Are you ready to move? It might seem like a daunting project, especially if your finances are tight. However, you there are a ton of tips and tricks that you can take advantage of to ease the strain on your bank account.
Here’s what you can do.
- Focus on the Location
If your heart is set on a particular city or location, you might have to be flexible about your home. For some people, it’s worth it to live in a fixer-upper in their dream locale. Cities like San Francisco and Chicago can be exorbitantly expensive. Residents receive far less for their housing dollar than they would in a less desirable location.
What do they get in return? The advantages of living in one of the most bustling spots in the world.
- Focus on the House
While some people are entranced by their surroundings, others place more importance on the comforts of home. If this describes you, focus on getting your dream house, even if it’s not in the ideal neighborhood. You can save a lot of money by avoiding the city center and finding a property on the outskirts of town.
- Get Storage
Space is limited. Finding a home that can accommodate everything you’ve built up in life might be difficult. You can save money by opting for a storage locker rather springing for more floor space. This is especially true if you’re trying to downgrade. Maybe your kids have moved out of the house and you don’t need so much space. Maybe you’re sick of the responsibility associated with having a house and you want to move into an apartment.
Cheap storage options abound. Boston Storage allows people to store their property for as little as $1 day.
- Handle the Move Yourself
Once you know where you’re headed, you have to figure out how you’re going to get there. One option is to hire a professional crew to handle the logistics. You can find a company that will pack and transport your property to your new location.
If you’re trying to save money, a better idea is to handle everything yourself. Hire a truck and load it up. Your friends and family might be willing to help. Offer to buy them pizza or to return to the favor when they have to move.
- Save on Materials
Packing materials like boxes and tape can add up quickly. You can save money by using preowned boxes. You can find them on Craigslist or behind large, big-box stores. You can ask your friends if they have an extra tape or you can look at second-hand stores.
Instead of buying new packing materials, use your own towels and blankets to protect your stuff. Throw smaller items into your socks for storage.
- Drive Straight Through
If you’re moving to a different state, you can save on hotel fees by driving straight to your new location. This is much easier if you’re moving with a partner or a good friend. A 15-hour drive might be too taxing to complete on your own but it’s not so bad split among two people.
If the idea of a long drive doesn’t appeal to you, you can try camping. In many areas, you’ll pass national and state parks along the way. You can camp for a night and sleep in your car or purchase a cheap tent.
- Clear out the Clutter
The less stuff that you have to move, the cheaper it will be. This is especially true when it comes to furniture. It might be easier to simply buy new pieces than to transport your old furniture. Try hosting a yard sale or posting your items on platforms like Craigslist or Letgo. You might even be able to make a profit.
- Pick the Right Time
Moving on the weekend costs more than moving in the middle week. For the same reason, moving during the winter months is typically cheaper than during the summer or near a holiday. You might be able to slim down your budget just by moving your dates around.
Moving to a new home is a major event for your family. You’re probably not going to be able to do it for free. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to bankrupt yourself. The key to saving money on your move is to do most of the work yourself and to pick the right property to begin with.