To many people, moving means starting anew, including avoiding unnecessary expenses that may result in debts. However, it is easy to get lost in the myriad costs if you don’t track them. Planning at least two months before the actual move helps keep you in check.
Good news, though! There’s always a way out. That being said, try these proven tips to cut costs during a move, whether you’re on a budget or not. It never hurts to save money to spend on more important things or add to your rainy-day fund.
Downsize Your Belongings
Earn from your non-essential at home to have some cash for buying new things for your new home. Remember that moving is a fresh slate for you, so updating your furniture or getting a new set of kitchen tools is a good move. Donate bulky furniture to charity or your friends. You may also use these donations to deduct from your taxes later, so you don’t only save on moving costs but on taxes too.
Go on a No-Spend Challenge for Packing Materials
Okay, maybe a no-spend challenge is impossible because you’ll need to buy packing tapes, markers, and other consumable supplies. No-spend means hoarding grocery boxes to pack your belongings and using towels, sheets, shirts, and socks to pack your fragile things. Stuff your ladles and flatware into socks, plates in towels, and breakable decors in sheets and duvets.
Make use of drawer spaces and hang your clothes inside the wardrobe after moving the wardrobe to the moving van. Be sure to secure every piece of furniture you stuffed with things to prevent damage and spilling during transit.
Another tip is to use the NextDoor app to round up free moving boxes from people in your locality.
Make Use of Tax Exemptions and Tax Deductions
You have to qualify before deducting your moving expenses from your taxes. However, it always pays to try. You can save on taxes and avail yourself of tax credits to further lower your taxes.
Schedule Off-Season Moves
Everything is much higher during the summer, Christmas, and other holidays, including moving costs. Also, don’t book on weekends and at the end of the month for your moves. You’ll get stuck in traffic, making you lose money on time and fuel.
Moving experts, therefore, recommend scheduling your move in spring, where the weather is pleasant and kids are in school. They may lose a few days in school, but it will save you the hassle of whining kids in the car if they get too uncomfortable. The middle of the month and Tuesdays to Thursdays are the best days to move.
Review Your Contracts for Hidden Fees
Once you have a draft of your moving contract, review it for any hidden fees. Also, determine whether to use a flat-rate or d
Use Self-Storage
If you have limited space in your new house and you have items you can’t let go of, or you’re simply waiting for the lease on your new house to start, it is wise to get a self-storage unit. Aside from lower cost and non-fixed rental terms, you also have more control over your space. It is also best to get insurance coverage for your storage unit to lower your risks.
Track Your Expenses
It is easy to get lost on expenses during a move, so it is best to track your expenses to see if you’re still within your moving budget. Some expenses you need to consider including in your moving budget are insurance coverage, moving truck rental, packing fees and supplies, and administrative costs for transferring utilities, moving addresses, and transferring schools. Also, allocate enough cash to cover fuel costs, medicine, food, and hotel stays.
Save on Moving Insurance
Not all moving insurance fees are necessary. Over-insuring or overlapping insurances won’t help but pile up unnecessary expenses. Some homeowners think that moving insurance is a worthwhile expense. However, it’s always your call.
Get Help When Packing
This tip may seem contradictory, but if you’re losing days at work or very valuable sleep because you’re packing things for your move, it is best to hire a packing professional. Hiring a team costs a fraction of your daily wage at work, so you can still save and rest.
Don’t get shy to ask for help from family and friends for a weekend of packing. All you need is dinner and some beer. You get your work done, and you can bond with them before moving, so it’s a win-win for everyone.
Cut Your Costs Further
Planning is an important factor in cutting your costs during a move. Stick to the budget, allowing a small contingency for unforeseen and emergency expenses. If you take these tips to heart, there is no reason for you to go overboard.