Moving? Six Tips for Saving Money on the Expenses
Moving comes with its fair share of hassles, so finding ways to eliminate some of the stress can be quite helpful. One main stressor when moving is the cost. Here are six simple things you can do to ensure a smooth transition without breaking the bank.
Get Organized and Set a Realistic Budget
Developing a strategic plan of action and outlining a budget are the two most important things to do before the big move. Research and analyze the costs you are going to incur, and create a realistic budget to cover those costs. Make sure you look into a few different moving companies to get the best price possible on the moving expenses. Leave some wiggle room for unexpected expenses, that way you don’t run into expensive bank fees if you overdraw on your account.
Don’t Pay for Free Items
Paying for boxes is useless and frivolous. In the weeks before the move, go around to local businesses and ask if you can take their empty boxes off their hands. Most are more than happy to let you have them for free! Grocery stores are great places to check for boxes. Some of the boxes might be weirdly shaped or need an extra filler on the bottom, but you will not have paid anything for them. You can also find things like discarded twine, shredded paper, old magazines, and newspapers for free from local businesses. Getting these items free is sure to help reduce the cost of your move.
Compare Moving Companies
Do research online before selecting a moving company. Read the reviews, and talk with friends and neighbors about their experiences. Get price quotes from at least four different companies, and then try to haggle for the lowest price. Many companies are willing to negotiate, especially if they know they are not the only company you are looking into.
Pack and Disassemble Yourself
Taking the time to pack your things and disassemble big items yourself will slash the amount of time you need the movers for. Most companies charge by the hour, and have fees for extra heavy lifting, so doing this part yourself can be a big money saver.
Check Out Storage Units
If you have items you want to hold onto but don’t necessarily need to ship, self storage can be the perfect solution. There are plenty of affordable units available that can be used to keep your possessions safe. Storage units can also be a great place to put items that are packed but cannot be moved to the new home yet, according to an expert of self storage in Colorado Springs.
Cut Costs With DIY
If you are moving locally and don’t have a lot of heavy lifting to do, consider cutting costs by doing the move yourself. Invite friends and family to help out. If truck rental is needed, try moving in the middle of the month. Truck rentals are slower mid-month, and you can likely negotiate a cheaper price.
By enlisting help from friends and family, being organized, and sticking to a budget, your move can be a stress-free transition. Who knows, it might even be enjoyable!
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Category: Family Finances
