5 Top Tips for Saving Money on Your Move

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We don’t need to tell you that moving is an expensive process. But we’re happy to inform you that it doesn’t need to be as pricey as it may seem from the outset. If you follow these top five tips to save money on your move, you’ll be able to relocate without emptying your bank account.

1. Make a budget and stick to it

First of all, before you relocate, you need to make sure to create a realistic budget. This should include everything from the cost of a professional mover to the home improvement costs to small details like the checks at restaurants when you inevitably need to eat out. Having a good idea of how much you’re going to need to spend and noting how much you actually do drop will be the best way to stick to your preconceived notion and not spending with reckless abandon.

2 .Check the fine print

Being able to make a realistic budget hinges on first understanding how much your move will really cost. This means that you need to ask your moving company up front if there could be extra fees incurred during the move that aren’t initially apparent when you sign the contract. (Note that reputable companies will tell you about this kind of thing at the beginning, so there are no surprises.) Finding a trustworthy moving company is the biggest part of this tip.

3. Get creative on packing supplies

Next, keep in mind that you don’t need to buy the moving company’s boxes, packing paper and bubble wrap to have a successful move. There are lots of creative ways you can get packing materials for free in the community. First, check with family and friends who have recently moved and may not need their boxes and materials. You can also ask local supermarkets and even McDonald’s, as both would have sturdy cardboard boxes you could likely use for free. In terms of packing materials, you can substitute clean socks and sweaters for packing paper while loading breakables.

4. De-clutter before getting out the boxes

Before you start the move, you’ll want to go through your stuff to see if there’s any stuff you have that you won’t use at the new place. If so, donate it! It’ll save you money in that you won’t need to pay to move stuff that you’re not using, and it will also help your community.

5. Know when to write it off

Lastly, keep in mind that there are some moving expenses that you’ll get to write off on your taxes. Consult IRS Publication 521 to check what you can write off, and remember to take detailed notes of your expenses. Additionally, snap photos of items before you donate them, and attach a depreciated value with a receipt from the charity to which you’ve given it.

This is a guest post by Alyssa Howard. Alyssa Howard is a writer for Moveboxer.com. Moveboxer makes moving easier. Moveboxer matches people up with reputable movers, provides a utility cancellation tool, helps people change their address, and connects people with mortgage, storage, boxes, supplies, and car transport.