How To Plan A Move That Fits Your Budget
How To Plan A Move According to Your Budget
- Planning a Budget Can Be Tough But Worth It
- Find Out What You're Working With
- Keep Track of Every Transaction
- Find Reliable Movers Within Your Budget
- Cutting on Costs
- Check Out a U-Haul
1. Planning a Budget Can Be Tough but Worth It
Moving is a process that can be hard on the wallet. Between packing supplies, moving trucks, hiring professional movers, and all the other unexpected expenses that accumulate during a move, it has the potential to become very costly, very fast. But never fear, a few simple steps can be taken to avoid the blow.2. Find Out What You're Working With
I'd like to first recommend taking a look at your bank account. Give yourself a realistic budget, however much you need to make the move possible, without being stingy. Stick to that budget, it is your integrity. If you abandon it, you’re only hurting yourself. Staying true to budgets means hard decision making and a lot of self-control, but you can do this.
3. Keep Track of Every Transaction
Keep track of all of your receipts on a ledger. You can get an app for this or probably go into your bank and get one for free. Ledgers are sort of like check books that do the math for you. You input every penny you spend and it tells you how much of your budget you have already spent, and how much you have left. Pretty handy, and a neat way to track yourself and stay organized through the move. An easy way to be sure you're getting the most bang for your buck is to do some research on full service moving companies online where you will find a number of different options and they’re rated.
4. Find Reliable Movers Within Your Budget
Find the movers that have the best reviews and are within your budget. If that looks like it might be a little tight on the good ‘ole ledger, pack things yourself. Packing your own possessions is a good way to ensure that everything was packed safely, after all, if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. This will help your peace of mind during the actual relocation of precious objects.
5. Cutting on Costs
If you have to cut back on your budget, one way to save money on a move is to find free resources that you can use. For example, if you are able to find places that give away free moving boxes, take advantage of that so you won't have to spend any money on boxes. This will save you tremendous amounts of money which can be spent on more important aspects of your move.
6. Check Out a U-Haul
Another alternative to hiring a moving company to help you relocate is renting a U-Haul and doing it yourself. This might not work for everyone depending on how much time you have to dedicate to your move. But if you have the time, you can rent a truck by the hour and offer a variety of different sized vehicles. One catch though is that U-Haul does charge you by the mile and prefer to rent only to locals looking to drive less than 50 miles. So if your move is a cross country this option might not be for you. The bigger the U-Haul, the better. If you think you’ll have to make multiple trips across town, rent a bigger U-Haul to save money on mileage, trust me it adds up in the end. If you’ve got friends or family nearby, ask them to help you with the move.
With their help, you can be your own moving company and have a great time while you do it. Cleaning out an old house or apartment to resume life in another one can be an emotional experience, and having a close support system can make it that much more positive. Be sure to take them out for dinner and a few beers after for all the help and hard work.
Comments
Jonathon Pinkerton
Feb. 23, 2022, 12:38 a.m.
I was just wondering what happens as far as getting insurance for things I pack myself but that the movers move in their truck, can't I have them inspect the goods before sealing the box and then get some kind of protection assurances as far as if anything gets broken. I don't want to have to pay for boxes just so I can be protected. I want to minimize the cost of my move.
Ashley Richmond
Feb. 23, 2022, 12:38 a.m.
Hello Jonathan. This is a really good question. Most moving companies will want to inspect your goods if you pack your boxes yourself. If they pack your boxes then they are liable for any breakage. If you already have homeowners or rental insurance that usually covers moves, so check your current plan with your provider. If you want actual movers insurance you have to purchase this PRIOR to the move. Its important to not that you cannot purchase this after you start the move. Go to the 'get moving help' link in the footer of this page and that will give you more important information that might help you with your question.
Scott Veister
Feb. 23, 2022, 12:38 a.m.
How much of a budget would you recommend if you are not moving more than 500 miles? I plan to move in the near future but I'm not sure how to budget my income to prepare for a move. I want to make sure that I can cover all costs when it comes time to move my things. Thanks!
Add Comment