Are you feeling overwhelmed by the high cost of moving? If you’re concerned about how much money you’re going to be putting toward your move, these affordable moving tips can help. There are plenty of easy ways for you to cut back on spending and move without draining your bank account.
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Set a Budget
Look at average moving costs and set a reasonable budget for your move. From there, you should work to stay within that budget. Having a budget in place ahead of time will help you to be more mindful of how you’re spending your money.
One of the reasons people wind up spending so much on moving is because they don’t consider how costs will add up. If you have a firm budget, you can look at your expenses more carefully and find options that are within the budget you’ve decided on.
Move at the Right Time
Timing is everything when it comes to moves. If you relocate at a time when lots of people are moving, you’ll have to pay more for relocation services. If you move at a less popular time, you’ll be able to get the same services at a discounted rate.
If possible, you should try to move on a weekday rather than the weekend. You should also try to avoid moving during the summer if you can. This is the most popular season for moves, which means average costs are higher.
Compare Your Options
Look at a range of different options for your move. Find out what it would cost to hire professional movers. See what you’d pay if you rented a storage pod. Get a quote for renting a truck. Compare quotes from multiple relocation services, so that you can find the solution that’s most affordable for you.
If you’re considering a DIY move, you’ll want to make sure that you don’t overlook any major costs. For example, if you’d have to buy extra supplies or hire people to help you with a DIY move, you should keep that in mind when comparing costs.
Sell Your Old Things
The less you move, the less you spend. Selling your old things won’t just put extra money in your pockets. It will also help you to bring down the total cost of your move. You can try selling these items online, or you can host a yard sale.
You won’t be able to find a buyer for everything that you want to get rid of, which is why you’ll also want to donate some of your old things. Donations can be tax-deductible, which means they could wind up paying off for you in the long run.
Get Your Moving Boxes for Free
While you’ll have to spend some money on moving supplies, there’s no reason you should have to spend money on cardboard boxes. This is an item you should be able to get free from local stores. The next time you’re at a grocery store or another local shop, you should ask if they have any cardboard boxes.
Every bit of savings counts, which is why it’s smart to ask for things like moving boxes. If your moving budget is tight, it doesn’t make any sense to pay for things that you can get for free.
Buy Supplies for Less
When you purchase supplies for your move, you’ll want to get these items for as little as possible. Dollar stores can be a fantastic place to stock up on items like moving tape, rubber bands, and other basics. Since everything at these stores is only a dollar, you’ll barely be spending anything at all.
A few extra dollars here and there might not seem like a big deal, but these kinds of purchases can add up quickly. Figure out what you’re going to need for your move and find a way to get all of these items at a great price.
Save Money After the Move
If you’ve exhausted some of your savings when preparing for your move, you’ll want to look for ways to cut costs once you arrive. It’s common for people to live on takeout after a move. This can be expensive, which is why you’ll want to stock up on groceries and make easy meals at home instead.
You should also avoid buying too many new items for your home. Try to let your finances recover before you start making major home decor purchases. Right now, you should only be buying items that you really need. Fun purchases, like throw pillows, can wait.
If you’re worried about the cost of your upcoming move, you’ll want to keep these affordable moving tips in mind. If you plan your move carefully and look for ways to save money, your move could wind up, costing you a lot less than you would think.