Most of us have experienced our budgets going off the rails at some point or another in our lives. Overspending is something that most people fall victim to eventually – and that’s okay! However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be working hard to avoid it, especially during major life events like a move.
We all know that moving can be expensive, which is why it’s extra important to budget and pay close attention to how much you’re spending and where you might be able to save.
Keep reading for four saving tips for the next time you move house.
Plan Early
The saying goes, “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail”. Getting your ducks in a row ASAP is your best chance at a successful move. Start by creating a moving checklist and schedule which will not only save you time and eliminate stress but save you money too.
The earlier you start organizing things like a moving company and travel tickets, the better your chances are of getting lower prices. Getting everything sorted out early will also save you from last-minute disasters that could end up costing you more than necessary.
Ship Your Car
If you’re moving long-distance, the question of how to get your car to your new home will become a sticking point to deal with. While it might seem more expensive upfront, car shipping could save you money in the long term.
Road tripping extremely long distances will but major miles on your car and decrease its resale value. Not only this but the wear and tear will speed up any damage that needs to be sorted out and you might find yourself in need of a service sooner than expected. These can be pretty hefty expenses – not to mention all the gas and road trip snacks.
Do it Yourself
When it comes to moving, try to opt to do as much of the heavy lifting yourself. If you’re moving to a nearby neighborhood, skip the moving company and call in a few friends (hopefully someone with a pickup truck) to help you on moving day.
Sourcing your own packing materials will be cheaper too – you can easily find boxes for free at grocery stores and restaurants and the less you’re paying people for labor, the better.
Get Insurance
Many people haven’t even heard of moving insurance, but trust us when we say you need it. This is one of those expenses that might feel like a waste of money, but we all know that things can go wrong in the moving process. More often than not, things go missing and it’ll be up to you to replace them.
Moving insurance will have you covered for anything that gets lost or damaged on the road while it’s moving from one house to the next. Bite the bullet and pay the price – you’ll be grateful when you’re saved from having to buy an entire new refrigerator due to unforeseen circumstances.