The relocation trend in America rises every year, especially now, during the Coronavirus pandemic. Since the move isn’t free, you might want to know how to save money to move and even put aside some cash for upcoming events. So, plan wisely your every step and don’t worry about the finances when the moving day comes.
Relocation costs depend on many factors, such as the distance to your new location, how many things you plan to move, if you need some extra services, or transport the car from state to state. Around 70% of the entire relocation costs go on actual moving expenses. That means you can save that 30% for some other things when moving to a new home. But, to achieve that, you’ll still need to make minimal lifestyle changes. So, let’s find out what to do and how to reduce your expenses before the relocation day.
Relocation is one of the most stressful events in people’s lives, and one of the main reasons for it is the cost. Unfortunately, nothing comes for free, and you’ll have to pay for every service needed. However, there are things you can do to cut some losses and move efficiently without spending a fortune. So, if you’re asking yourself how much money should you save up before moving, the right answer would be to start planning your budget at least two months before relocation day. So, you can start small and put aside around $1,000 to $2,000. To handle the move and the right-after period, without any unwanted stress over expenses, save an amount equivalent to three to six months of living expenses.
The first thing you should do is make a relocation budget and start saving up for all services you might need. Time is key to every successful move because even if you plan every little step, you have to know that sometimes things don’t go as planned. However, you can make a relocation checklist that will keep you on track with all tasks you have to do.
Giving up on some habits you are used to can be a challenging task. However, if you don’t want to end up wondering what you did wrong and why you’re not financially able to handle a cross-country relocation, then you need to make some changes:
Once you set aside all items you won’t move, organize a garage sale. If you don’t have time for it, you can simply sell the unwanted things online. There are many Facebook groups, for example, that connect people wishing to sell stuff. It’s a great way not to spend all of your savings on the relocation process and go minimalistic.
It’s not the same as selling your stuff, but if you decide to donate some of your items to charity, not only you’ll do a good thing, but you’ll still get some money. On the other hand, there are some things you can’t sell and those that can’t be donated. Check with local charities or online on Goodwill what you can give away and do the maths. In the video below, you can learn not to donate everything after the decluttering process. Watch it to catch some valuable tips and hacks.
The main thing to remember and avoid relocation stress is to know that there will be some things you forget when relocating. However, as mentioned before, with a complete checklist, the possibility of such a thing is minimal. One of the things that should be on your list is the packing supplies. It’s not enough to just put the items into boxes and let the professional crew load them into trucks. You first have to check which supplies, from boxes to tape, you can afford and then get them as much as possible. We all know that packing materials can be pretty costly. This whole process is tricky because you can never be sure how much these materials will cost, but you know that entirely new ones demand a more significant amount of cash. Luckily, there are alternatives, and with the best packing tips, you won’t need a ton of those materials. For example, you do not have to pack your clothes into boxes when trash bags can be quite handy for any soft material.
Now that you took care of your clothes, you should explore all other options on how to save money on moving. For some things, like glassware and similar breakables and delicate stuff, you need to have a sturdy box that will protect everything inside it. If you’re on a budget or you just do not feel like spending too much on new boxes, you can check online on Craigslist for free ones. You can look at your house for other materials and use all those socks, sheets, and blankets for wrapping up your stuff. It won’t cost you anything, but it will help you protect your precious things from breaking during transportation. Here are some tips on how to pack efficiently with these free supplies:
There are many things to do after moving, from changing your address and stopping mail for previous tenants to keeping your documents organized at home. However, first, you have to explore if it is more affordable to DIY or hire a professional cross-country relocation company to take care of your move. If you have enough time to deal with all the wrapping up and relocating your car to another state and still not make the most common relocation mistakes, then you can take your chances with DIY-ing. If you realize it’s something you can’t do on your own, do not waste your time and find a reliable long-distance moving company that has experience in both enclosed auto transport and as well open trailer options.
Finding trustworthy and experienced movers is easier said than done, we’re all aware of that. So, start your research on time and check reviews of the companies and ask for recommendations from your family and friends. And since you’re looking to put aside some cash, you need to check how much will each professional crew cost you. The great way to do that is to arrange an in-home estimate, and then you can easily compare the prices and choose what amount suits you best.
Suppose you’re unsure whether to transport your vehicle or not because the driving stress can be overwhelming. But not just that – since you’re looking for some options on saving cash for this relocation, you should consider shipping your four-wheeler. Why spend extra bucks on tickets for public transportation when you already have the possibility to drive?
The great news is that the reliable crew you hired for relocation services can also prepare your car for shipping. For those who can’t think of driving long distances, experienced movers will do that for you. The only thing you’ll have to do is to learn what things to keep in the car when relocating.
When relocating on a tight budget, then you’re looking for a cheaper way to ship your car, too. If you’re thinking that shipping your four-wheeler will cost you much more than not shipping it, you’re wrong. There were over 229 million registered drivers in the US in 2019, so it’s not surprising that you’re one of them and you’re thinking about taking your car with you. However, there are many reasons people ship their cars, be it work or because someone likes to explore new places. No matter the reasons, you should learn how to pack a vehicle when relocating, do the math on how much a car shipping costs, and adapt your relocation budget.
Whether you’ll choose the door-to-door option or terminal to terminal mostly depends on your needs. We say mostly because if you choose the first option, you have to ensure that movers can get to your doorstep and that your street isn’t too narrow. On the other hand, the terminal to terminal option is for those who can’t be there when the professional drivers come to your new destination.
When it comes to putting aside some cash for the whole relocation process, the main thing is to plan everything well. You can count every little expense, even how much you’ll tip movers. So, if you see at one point that your savings aren’t enough for, let’s say, extra wrapping up services, you can ask for help from your family and friends. That way, you’ll spend some quality moments with your loved ones, and you’ll finish some tasks you couldn’t do on your own.
When you decide where you will live, whether you’re relocating to a small house or a mansion, you should get rid of all items you don’t use or need anymore. Start with decluttering your entire home earlier, and you’ll see its benefits when the most tedious process of the relocation comes – the packing part. It may seem like an endless task because you have to check every room, storage, and even garage – especially if you’re not planning to relocate a motorcycle, then you probably have some tools you don’t need.
Even though it will take some time, do not worry. With everything planned, you will achieve everything, and plus, you’ll be able to put aside some cash too. If you have never moved before, or you, unfortunately, ran into moving scams, you should know that the more stuff you have, the higher the price will be. So, why paying extra bucks for an item you can’t really see in your new home?
It’s not uncommon that there’s a gap between the date you have to move out and the date when you should move into your future house. If you have this kind of challenge, you can rent a self-storage unit where you can temporarily store and keep your belongings. If you sometimes had a chance to learn how to protect the stuff in storage units, now’s the right moment to implement that knowledge.
Last but surely not least, avoid the pick relocation season. This means you shouldn’t move on weekends or in spring and summer. It’s understandable why these periods are the best for relocating, but if you want to skip all the stress and anxiety and wonder if your finances and savings are enough, then choose winter and someday between Monday and Thursday. This will keep all the negative thoughts away, and you’ll be able to have the best relocation experience ever on a budget.
