Moving On a Low Budget

in Lifestyle

Moving on a budget, whether it’s low or high, is an important part of life. It can be hard to decide where and how to move, but there are some things you should consider before any move. You may not have as much money for rent as those who can spend more freely, but that doesn’t mean you have to live in squalor either. There are lots of ways to save money when moving from one place to another and still live well as you go through your transition period. Moving on a low budget has both advantages and disadvantages.

Plan a Friendly Budget

Moving is expensive especially if you’ve plan on travelling long distance moving on a budget. You should know how much money you have at your disposal and stick to the amount all through the move. If you are planning on hiring movers, then factor in hiring expenses as well. If you want to move all your stuff by yourself, then figure out how much it would cost to rent a truck or van and how much you would spend on gas. If you think of any other incidental expenses, then factor them in as well.

Moving on a low budget is difficult particularly in the initial stages when you have to make do with whatever you have at your disposal. However, you can manage to save money if you are careful about your spending. Moving on a low budget is much easier when you have fewer items at home that are just taking up space.

Hire a Low-Cost Mover to Help You Save Money

If you have a lot of furniture and glass items, it’s a good idea to hire a mover. Many websites help you compare the prices of moving companies, so try using one for your move to save as much money as possible, try looking up the name of the service followed by your location, e.g. moving company St George Utah. A moving company will charge you by weight, so be sure to cut down on clutter and unnecessary items to save money. Low-cost movers use many different moving techniques, depending on how much stuff you have.

Communicate with packers and movers regarding the charges. Some movers will charge you a fee for each box they bring in and pack, while others will do it all at once for a flat fee. Be sure to ask about the charges for both so you can get a better idea of where your money is going and what you’ll be paying in the end.

Pack Smartly

Pack up your things yourself to save money. You can also cut back on charges from the movers this way if there’s less weight in the van. However, you run the risk of something being damaged or lost if you move it yourself, so it’s up to you to decide what’s right for your belongings. Pack your things into small boxes. This will help you save money on packing by allowing you to fill up each box before moving on to another. If you can, leave your heavier items for last so they’ll be easier to move.

Moving charges are generally much lower during the off-season, so keep this in mind before you go. Try looking up when rates are lowest for your area and choose that time to move if possible. Informing your mover about any possible damage or wear and tear you’re aware of is a best way to save money.

Sell or Donate Unwanted Stuff

Selling your unwanted stuff before a move is a lot more helpful than you would think. You can make money that can go towards rent or moving expenses, depending on how much it’s worth. Ask friends and acquaintances if they want to buy any of your things, no matter what size. Donate unwanted items to a charity if you feel like someone else will use it. Just be sure to clean out your space before the move so you can sell or donate as much as possible.

You can also earn some money by selling unwanted items to thrift shops or in yard sales. Moving on a low budget means more than just cutting back on costs. If you’re not careful, you could end up with a lot of things you don’t need and never use. Moving on a low budget is easier than ever now that the Internet has made it so easy to compare prices and buy items online.

Seek Help from Your Friends and Family Members

Ask your friends and family members if they wouldn’t mind driving you and your stuff to the new house. You may not be able to afford movers, but having help is better than moving everything yourself. Plus, who doesn’t love a road trip?  You can save even more money if you ask them to come over for a barbecue before the move to use up with food in your freezer. Moving on a low budget is achievable with just a bit of help from your friends and family members. Paying your friends will be comparatively lesser than paying packers and movers. Moving on a low budget is easier than ever if you know what to do ahead of time.

Plan Your Route in Advance

Plan your route ahead of time to save money. You can use sites to plan out how long it will take you to get there by road. You’ll be able to save even more money if you plan out your route to use the least amount of fuel possible. You can cut down on costs of moving by avoiding heavy traffic areas or rush-hour routes.

Try planning out your trip to avoid office hours if possible because this is when everyone else will be driving too. If you can do it, try loading up your car after midnight since fewer people will be driving then. Moving on a low budget is only possible when you take the time to plan out your route ahead of time.

Conclusion

There are many ways you can save money when moving on a low budget. You can ask for help from friends and family members or plan out the best route beforehand to save money. Moving on a low budget is achievable with just a little bit of planning ahead of time.


Image Credits: Karolina Grabowska

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