We are currently smack dab in the middle adding wood trim detail to some areas of our home and getting our entryway and master bedroom painted. It’ve been well over 2 years since we moved in and we are still making changes. And I don’t anticipate that changing anytime soon either. I’m really happy we waited so long before painting the entryway and our bedroom because as we lived in our home, my desires and vision changed. As I see it shaping up and changing, I am SO happy! It looks very different than what I would have done when we initially moved in, too. And we were able to save up money so the budget was larger than it would have been after we first moved. After all, moving expenses can add up and you’ve just spent a chunk of your savings on the downpayment for your new place. Fortunately, there are several ways you can cut corners while moving. You can even try and make some extra cash from unwanted items beforehand. If you’re organized you should be able to keep moving day stress-free and costs to a minimum. Here are five tips for moving home on a budget.
Sell unwanted items
Getting ready to move home, you’ll suddenly realize you have far too much stuff. You may have duplicate items you don’t need or furniture that’s the wrong fit for your new place. If your things are still in good condition, there are plenty of places to sell unwanted items. You could sell them online on various websites. This is easy to do and most buyers will come to pick them up. You could even consider having a garage sale before you move. And you will save time and money since you won’t be moving unwanted things.
Resist buying new items before the move
Hold off on buying new items before the move. This way you can save money for a kitchen remodel or something else, when you have a better idea of your plans. Unpack your belongings first and find out what is truly needed. You may find things you are able to use in new ways or places like organizing tubs from your old pantry under your bathroom sink or for toys! There’s no use in wasting money on things you might not necessarily need. Take your time and shop around when decorating the new place. This will make it easier to find the best deals and stick to a realistic budget.
Get a great deal with a shipping company
If you want to cut the cost of removal services you could Move larger items for less with a shipping company. Figure out which items you can’t move yourself and have these shipped separately. Do your research ahead of time and find the best deal online for removal services. You can read customer reviews and see if there are any special offers or discounts around.
Photo by cottonbro from Pexels
Prepare a box of essentials
Rather than resorting to buying emergency items at the grocery store when you arrive, pack a box of moving day essentials. This should include things like a couple of day’s worth of food, basic toiletries, bedding, electronics, phone chargers, and anything you might need while you’re still unpacking. Ensure this box is easily accessible and not buried under the rest of your cargo. This way you won’t be forced to eat take out for every meal until you unpack basic utensils, for example.
Be as organized as possible
The best way to save money while moving is by being as organized as possible. You should arrange your move with plenty of time in advance. Dedicate weekends to decluttering and getting rid of unwanted items. Call your WiFi provider and arrange an appointment for when you first move in and make sure your utilities are all set up. This will help to prevent wasting money on unforeseen costs and will make moving day a breeze.
Hopefully these tips will make your move an adventure, not an expensive headache. Be proactive and it’ll go smoothly.
