Moving is never an easy experience for any of us. Let's face it- most of us have to watch our budget carefully when planning a move. But cheap moving doesn't necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice quality. The key to planning a successful move while saving money is to plan your move ahead. The following tips for moving on a budget are designed to help make your move as smooth as possible without hurting your pocket.
First and foremost, start planning your move well in advance. Decide up-front what your budget will be and make every effort to stick to that budget. If you are traveling by airplane, book your flight and hotel accommodations as soon as possible to get the best fares. If you plan to travel by car, be sure to plan your route wisely and don't forget about the cost of fuel, tolls, meals, and hotels on the road. Some moving expenses that people often forget include: home repairs, rental expenses, pet deposits, storage fees, and tips for moving crews. Create a "moving file" and keep records of all your expenses and receipts. Many moving expenses are tax deductible, so keep good records and check with your accountant to see what can and cannot be deducted.
The first big decision you will need to make when moving on a budget is to decide whether you will hire a moving company, rent a moving truck, or hire a self service moving company. If you don't want to drive a rental truck, self service moving companies or containerized moving companies offer a cost-effective alternative to higher-priced movers. Regardless of how you plan to move, be sure to request multiple quotes and schedule on-site estimates whenever possible as they are the most accurate. Be suspicious of low-ball estimates and be sure to ask for references from the movers.
The next step for a cheap moving experience is to begin packing well in advance. With the exception of large or expensive items that will need special attention from professionals, try to do as much packing on your own as possible. Begin collecting moving supplies and be on the lookout for discounts. If you have a friend or colleague who recently moved, see if they would give or sell you their boxes and leftover supplies. People sometimes sell their used moving supplies and boxes through the classified ads of the local newspaper. Instead of buying bubble wrap, use crumpled newspaper or use your own rugs, blankets, or other linens to pad your breakables.
As your moving day approaches, a great way to make some extra cash is by holding a garage sale. If you plan well and advertise locally, you could make a nice profit which you can use towards paying for the move. A garage sale will help you get rid of unwanted items at a profit while at the same time reducing the number of items you will need to move to your new destination. Take an assessment of your belongings and decide if it's worth the cost of moving them. Donating items to charity is another great way to lighten the load while helping others in need.
Last but not least, don't be afraid to ask friends and family to help you move. You can save money on child care or pet care by asking your friends to lend a helping hand. Recruit "volunteers" to help you on moving day and be sure to provide them with snacks and beverages. A home-cooked meal or a nice thank-you card is a great way to show your friends how much you appreciate their help.
With careful planning and a little creativity, you too can save money on your move. Keep these tips in mind while planning your move and enjoy cheap moving that is efficient and even pleasant.
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