If you are planning to relocate soon, you may be slowly realizing how expensive this endeavor can be. Depending on the size of your home, how much work you plan to do yourself and how far away you are moving, you could spend anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. While this can be a mind-boggling amount for those who have not budgeted for it, there are some excellent ways that you can take to save money every step of the way.
1. Find Free Boxes
One of the first moving expenses that you will come across is for moving supplies. It may be difficult to find free tape and bubble wrap, but you can usually find free boxes if you are resourceful. If a friend recently moved, he or she may be eager to unload the boxes on you. You may also get free boxes from a local grocery or big box store. In some larger towns, a box recycling center may also give you free boxes upon request.
2. Only Relocate the Necessities
The number of boxes that you pack directly affects the cost of supplies, the size of the truck needed and even the amount of time that your movers work. By decreasing the number of items that you pack, you can directly decrease your moving expenses. Spend time spring cleaning each room to pull out items that you have not seen or used in long months or years.
3. Sell or Donate Unwanted Items
Some people will toss unwanted items or give them to a friend in need. However, if your items have value, you could sell them. For example, you can sell some items online, or you can have a garage sale. This is a great way to raise money to pay for some of your moving expenses. You could also donate items that do not sell to charity. This has the potential to give you a significant tax deduction at the end of the year.
4. Wrap Strategically
You could pack all of your towels, linens and other softer items in their boxes, or you could use these items as protective wrapping materials. For example, you can wrap a vase with a hand towel, and you can wrap kitchen dishes with your bath towels or sheets. This could reduce the number of boxes that you need to pack, and it could help you to save money on packing supplies.
5. Ask Your Friends to Help
There are instances when you might need to hire an affordable moving company, such as if you do not have the physical ability to do the work on your own. You may also need to hire movers if you need someone to drive the truck cross-country. In many cases, however, people can get the job done through their own efforts and with the help of a few friends. You may simply need to spring for pizza or buy a case of beer after the work is done to repay them for their effort.
While moving can cost a small fortune, it does not have to empty your bank account. Look for savings at every turn, and you may be surprised by how much money you can save throughout the project.