How to Move House on a Budget

Moving to a new place can be a stressful, exhausting process that is even more so when you have a limited budget or have to move a great distance. Fortunately, with careful planning and resourcefulness, you can move across the country on limited funds.

Here are some key considerations when moving and tips for moving house when you’re on a strict budget.

Know When to Spend

Taking a DIY approach to moving is usually the first consideration that comes to mind when thinking of how to save money. Unfortunately, it’s not always the best option and can even end up costing you more. For example, deciding to drive your own vehicle across the country could be more costly and damaging than having it professionally shipped via open transport (see how on this website).

Hiring movers is another area where people tend to cut costs. Hiring a cheap mover is highly risky, as they might not perform as promised or handle your goods with care. Alternatively, using your friends and family can be risky and stressful. Think of your overall budget, and consider the high priority expenses when moving.

Collect Moving Supplies Early

You don’t have to go out and buy a bunch of boxes to start moving. Talk to local store owners, post on yard sale sites, and ask your friends for extra newspaper, boxes, and other packing materials. These items usually end up in a landfill or recycled, so the more you can reuse them, the more you save money and the environment.

In addition to collecting moving supplies early on, you can also think outside the box when looking at how to pack things. For example, wrapping your dishes in your tea towels cuts back on the need for excess packaging and kills two birds with one stone. Putting your books in suitcases not only reduces the need for boxes but also makes them a lot easier to move.

Stick to a Rigid Plan

A lot of moving expenses come from leaving things until the last minute or failing to plan for the various issues that commonly arise during moving. Create a plan with tasks, due dates, and assignments if you’re moving with a family. Then, enforce that plan and make sure everyone sticks to it.

For example, you might start to pack up extra items that you don’t need weeks before your move. Smart movers choose to live out of a suitcase in the week leading up to their move, keeping a selection of clothing readily available while packing everything else up to go.

Purge and Sell

Now is a great time to purge your items so that you don’t have to move as much. Consider which items you actually need or enjoy. Minimalists recommend holding an item and being mindful of it for thirty seconds. Does it bring you joy or sentimentality? Does it serve a functional purpose? If not, add it to the purge pile.

Selling excess items is also a great way to pay for your moving efforts. If you’re downsizing, you may choose to sell your extra furniture for some extra cash that can go toward paying for a mover, putting gas in your moving van or just buying pizza for the friends who help you get things done.

Research is Key

When you decide that you’re moving, start researching local movers, rental fees, and what it would cost you to take time off to handle things. This will create the foundation of your moving budget and allow you to plan accordingly.

There are plenty of resources online that can help you create a moving checklist, covering everything from collecting boxes to changing your mailing address. Make a plan and stick to it to mitigate the stress and expense of moving house.