Most of the time moving is an exciting event because it is linked to an exciting life change such as starting a new job, expanding your family, downsizing for retirement, or some other major life change causing you to start a new adventure in a new location. But as exciting as moving can be, what usually is not exciting about moving is all the expenses that come with it. There are a lot of expenses to budget for when making a move, from the security deposit or down payment to the moving van and boxes, so what can you do to ease the financial burden of moving? The good news is with some careful planning, you can create a moving budget that saves money and reduces the stress of moving. Here are a few tips to help you stay on budget when moving:
Use Moving As An Opportunity To Let Go
There are probably many things in your current home that you no longer use or need. There is no better time to get rid of these things then when it is time to pack everything up and move it to a new location. Not only can you use this opportunity to let go of the things you no longer need, making your move easier because there is less to move, but you can also use it as a way to fund your moving expenses by selling them before you move. There are many ways you can sell used items to add money to your moving budget such as hosting a garage sale, selling them to a local consignment shop, or selling them online. If you have any unneeded items leftover that you were unable to sell, you can still donate them and then use them as a financial opportunity later in the year as a tax deduction.
Pack Wisely
Once you have gotten rid of any unnecessary items in your home, you will need to pack the remaining items that need to go with you. Packing can be a large cost in any move when you factor in the cost of boxes, tape, and other packing supplies. But there are a few things you can do when packing to lower the cost of your packing supplies such as using towels, sheets, clothes, and old newspapers to protect breakables instead of investing in packing foam or paper. This will not only save you money from not buying the additional packing foam or paper but will also help you reduce the cost in the number of boxes you have to use since you are using things you need to pack anyways to provide a protective layer for your breakables. If possible, you should also try to find gently used boxes from places like local stores or friends and family who no longer need them rather than paying for brand new moving boxes. If you begin packing early enough, you will likely find many people who are willing to help you with boxes and may not need to buy any at all, and you will also reduce the stress of having to pack at the last minute.
Do As Much As Possible Yourself
Taking the do it yourself approach to moving is the most common way to save the most amount of money when moving. There are probably going to be a few things you will need help with, such as renting a moving truck, but there is also plenty that you can do yourself. You also shouldn’t be afraid to ask family and friends to help you move – many people will be happy to help you with your move for the cost of a light dinner at the end of the day such as pizza and drinks. Make sure they know you will also be happy to return the favor if they need to move in the future.