Relocation can be quite a stressful experience, one that can also cost a lot of money if you don’t plan it well. Mixing high moving costs with stress can create a rather chaotic situation, one that you’ll want to avoid at all costs. Moving on a tight budget can be quite hard, but luckily there are some easy tips that you can follow and save some money on every turn which will, when added up, save you a hefty sum. So don’t despair yet because we might just have a solution for you.
DIY vs Professional Movers
While it’s true that professional movers cost money, it’s also true that they can actually cost less than doing everything on your own. If your plan was to call on your friends and neighbors to help you pack, keep in mind that they also need to eat and drink and that you’ll be spending money on that. Renting a truck also costs money. Instead of just assuming which one’s cheaper, plan and compare the prices for both options. If you do decide to go with the professional movers, keep in mind that you can save quite a lot if you schedule your move at the right time.
Packing
Don’t buy cardboard boxes. Not only do they cost money, but they also don’t offer much of a protection for your valuables. They will do the trick if you tape them well enough on all sides, so if you can get your hands on some used boxes you can save some money there. Also, whether you decide to hire professional movers or not, you’ll want to deconstruct your own furniture in both cases. You don’t want to pay someone a hefty sum just for using a screwdriver. Cushioning is also very important because biggest expenses actually occur when something breaks. Even if you’re insured, often money can’t replace the value a certain item.
Shipping Your Library
Books are among the heaviest objects in any household, and moving them from a certain location to another will cost quite a lot if you calculate the weight/petrol expenses. If you’ve got too many books, some are probably eligible to be ditched, or sold in a yard sale – but even then it’s likely you’ll want to move your book collection. A neat trick that some people use and that can actually prove as cheaper is to have your books shipped to your new location and even go for the slowest shipping possible to avoid any additional fees.
Organize a Yard Sale
Not only will you earn some money if you sell some stuff, but you’ll also be saving money for each item that you don’t bring with you. So it’s a win-win situation, and the one anyone who’s looking to move on a budget should consider. Get some tips on how to organize a successful yard sale and decide which stuff you absolutely want in your new home. Everything else should be up for grabs and you might just like it enough to repeat it once in a while.
Don’t Move Absolutely Everything
Most people don’t have an idea how they’ll organize their new home until they get there. That’s why you should only transfer the things you’re absolutely sure you’ll use in your new home. Search for a cheap storage in your area and store the stuff you’re not sure about. Take the photos and measurements of the furniture so you can decide once you’re in your new home on what to actually transfer. This can save you quite a lot of money since you’ll only be transferring and paying for a portion of your stuff.
Conclusion
While a relocation process can be quite stressful, expensive and time-consuming, you usually get that feeling that it was worth it once it’s over. If you’ve managed to save some money, you’ll be happy to know that you can now invest it in your new home and do some things you’ve always dreamed about. By following this guide and investing some effort into planning – you can definitely save some money on your moving day. Just remember that by saving a small amount on every corner can really make the difference when it all adds up.
Contributed By:Â Helen BradfordÂ