Custom Search

The Moving Budget Guide

Getting ready to move? Whether this is your first time moving, or if you're a moving pro by now, here are some tried and true ideas to help you maintain your Moving Budget!

When moving, the first thing that comes to mind, at least when I move, is packing. This entails boxes, tape, and even the occasional bubble wrap. Buying all of these things can quickly consume a Moving Budget. BUT THEY DON'T HAVE TO!

Another great place to look for free boxes is your local grocery store. Ask what time of the day or what days they typically stock their shelves, and if they would be willing to give you their boxes when they're done.

Most of the time, this is not an issue and store employees are more than happy to help you out. If this makes you feel a little apprehensive-don't worry, you're not alone. The first time I moved, I asked for boxes at the grocery store, I go to quite a bit for their leftover boxes.

I was so nervous, I ended up asking the man if he had any "boxers", and wouldn't have realized it if my sister hadn't been with me! My face was bright red, as soon as I realized what happened, and I was ready to turn around and walk out without the boxes I needed, but luckily enough, my sister saved the day by correcting my sentence and getting my boxes.

So if you are nervous, take a friend with you-it helps! Besides, let's face it, most of us have moved at least once, and remember how crazy it can be. While these suggestions may not provide for all your moving needs, it most definitely gives you some ideas in how to relieve costs in the Moving Budget. Tape and bubble wrap can be picked up at several places-your office supplies store, or even the U-Haul store offers these items at fairly low prices.

Another idea is if you do choose to purchase tape or bubble wrap, or even both at an office supply store, you could use a coupon! There are websites galore to search for and print off coupons for specific stores, and manufacturers.

While it may not seem like much when you look at each item and the cost individually, using a majority of free (or even all free if you can) boxes, and saving even just a bit on tape and supplies can really add up in your pocket, while slimming down the Moving Budget.

Depending on the size of your move, whether it's cross-country, or just across town, transportation is a must of course. Renting a vehicle can be expensive depending on the size, and how far you have to go; sometimes this can wage war on the Moving Budget.

If you have a pick-up truck, mini-van, or even an economy van, you could feasibly make multiple trips across town in order to avoid the cost of renting a U-Haul truck. Even if you don't have your own vehicle that could move your furniture or larger items, you may have friends, or family close to you that would let you borrow just such a vehicle!

All the above steps are things that can be done at any time in the moving process-while, I have done it in a couple different ways, it's always easier for me if I know what I'm getting into financially if I compare prices, and start preparing earlier in the process.

While it may be inconvenient, or not be focally appealing to have empty packing boxes in your closet, at least with them there, you are prepared. This prevents you from having to scramble for boxes at the last minute. Speaking from experience, last minute box purchases can be quite the problem on your Moving Budget-at least they were for mine!

You can also start packing, or minimizing early as well-usually, there are things that you find when you move that you either forgot you had, don't want anymore, or no longer need. You can downsize in several ways-most items can be donated to local homeless shelters or non-profit organizations.

The items that you don't necessarily wish to donate, can be sold. In the spring and summer months (or even winter, depending on your location), you could have a yard or garage sale with leftover, unwanted items and clothes.

If that's just not an option for you (or you don't want strangers in your garage or your yard), you can place the items and about anything else on craigslist. The ads are free to place, and offer you the option of anonymity-always keep safety in mind! E-bay is also a classic stand-by, for those of us with extra time and patience.

Loading and unloading a moving truck, or van, or making multiple trips with a vehicle can be overwhelming for just one or two people. Instead of hiring a moving company, try having a moving party!

I've done this several times, and I am more than happy to pick up the cost for dinner on moving day if it means all my furniture is where I want it, and all of my boxes are in the right room-and I don't have to keep taking them up or down the stairs after the day is through.

While I understand the moving company that promises to pack you up, load the truck, drive the large truck, unload said truck, and move all the furniture and boxes into your new home is extremely tempting, the cost just isn't worth it to me when I can do the same thing for a little over a quarter of the price.

↑ Grab this Headline Animator