Ways to Save Money When Moving
Whether it is a new job, desire to be near the ocean or the decision to move back home near your family, moving to a new home and new town can bring a lot of stress and financial burdens. As a Navy wife we have had our share of moves and while some things are going to be costly regardless of what you do, we know that there are Ways to Save Money When Moving that can be applied to nearly any move you may make. The excitement and joy that comes with moving to your dream home, a fun new job or finally setting back home again for retirement doesn't have to be dampened by excess costs. Apply some of these tips to your next move and find yourself without the added stress of exorbitant moving expenses.
Don't Take Everything With You. What better time to streamline and purge your unwanted or not needed possessions than when you are packing for a move? Instead of just stuffing items in boxes to load on the truck start working each room of your home with an eye for “will I use this again?” on your mind. Purge clothing that doesn't fit or is outdated, kitchen utensils that only collect dust, furniture that is worn and should be replaced and even books, movies, cd and art collections. Quite simply get rid of things that you won't need or would rather replace with new or better products down the road. Less to pack means less to move which typically means less cost to you and if sold prior to your move actually could help pay for moving expenses.
Pack it yourself. Don't pay an outside business to come in with boxes, tape and bubble wrap to pack your belongings. Enlist your kids or even good friends and grab a stack of old newspapers and a few pizzas and have a “packing party”. It may not be fun but it can be cost effective to hand pack everything yourself rather than paying an outside party to do so. If you are Military this can be called a DITY move and you can MAKE MONEY by choosing this option!
Never buy boxes and packing materials. Seriously, there is truly never a need to buy packing materials. Head to your local liquor store, small grocery store, dollar stores and even office complexes and ask if you can have their empty boxes. Many stores will let you know when their “truck day” is so you can show up at closing time and take the empty boxes off their hands. The same goes with newspaper and packing materials. Use what you have on hand, check with friends and neighbors to collect their newspapers and with things you want to be cushioned even more pack within your own towels and blankets for safe keeping. I have also gotten many boxes from free listings on Craigslist in bigger areas. Many military will list free moving boxes you need to be quick but they are great sizes!
Compare Prices Of Moving Companies, PODS and Trailer Rentals. This can truly vary greatly depending on the distance of your move and how much you will be moving. Call the local to you and national moving companies, locations where you can rent trailers or trucks to drive yourself or the more recently popular POD style moving units that are actually easy to move storage units you load everything into and have shipped to your destination. Don't just go with what you used last time, a friend recommended or you saw an advertisement for. Do your research and find the real best deal overall for your family.
Leave the kitchen sink behind. Not really the kitchen sink, but the pantry items for sure. If you have a reasonable amount of notice prior to your move begin prepping by working your menu plans around what exists in your freezer and pantry. Don't pack and ship your pantry if you don't need to. Some considerations are those who coupon heavily and have large stockpiles of food. But even in those cases, it may be worth taking the time to figure the excess cost to you of moving to a new state with your stockpile versus starting over in the new state. $250 in fees to ship products only valued at $100 is not wise, even for the avid couponer who takes pride in their stockpile.
Toss open bottles of cleaners, toiletries and start new when you arrive: Don't pack already opened cleaning supplies, detergents or toiletries. Not only could the potential spill since they are no longer sealed but taking ¼ bottle of glass cleaner will probably cost more money than buying a new bottle when you arrive. Plan ahead and use as much of what you have on hand before leaving as possible so it isn't wasted. Also check with neighbors or friends in the area you are leaving to see if they would like your not empty but slightly used cleaning supplies to use for themselves.
Clean up behind yourself. This applies mostly to those who are moving out of a rented or leased home or apartment. Don't forget to properly clean up after yourself and make necessary repairs if needed before handing over your key to the landlord. Those security deposits and extra months paid when you first moved in are great refunds that come in handy to pay for your move, help purchase new items and furniture or simply start your new phase in life off with a nice savings account deposit.
Don't Pack your Clothes. No im not suggesting throwing them all out and buying new (though really how fun?!) If you are moving yourself why take stuff out of the dresser drawers into a boxes that take more room? Leave them in the dresser toss a towel on top of each drawer and stack them to save space. I leave the hanger on my clothes from the closets and toss them in a large box since they are so light. Makes it easier to hang up!
No matter where your destination is these ways to save money when moving are sure to come in handy. Remember to make clear notes, label your possessions well and take photographs of valuable items before packing so you can have clear and useful information if any damage is done in the process. Update insurance policies to reflect changes and keep a couple copies of this information with you and your family as you travel to your new home. Most of all, remember that the journey to a new home and new life is a fun and exciting one you should be looking forward to and spend time savoring instead of dreading.
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