Moving can be exciting, especially if it is for a new job, to make room for a growing family, or to start adventures in a new place. But the move is accompanied by an abundance of expenses. When you add the cost of an actual transition to other expenses, such as a down payment or security deposit, this initial excitement can quickly decrease due to financial implications. Fortunately, the transition to the budget is possible with a little planning. There are simple ways to save money on a long distance move. Follow these helpful tips to create a relocation plan that will fit your budget.
So what are the easy ways to save money on a long distance move?
Get some money for your move by selling things that you no longer need
When you start packing, you will see that there are things that you are not using or that you do not need. Consider selling unwanted items that are in good condition. You can make some money by arranging a garage sale or delivering goods to a consignment store. And you will avoid moving items that you do not need. There are a number of sites where you can easily sell things without leaving your couch.
You can donate your unsold items and return the money later in the form of a tax deduction. Anything you can do from items you don’t use can help you cover some of your relocation costs. Finally, if you cannot sell your items, you can put them in some storage Florida offers, to reduce your shipping costs.
Choose the right movers
By hiring a moving company, you can get rid of the stress associated with the move. But how do you choose a company that performs work at a reasonable rate? The best way is to ask friends and family if they have any recommendations. Check out customer reviews and reports from the Better Business Bureau online. You should also receive written estimates from three different long distance moving companies Alabama and be wary of low estimates or companies that provide estimates by phone only.
Before you sign anything, we recommend asking about possible additional fees so that you don’t pay more than you expect. Moving companies sometimes charge for “additional services”, such as assembling and disassembling furniture, moving objects up and down the stairs, or moving basic appliances. Special prices may be available, so be sure to ask about promotions or, if necessary, a discount for military personnel or students.
Choose a more affordable time
The date you choose to move may affect prices. According to AMSA, the busiest are moves on weekends and at the end of the month. And the peak season of moving is in the summer. If you have some flexibility, you can get a lower rate by planning your move in the middle of the week, in the middle of the month, or outside of the peak season.
Do all or part of the move yourself
Perhaps one of the easiest and most obvious easy ways to save money on a long distance move is to do it yourself as much as possible. You do not need to take packing services if you do not want it. For relatively local relocations, you might consider renting a truck and transporting your belongings with the help of family and friends. Moving containers can be another money-saving option. The service brings you a moving container or box, and you load it with your things. And then the company will deliver it to your new home, which will save the cost of the moving crew.
Pack efficiently
Packaging can have a cost associated with this. Regardless of whether you hire the best long distance movers Georgia has to offer or do it yourself. If you charge packing and unpacking services, it may cost an additional $400 or more. You can cut costs by packing and unpacking yourself. Using things like towels or clothes for stuffing boxes instead of buying wrapping paper or foam will save you even more money.
Get free boxes
Do not pay for new boxes. Find neatly used boxes at a local store or from someone who offers them online. Just make sure they are clean and still in good shape. Warehouse clubs, liquor stores, and other stores are known for having boxes in the back room that you can take for free - if you ask. You can also search for moving boxes in Craigslist. Many people are happy to give their boxes for the move for free. If you have friends who work in retail, ask if they have access to the boxes.
Switch banks
It’s time to close your old bank account. When you move to a new state, you may find that there are no local branches or ATMs of your bank. The charge for using an offline ATM is usually around $3 each time you use an ATM. This can happen quickly if you regularly use cash. But if you switch to an online bank, you do not need to worry about finding a place near you or an ATM. Moreover, the commission of ATMs for participants of online banks is free - always.
Keep all receipts
The IRS allows you to deduct relocation expenses if you move for work. If so, keep all receipts related to your move so you can deduct them when the tax time comes. Keep in mind that you can only deduct expenses such as gasoline, truck rental, and hotel.
A little preparation will help you make your move more accessible. Follow these simple ways to save money on a long distance move to keep this move within moving budget. And you will even be able to enjoy your relocation.