No matter how far you go, moving is always costly. If you’re getting ready to move into a new apartment or home, keep these considerations in mind to help you budget your expenses.
Packing Supplies
If you buy all new packing supplies, you’ll take a big chunk out of your moving budget. Check sites like Craigslist for free boxes from other families who have recently moved. Also, talk to local retailers about taking their old boxes. Big box stores may have policies against giving away boxes, but small local retailers are usually happy to help you out.
If you can’t collect enough used boxes, you’ll need to include this in your budget. Don’t forget to budget for tape, markers, and specialty packing materials like bubble wrap. If you want to save on wrapping your precious glass items, then consider wrapping them with your blankets and cushioning them with your pillows.
Transporting Your Things
Image via Flickr by Meathead Movers
OK, so it’s time to transport all those boxes you’ve packed and labeled from point A to point B. When it comes to this part of the moving process, you have a lot of options. Some options may break your budget, while others will help you save from going overboard. Consider these:
- Hiring movers. This is likely your most expensive option, and if you want to avoid breaking the bank to move to your new home you should try to avoid it. However, moving services do make the job easier, but if you do decide to hire movers, remember to get detailed estimates from more than two agencies. That way you can compare the costs and make sure you’re getting the best rate possible.
- Rent a truck and load it yourself. Like with hiring movers, you’ll want to get more than two estimates on how much the truck will cost, if it includes miles, and if it comes with helpful tools like a dolly. Also, don’t forget about fuel costs. Moving by yourself isn’t exactly easy or timely, so you should avoid this option unless you don’t own a lot.
- Rent a truck and hire help. Renting your own truck will likely save you some money instead of hiring movers, but you still need people to help you. While you can hire professional to do it, try bribing your family and friends with pizza and beer. Not only is this a good way to bond, but it’ll get you moved without emptying your pockets.
- Renting space in a trailer – Large trailers often rent out unused space for cross-country trips. Your things tag along with other items, so it may take several days for everything to arrive, but you won’t have to transport it yourself.
Temporary Accommodations and Storage
If you’re making a long distance move, you may have to stay in temporary accommodations while you find your own place. Look for those that include a kitchen so you won’t have to eat out every day. Include the rental rate of your accommodations in your budget, and make sure you know whether it includes utilities. Your belongings will need a place to stay, too, so your budget should include a storage unit large enough to hold all your belongings.
A portable container is often the best option for this type of move. You load and unload only once. The container stays in a storage facility until you’re ready for it, then loads easily on a truck for transportation. If you don’t use a portable container, you need to include a second set of transportation costs in your budget.
Setting Up Your New Home
Just because you’ve unloaded your truck and moved into your new home doesn’t mean the spending stops there. To get situated in your new place, you’ll need to:
- Turn on the utilities (this includes deposits)
- Turn on the cable and Internet
- Take sewer and trash into account
- Purchase home insurance
Managing the Transition
Transitioning from one place to another isn’t easy, but with a little extra money set aside you can make it a comforting experience. Include some extra funds in your budget for things like eating out, organizational supplies, and home decor. These little extras help make your transition a bit smoother and help you adjust to your new home a lot faster.
With a well-prepared budget, you can simplify your move by providing yourself a peace of mind that comes with knowing you have the funds you need.
