You’ve closed on your dream home and are now in full preparation mode for the big move. From making sure you have all the necessary packing supplies to finding the best mode of transport to help get your belongings from a to b, moving house is no small feat. And it’s also not always a cheap one.
For this reason, we’ve compiled a helpful list of Top 5 ways that you can not only plan for but take care of your budget when it comes time to move.
1. Create a Budget
From the minute you know you’re on the move, and if not beforehand, it’s a great idea to start preparing a manageable budget.
Depending on whether you are moving within the same town or to a whole new region altogether, you may need extra pairs of hands when it comes to transporting boxes and furniture.
Conduct some research into local moving companies to get an idea of the rates they have listed on their website (check for things such as distance you need your items transported and possible volume), put the word out on your local community social media groups to get recommendations from others who have moved to or are moving from the area recently, definitely check with friends or family, and don’t forget that your Relator is a great resource for suggestions also.
It may be that you’re moving somewhere close, and you have friends or family with larger vehicles or trucks that are able to transport your larger items. This is a great way to save some of the bigger dollars on moving companies who can charge for not just transport, but the packing, packing materials, overnight stays (if needed while en route), and don’t forget a must have – insurance! Perhaps you could even rent their vehicle from them for the day?
Do you need to find yourself accommodation while moving to your new place if there’s a longer drive time between? Or do you need to book airline tickets for you and family to reach your new destination while the moving company takes care of your items? Are you moving to a distant destination and may need to consider shipping items?
Is there an overlap between when you have to move out and can move into your new place, in which you might need to rent some storage space for a while?
Perhaps you need to hire a cleaner or cleaning company to come in and do a full, deep clean of your home before you leave. If you’re able to manage this bit yourself or you can recruit friends of family to assist, this is another great way to save money.
Do you need to board any pets while you make the move, perhaps if needing to do multiple trips? Childcare? Do you have friends or family that can assist?
Also consider your level of spending on other things during this time, that you could perhaps pull back on such as going out for dinner, social engagements, or activities or events.
It’s always a good idea to leave a little wiggle room, a buffer if you will, in your budget because like most things, you can often expect the unexpected!
2. Declutter
We recommend starting this bit as early as you can, even before you list your home or begin at the time you do. It’s a great idea to start going through each room in your home and picking out pieces that you just don’t need any more or could be worthwhile going to friends, family or goodwill.
Yard sales are another fantastic way to move items you no longer need on to new homes and helping others in your community find pieces they might need. Any profits made can go toward your list of moving requirements such as packing materials or transport.
Are there old clothes you don’t wear, electronic items that could be sold or donated? Have your children moved out but there’s still boxes of theirs in storage or bedrooms featuring childhood items? Perhaps now is a good time to go through these and see what they’d like to keep or are willing to part with.
3. Use What You Have
Once you’ve decluttered and know what you’re taking with you, start to pack up pieces that you don’t use often or will not need until you get to your new place.
Save money on bubble wrap or boxes by using what you have in and around your home. Pack strategically by wrapping fragile items with paper towel or newspapers. Bundle items up in soft blankets, sheets or duvets. Fill suitcases, cupboards, dresser drawers with items that are safe to pack for transport.
Instead of buying new cardboard boxes to fill, visit your local supermarkets, corner stores and ask if they have any you could have and reuse. Reach out on social media community forums also, because there are people coming and going from and to new homes almost every day! Even if they ask for a few dollars, it’ll be much less on anything you buy brand new.
Another tip is to use up everything you have in your fridge and freezer. Pantry items can come on the move, but instead of buying new groceries for lunches or dinners, try to use everything that you currently have to save a bit of money that way.
4. Movers
Without a doubt one of the bigger moving budget items and the cost of which can be determined by so many factors. How far you’re moving, how much you’re taking with you and even the day of the week or time of year all play a part in what your quote will be.
Don’t pick the cheapest company you find – as tempting as that may be – because it doesn’t always come guaranteed with a stamp of top quality and/or dependability. Make sure with any companies you shortlist, you read their reviews, you ask for written estimates to compare, and you check if they offer a fixed rate. Find out if there’s a difference in price between days of the week or even times of the day.
If you’re able to move smaller items with a few trips, only organize movers to assist with big items like furniture or larger, heavy boxes.
Check to see if the company is licensed and insured. Beware of large down payments or deposits and ask about any extra surcharges that may come with moving into a house with an elevator or stairs or a high-traffic area with limited parking. Perhaps you need the movers to disassemble and or reassemble furniture items or appliance installation (although best to try and do this yourself for time and cost savings).
Always compile an ‘inventory’ list of everything you pack so you know at the other end if something went missing that it was packed and ticked off as the movers packed it. Labelling your boxes by number also lets you know which box didn’t arrive at its destination and what else was in the box. Another great tip is to write which room the box is going to in your new home, so that if the movers are moving these for you they know which room to put them in, saving you money shifting things around.
5. Shop Around
Just as you did with your moving company, take time to consider other factors when moving that could be beneficial and save you money.
Perhaps cancelling your current utilities and setting up a new account at your new residence could surprise you with a lower rate. Perhaps you could sell some of your larger furniture items that you’re not deeply connected with to then find pieces when you get to your new place at a lower price – think second hand stores or Facebook Marketplace. Perhaps family and friends might have some pieces you could have if they’re looking to downsize or buy something new.
Keep in mind that when you move into your new home, it’s not always necessary to fill each room or each space straight away, especially if you’re upsizing. Take your time when finding pieces, compare prices of items at different retailers (or online) or see if you can find the same item second hand that’s still in excellent condition, for half the price!
Whether this is your first home move or your fifth, there are always areas you can look to save dollars, but we promise that by setting up a budget or a guide of the things you know of and need will work in your favour during the rest of the process.
And if you’re ever in doubt or have questions, our team of expert REALTORS® are only a call away…
