Moving can be costly, what with the cost of security deposits, removalists, and the time spent packing. However, there are numerous low-cost options available, and if you plan far enough ahead, you can save a lot of money before, during, and after your move. Here are some pointers for moving on a tight budget that will help you from start to finish.
Budget
Moving expenses, as we all know, can quickly pile up. The most effective method to understand what they all are and to ensure you account for them is to develop a moving budget. Make a list of everything you’ll need to execute the move, from packing tape to transportation companies.
Once you know what it’s all going to cost, you can start booking things and buying things. Make sure you take the time to compare prices and take advantage of deals and promotions. On top of this, ensure you call in any favors owed to you by family and friends; this can save you a lot of money.
DIY Move
You’ll save money if you can handle the move yourself. In reality, a small group of friends and relatives, a rented transit van, and a little elbow grease might save you thousands of dollars. However, a self-move only makes perfect sense if you don’t have much to transport or are just moving a small distance.
If you have a lot of breakables or hefty objects, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. If you drop your beloved flatscreen TV during the moving process, you may find that it is not covered by your insurance, while it would be with a removal company. Moving with a professional will be more costly, but there are still savings to be had. Get at least three quotations from various businesses, and don’t be afraid to bargain on pricing, particularly during the off-season.
Choose The Right Time
As we’ve briefly mentioned above, there is an off-season for moving, just as there is a peak season. The off-season is in the wintertime. It’s when fewer people want to move, as opposed to the spring and summer when everyone seems to want to buy a new home.
You might not always have the choice when it comes to the time of year you move, as it will depend on the market and when you sell your home, but if you do have any say in it, choosing the off-season is a good idea. This is much easier if you buy a quality new home from professionals like Bellriver Homes builders, however. When you do this, you’ll be at the end of the chain, and you might even be able to pick an exact date. This is just one of the many advantages of buying a new-build property.
Save Money On Packaging Supplies
You’ll need some packing supplies when you’re moving house. You’ll need boxes and something to keep breakables safe. You can buy these things new, and your removals company will probably have some you can purchase. However, if you want to save money, try getting them second-hand instead.
Your local grocery store will have many boxes they will often give away for free, and you just have to ask for them. Alternatively, head to your local Facebook group and ask if anyone has any – you’ll be amazed at the number you can pick up. As for packaging, use old magazines and newspapers instead of plastic, and you’ll save even more (plus, it’s better for the environment.
