It’s inevitable, at some point in our lives we have to make a move whether we like it or not. Moves can be incredibly stressful, especially if you are on a tight budget that offers no compromising. For many, the idea of a move is common and they have developed their own groove to get things done. However, for new movers the idea of moving can be frightening because there is so much to accomplish and the price tag can keep adding up if you’re not careful. There are a few tricks that can get you through a move without forcing you to throw away too much money though. So, remember to breathe and take your move one step at a time. Although it might be stressful at the moment, soon you will be in your new and making new memories.
1. Don’t Buy Boxes
Typically when people find out they need to make a move they go out and buy an extraordinary amount of pricey boxes. This can really hurt your moving budget right away, so try to refrain from panicking and making this purchase. Instead, you should learn your options for getting free or discounted boxes in your area. Many recycling centers get an influx of boxes each day and will offer them out to the public. So, you might want to begin your journey by calling and checking in with the recycling centers in your area. If you don’t have any luck, or still need more boxes, then Craig’s list is usually a good option. A lot of people will offer their used moving supplies because it is a lot more convenient then bundling them up and hauling them off after a major move. You could also ask around at grocery and department stores who often end up keeping their boxes for some time after shipments.
2. Say No To Movers
If you’re looking to save money on your move then roll up your sleeves and do the work yourself. Hiring movers can actually cost you over a thousand dollars of money you shouldn’t have to spend. Sure, it is awesome to have someone come in, pack you up and transport your goods, but it isn’t entirely budget friendly. One of the main reasons people hire movers is the fact that some items in the home might seem impossible to move. If you need to, call in friends, family and neighbors to try to help you get your move on the right track. If you don’t have this option, or are worried about getting the item out of the truck when you’re at your new location, then contact a local church or charity group to see if anyone can come help you out. Usually finding help isn’t too difficult so don’t be afraid to ask.
3. Re-evaluate What You Take
Everyone home has some form of clutter. From the piece of furniture no one uses to the clothes in the very back of the closet, there are many things in the home that could be removed from the move. One great thing about moves is they show you the importance of the items you have and allow you to do some spring cleaning so your new home doesn’t start out filled with useless clutter. When you find out you need to move then try to start going through your items and get rid of the stuff you don’t actually need or use. There is no reason to keep items that never get used or worn, so make a pile and start a yard sale or send them off for donation. You won’t believe how unburdened you feel after this entire process. On a positive note, all of the things you got rid of are items you won’t have to waste time packing up and will help keep your moving weight a lot lighter which will help save you more money.
4. Bubble Wrap
Sure, bubble wrap is one of the funnest aspects of moving, but it doesn’t mean you have to go out a spend a lot of money on the item. There are many ways to pack away your items without having to use bubble wrap. In fact, in order to save on some boxes you might consider packing your fragile items in with clothes. Packing your clothing and linens should always be the last items on your list because you’re going to want to stuff articles of clothing and sheets in with items that need a little extra support. For instance, any oddly shaped statues can be wrapped in a sheet or blanket and put into a box. Then, you can stuff clothing in the empty areas of the box to help provide support so that any accidental drops or too much pressure won’t destroy the sculpture. If you don’t want to use clothing to help support items then consider newspaper as an alternative. Usually, papers don’t cost a lot, especially if you grab the free or cheap editions, and will create a support barrier when crumpled up and places around an object.
5. Consider Pods
A lot of people always try to do things the traditional way which can really bring your budget to a screeching halt. Renting the big truck and not packing boxes full enough can leave you down a more expensive road. Of course, spending the same money you would moving a large household for a small household will also end up hurting you. If you are a one or two bedroom household then you might want to consider using Pods instead of the typical moving companies. When you order a Pod, the storage unit is delivered to your home for as long as you need it. You and your family will be able to load it up so you won’t lose any money on movers’ cost. When you’re ready the Pod company will pick the unit up and store at their warehouse or ship it to your new location. Pods can be particularly convenient because a lot of the time they will end up at your new home on the same day that you get the keys. This will allow you to unpack and get settled without the major cost or long wait times.
6. Know Your New Space
One of the easiest ways to save some money is to get to know your new place before you actually move into it. Sometimes, we choose a new place that might have a lot less space than the older space, which means it is time to get rid of some of the furniture you know you won’t be using. You should also always measure the doorways and hallways in a new home so you won’t have to deal furniture that you can’t get into the home in the first place. Sometimes we have to make blind moves and don’t actually get to see where we will be staying. This can be a real challenge when it comes to getting your items in the home. If this is the case don’t be afraid to call up your realtor or landlord and ask them for a copy of the blue prints. Some will even be nice enough to do the measurements for you. If you find items in the home you know won’t fit then sell them or donate them before the move. There is no reason to add on to the weight of your move, especially if the item is about to be rendered useless to you.
7. Post Office
Despite the new technological devices that allow us to keep books digitally, most home have a pretty large collection of books, comics and magazines. These items are pretty straight forward when it comes to packing, but one of the main issues is the amount of weight they add on to your move. So, if you’re trying to avoid a high weight move then you might want to take your reading items in to your local post office. You might think they shipping books could be pretty pricey, but the post office has a fantastic rate for these items when you tell them you want to ship it media mail. This rate will mean that your items are going to take a little bit longer to ship to your new home, but you shouldn’t miss them too much since you’ll be busy unpacking your other item. Sending your books through postage will also mean a whole lot less to load and unload onto the truck which could save your sanity if you’re burned out.
8. Know Your Value
Before you begin your move you should make sure you know the value of your items. Many people who hire movers end up having to deal with expensive items that have been damaged or lost. Instead of just letting your movers come in and start working make sure to point out which items have significant value, so they can either pack them away first or ensure they will be a safer area then items of little value to you. You might also want to consider getting insurance on the items just in case the moving company holds no liability over your things. If you aren’t hiring a moving company then it is still important to know your items value so you can make the necessary precautions to ensure the piece makes it without being harmed. Smaller items, such as jewelry or important items, should always go in the car with you. These items should be placed in a lock box in the trunk so you won’t have to worry about them disappearing during the move.
9. Disassembling
We all have a few of those signature pieces that took hours to put together. It might be painful to do, especially after all your hard labor to get it together, but you’re going to need to take these items apart. Items that can be disassembled are ideal for moves and you might find that families who change locations a lot will have a good amount of this furniture. This is largely because these items take up a lot less space then furniture that can’t be taken apart. With this furniture you can stack it up, put pieces in different areas and in general treat the pieces like a jig saw puzzle to suit your needs. You might want to consider labeling the each of the pieces of furniture as your remove it and keep all of your screws and small parts in a labeled ziplock bag.
10. Save Your Receipts
Moving can be pretty chaotic to begin with, but it is incredibly important that you actually save all of your receipts, including those for meals on the road. A lot of people have actually been able to receive tax credits for moving so bring your receipts in when you do your taxes. If you’re lucky you might get a small percentage back which could help you with items for your new home. Many people can actually get some of the moving money back from work, especially if they are being transferred. Saving receipts is also important when it comes to keeping track of your money though. A lot of the time we don’t have a chance to check on the bank so keeping totals from your receipt will help you know where you stand in regards to money.
Moving can really change the way you look at your life. It isn’t just the new home, but the concept of all of your stuff that helps you take a closer look at your lifestyle. With a move you end up losing a lot of things, while gaining many too, but that doesn’t mean you have to lose a lot of money. With these tips you should be on your way to a new life without having to deal with hidden cost or other financial moving burdens.
Author: Chelsey McQuitty
