Whether you are looking to upsize, downsize, or just take advantage of the hot real estate market, your plans will likely need to include a move to your new home. Chances are you don’t want to spend more than necessary to make that move. Before running out to buy new boxes or hire a mover, think ahead about your upcoming move.
Here are seven things you can do to make your move smooth and budget-friendly:
- Create a moving budget. The cost to move your belongings will likely take a significant part of your moving budget, but you’ll want to plan for other expenses too, including furniture storage, tips for the movers, pet boarding, grocery restocks, and utility deposits. You should leave some wiggle room for unexpected moving-related costs that are bound to come up. Prioritize your budget based on your to-do list, putting must-do’s at the top and things that can wait at the bottom.
- Purge what you don’t need. Getting ready for a move is the ideal time to ditch the excess stuff you’ve accumulated, especially if you are downsizing. Why hold on to things you no longer use or that don’t serve a purpose in your life? Also, most moves are priced by weight, which means getting rid of your clutter first can help save you money on the move. Sell the items you can for some extra cash and donate the rest.
- Economize on moving supplies. The cost of moving supplies — boxes, packing tape, packing peanuts and paper, moving blankets — can add up. To save money, check your workplace or local businesses for free boxes, or ask your friends and family for supplies they are willing to share from a recent move. Check social media websites like Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor to see if anyone is giving away these items or selling them cheap.
- Decide what you will do yourself and what you will hire others to do. Whether it is packing, moving your things, painting, or cleaning your new home, you will likely save money by tackling some projects yourself. Be realistic about how much you can (and want to) do and what is better left to the professionals. Determining these things ahead of the move will help create an accurate budget.
- Shop around for a mover. Unless you have friends or family you can recruit to help you move, you’ll probably need to hire a moving company. Request a free written cost estimate from several top-rated moving companies. Ask about additional costs like charges for disassembling and reassembling furniture, packing bulky items, or disposal fees. Choosing the cheapest mover could cost you more in the long run. Consider moving in the “offseason” rather than a busy time like summer. Moving is a competitive business, so look for deals and specials, and don’t be afraid to negotiate prices.
- Determine what you need to do immediately. Prioritize new furniture, appliances, and improvements. If the new kitchen doesn’t have a refrigerator, chances are that will be on the top of your list. Consider making small improvements to spruce up a room. New hardware on bathroom and kitchen cabinets can refresh a room until you are ready to make more major improvements.
- Expect the unexpected. A few expenses will come up during the move that you do not anticipate. Parking tickets for a double-parked truck, hotel stays waiting for the movers to arrive, damaged items, and extra fees are just some of the things that will nickel and dime you. Be sure to add a category to your budget for these surprise expenses.
