*Making the trek to a new home out of state is thrilling but can rack up hefty costs in a short amount of time. From packing materials to how you decide to move your furniture, costs can sneak up on you when you least expect it.
Whether you’re moving for an exciting new career opportunity or are simply looking for a new place to develop some roots, moving doesn’t have to cost an arm or a leg (or the entirety of your savings account). With a savings-oriented strategy in place, relocating homeowners can maneuver around unnecessary moving expenses.
Ready to pocket some extra cash? Here are some tips to help you cut down on costs.
Opt for open-carrier transport over enclosed auto transport
Not everyone has the time to drive their vehicle across state lines, especially if you’re already planning on transporting the rest of your belongings by driving a moving van. Though necessary, shipping your car to its final destination can be one of the highest costs in your move out of state. The more you can cut down on the cost of auto transport, the more significant your overall savings will be.
Rather than shipping your car in a fully enclosed trailer, opt for open-carrier transport. Typically companies transport cars on open two-tiered trailers, which you’ve probably seen while driving on the interstate. Ultimately, open-carrier transport services, like those offered by this California car shipping company, are the most cost-effective way to get your car from point A to point B.
Take some tips from minimalism
Moving is the perfect opportunity to shed a few layers, literally and figuratively. When packing, get rid of any clothes, household items, and furniture that you no longer need or want. Selling these items can give you more cash to help with the move or explore your new home town. Downsizing your possessions will make packing and unpacking much more efficient, not to mention free up space in your moving van.
Find moving supplies for free
Don’t throw your hard-earned paycheck away on boxes and other moving supplies that are destined to be recycled once you arrive at your new home. Instead, embrace the spirit of thrift and see what packing essentials you already have or can get for free.
Local grocery stores and chains like Costco have an abundance of boxes that could be yours for free. All you have to do is ask. In the interest of savings and eco-friendliness, also ditch the bubble wrap. As fun as it may be to pop, you can always repurpose household items and use these donation-bin-bound belongings to pad your valuables. Use old clothes, blankets, newspapers, and magazines to prevent fragile items from getting scratched or broken in the move.
Take advantage of a relocation package
If you’re moving due to a work opportunity, see if your company is willing to negotiate a relocation package. Depending on what they’re ready to offer, a relocation package could offset some or all of your moving costs. Some of the expenses you can ask to be covered include travel expenses, shipping costs, temporary housing, and any costs associated with breaking your lease or selling your current home.
Lean on your friends
Eight hands are better than two, which is why you should recruit friends and family members to help you pack up your moving van. You’ll cut the cost of hiring an expensive moving company, and you’ll have help moving more oversized furniture items like mattresses, dressers, and bed frames. As a bonus, it’ll give you more time to spend with friends and celebrate your move before you leave. Order some pizzas for delivery and turn the event into a packing party.
Check your insurance coverage
You may feel tempted to purchase insurance coverage for your possessions with moving. After all, if an item like a bed frame or sofa gets damaged, replacing it can be costly. Comb through your home and auto insurance policies to see what your current plan covers. If you’re already covered, you can avoid the expense of a new and unnecessary insurance plan.
Final Takeaway
With how many different options there are when it comes to moving, there are plenty of ways for costs to sneak onto your bill. By choosing budget-friendly transportation options, utilizing free resources, enlisting help from friends, purging items you don’t need, and studying your insurance coverage, you can cut down on your moving costs in a pinch.
With these savings-first strategies, you wave goodbye to the strain on your wallet and say hello to your new hometown.
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