.
Organize before you move
Before you even start looking for a new place to live, you’ll need to get organized. This means more than just clearing out your current home – it also means planning your move and managing your finances. This way, you won’t find out after signing a contract that you can’t afford the new place.
You can start by listing everything you own and then assessing its value. This should help you better understand how much your move will cost. You should also create a budget for your new living costs to know how much you’ll need to save.
Sell your stuff before you move
If you have any belongings you don’t need to take with you, it would be wise to sell them before moving. You’ll have more space in your car, more money in your pocket, and you won’t have to worry about what to do with all your junk after the move.
You can sell almost anything online these days, from old clothes to household appliances. Some things that you can sell include:
- used furniture (this will help you with moving and save you some money as well)
- old appliances (if you have an old fridge that is broken or a broken washing machine, you can sell them and earn some quick cash)
- old books (as long as they aren’t damaged, you can usually sell used books for some money. This is a great way to earn a bit of extra cash)
Hiring movers? Shop around and be smart about it
If you’re hiring a moving company, shop around and find the cheapest possible option while still being smart about it. If you’re hiring by the hour, you can save money by packing as much as you can yourself. If you’re hiring a full service, you can save money by hiring a smaller moving truck.
You can also save money by not hiring the most expensive movers in your area. You might be tempted to hire the most costly movers in the area to get the best service, but this is rarely worth it. Instead, the best option is to find a mid-priced moving company that offers great service. SMARTBOX Solutions, Inc. is an excellent choice.
Don’t ship your things unless you have to
If you’re moving within the country, you might be tempted to ship your things instead of driving them. However, this is rarely a good idea. Shipment is incredibly expensive and can take a long time, so you should only do this if you don’t have a choice. If you have to ship your things, you can reduce the costs by asking a friend to help you. You can also reduce the costs by scheduling your shipment during the off-season.
Moving can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Organizing before you move, selling your stuff before you move, hiring movers, and being smart about it can save money while still moving house. When you move, it’s important to remember that you are not in a normal situation. You don’t have your regular routine, and you likely don’t have the same resources as you’re used to – don’t slip into bad spending habits. With these tips, you’ll be able to lower costs and make the move less stressful.
