Moving can be costly. You’ll need to budget for movers and truck rental. Other expenses include packing materials, hotel stays, and takeout if your kitchen equipment is already packed. There are ways to keep costs manageable. Check out these helpful tips for moving on a budget.
Do Your Own Packing
Instead of hiring a full-service moving company, only hire the movers to load, drive, and unload the moving truck. Pack your belongings yourself, doing a little each day until moving day arrives. If you start early, packing won’t feel overwhelming. Plus, you can label everything in a way that will be clean and makes sense for your family.
Moving on a Budget: Ask for Free Boxes
Instead of buying moving boxes, save the packaging when you receive shipments in the mail and ask friends and family to save theirs. There are plenty of groups on social media where you might ask neighbors for free boxes. Some grocery and hardware stores will give away boxes.
Sell Items You Don’t Need
The less you have to move, the less you’ll spend on moving services and boxes. As soon as you know you’ll be relocating, start sorting your belongings. When you come across something you no longer want, sell or donate it. Selling used items is one way to raise money for the move.
Keep Snacks on Hand When Moving on a Budget
Once your kitchen is packed, it can be tempting to order takeout for every meal. The cost of takeout adds up. Keep a loaf of bread on hand and a few basics: a jar of peanut butter, jelly, sandwich meats, and cheeses. Stock up on non-perishable snacks and bottled drinks. The fewer times you go through the drive-thru, the better.
Find a Moving Company Early
When moving on a budget, don’t wait until last to find a moving company. Start your search early and get quotes from several companies. Choose the one that offers the best rate. Some moving companies also have additional fees for last-minute bookings, which you avoid by booking early.
Tell Your Friends You’re Moving
Let your friends know you’re moving, and don’t be afraid to share that money’s a little tight. Some friends may offer to help. Others may have packing materials to pass on. You’ll save money if you have a few friends to assist with the process.
Moving on a budget requires you to plan your move thoughtfully. Get started early. Call moving companies for quotes, collect packing supplies, and begin selling items you no longer need. Before long, you’ll be settling into a new home with money left over to improve the living spaces.
HomeSource Inspections offers inspection services to homebuyers and sellers in Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan. Contact us to request an appointment.