4 Strategies for Moving on a Tight Budget
- #Apartment Moving
- #Home Moving
- #Move Management
- #Packing Tips
Unless you can truly fit your entire life into a rucksack, moving is a daunting task. This is especially true if you run on a tight budget. Sometimes life just cannot seem to wait for you to save enough money to move out confidently, and instead forces you to move as quickly and cheaply as possible. So, how does one get all of their possessions out of their current home and into their new one on a tight budget? Good question, and lucky for you we have a handful of tips and strategies to help make it possible.
1.) If You Can, Choose Your Moving Date Wisely
There is a five month period from May to September where close to 70% of all household moves take place, which means the demand for moving professionals during this time is at its highest point. Seeing as most moving companies are booked throughout the summer, they likely won’t be willing to offer you a good deal since demand is so high. If your move allows, try to schedule your moving services for the off season, which will help you save loads in standard moving rates. Also, keep in mind that it is typically more expensive to move on a weekend as opposed to a weekday, and that the first and last days of each month tend to be more expensive too.
2.) Only Bring What You Need
When it comes to moving on a tight budget, you might be saddened to hear that moving all of your belongings is actually very expensive. If you decide to get an estimate for your move, you’ll notice the price for moving is mostly based off of the overall weight of your belongings and the total distance being traveled. The distance portion cannot be helped, but the weight of the things you own can be. If you have lived in your current residence for quite some time, you might be genuinely surprised at the amount of things you’ve acquired over the years. You might also realize how pointless a lot of the stuff you own is, and there is no better time to do a major clear out than before moving. Some items are tougher to decide on than others, but remember to bring the things you really want and need in your new home.
3.) Use Your Own Packing Supplies
If you think packing supplies are cheap, think again. When your budget is limited, the price for packing materials can add up very quickly. So, your best bet is to try and get your moving boxes for free, or at least as close to free as possible. Ask friends if they have any moving containers to spare, or pay a visit to supermarkets, office supply stores, bookstores, local businesses, and recycling centers to see if they have any boxes to spare. Many businesses are required to recycle cardboard boxes anyway, so you stand a good chance of going home with plenty of containers. However, you should definitely keep your eye on the quality of the boxes you’re taking. While it’s all well and good that you got them for free, it won’t be so good when they break apart with all of your belongings in them.
4.) Pack Your Own Things
If you hire a moving company to pack up your stuff, you can kiss your budget goodbye. Once your moving date is confirmed, begin packing straight away. Begin with the rooms you use the least so you don’t clutter your common areas with a bunch of cardboard boxes. If you find that packing alone is simply not going to cut it, reach out to your best friends. You know, the friends that actually want to help you get your life together. If you can get them to help you out, you should have enough hands to get everything packed away in a timely fashion.
Moving was never meant to be easy, but moving on a tight budget is not impossible. Sure, there are some extra steps that have to be taken to remain within budget, but it is not unachievable. Use each and every opportunity to lower your moving expenses. Also, you do not have to forget entirely about moving services. Moving companies can work with you, not to mention they could have discounts or ongoing promotions around the time you need to move. It certainly never hurts to ask, but know that you have it within your power to move on the cheap if everything else deems too expensive.