Anyone that has ever moved from one house to another already knows that it isn’t fun. It can be stressful and expensive. However, you can keep the price tag of your relocation down by having a plan in advance.
So, what’s the key to moving without a big bank account? The main thing is to remember that you’ll need to spend time doing some things that you may have otherwise paid someone else to do. That might be packing, loading up the truck, driving the moving van, or unloading your things.
Of course, the final tally of how much you will spend when you move will depend on where you are going and a few other things, but you can definitely control that. Here’s a look at what some of the costs associated with moving will be and how you can save money during the move.
Boxes, Boxes, Boxes!
Regardless of where you are moving, you will need moving boxes. However, you don’t have to buy the boxes. Why spend money on cardboard when you can pick up plenty of usable boxes from nearby bookstores, liquor stores and drugstores? If you do this, you won’t pay a penny! However, your lost time finding boxes may justify purchasing discount moving boxes.
Substitute for Bubble Wrap
Sure, you will need to protect your breakables, but you don’t have to splurge on a whole lot of bubble wrap. Use towels, sheets, comforters and blankets to wrap your larger breakable items. Leftover wrapping paper and plastic grocery bags make great space-fillers in moving boxes. However, you’ll still need a little bubble wrap for some of the smaller items, so be ready.
Get Rid of Stuff
The basic rule is, the less you have to move, the less money you will spend. If there is a bunch of stuff you don’t ever use or want, take the time to get rid of it now. Sell off big pieces of furniture you no longer want, or simply donate them. The less you have to move, the more money you can save.
Avoid Storage
If you don’t have to cough up the cash on a storage unit, don’t. Storage can cost from just a few dollars to a couple hundred per month. If you want to save money, avoid renting a storage unit. Instead, get rid of the stuff or find a friend that can store it for you.
Get an Early Start
The more planning you do, the more money you can save on your move. If you wait till the last minute, you will be paying for supplies and services you may not have otherwise. You should be making both a financial and time budget as you prepare for your relocation.
Of course, these aren’t all the ways you can save money on your move, but we hope we’ve given you a good start!
Jon Huser
