Moving to a new home is not only time consuming and stressful, it can also be quite expensive. Whether you’re moving across town or relocating to a different state, moving expenses can add up fast. Here are some tips that will help you plan and budget your finances for your upcoming move.
Plan and Budget Early
Start planning and budgeting early for your anticipated moving costs and expenses. Try to set aside a comfortable amount of money each month, starting at least six months before the move. If you rent in your current location, don’t count on current security deposits and refunds as part of your set-aside fund. It may take a while to get reimbursed from your landlord for these costs. If you own a home, it’s best to sell your home before you move. This will give you cash for your move and help you to avoid two house payments.
Get Several Moving Quotes
Finding a reputable, professional moving company at an affordable price that fits your budget may be difficult, so don’t wait until the last minute to get prices. At least three months before the move, talk to several moving companies and get quotes from each one. Compare each company’s services and prices and make sure that each mover is quoting on the same services. Look for important features like damage insurance and waivers and extra charges for labor, packing materials and fuel costs.
Offset Moving Expenses
You can offset some of your moving costs by getting friends and family to help with packing and organizing. If you’re just moving across town, you can cut expenses by renting a truck and moving yourself. To cut costs on moving supplies, you can get free boxes and packing materials from many local stores that discard empty boxes after they unpack merchandise. Check the loading area behind local grocery and convenience stores.
Large grocers usually discard good, sturdy boxes every day.
Budget for New Expenses
When you get to your new home, you’ll have immediate costs for your house payment, utility hook-ups, food and personal expenses. Look for ways to cut costs on living expenses with move-in specials, cable moving specials and household cleaning supplies. Find local discount stores in your new location that offer savings with memberships and weekly deals. To get to work or school, check carpools and public transportation services in your area.
