Moving to a new home can be quite hectic, but it doesn’t have to be expensive too. Between apartment hunting, gathering supplies, and physically moving to and furnishing your new place, there are plenty of ways you can cut costs. If you are considering moving to a new place, take a look at some of our money-saving tips.
Finding Your New Home
There are many ways to stick to your budget and keep your costs down when planning a big move. You may want to forego some of the traditional routes usually taken when searching for a new home. Make sure to explore all your options and work with what is best for you and your bank account.
•Shop Online: Don’t spend your days off work by venturing out looking for the perfect apartment. Instead, use that time wisely by shopping for your new home via the Internet. For instance, sites such as ForRent can help you find apartments to rent in New York and other major cities.
•Be Energy Smart: Most utility companies want you to pay for a full month of service ahead of time. When you plan your move, if you will not be transferring your utilities to your new place, make sure the electricity, water, gas, and telephone is cut off before you leave instead of paying for service when you aren’t there.
Getting Packed
For some, this is the most time-consuming and stressful part of moving. However, it doesn’t have to be expensive too. Here are a few ways to cut some costs when packing your belongings:
•Unclutter Your Life: Too many people pack unnecessary items when they move only to get rid of them when they realize they don’t fit into the new home. Save yourself time and money by selling unused goods ahead of time. Hold a garage sale or sell your items online through sites like OfferUp. Money raised can go toward purchasing new items for your next place.
•Free Packing Materials: You really don’t need to spend much money on packing materials. Collect boxes from friends, families, furniture shops, and warehouse or grocery stores. You may also want to check with local business offices that always get packages in the mail. Don’t forget to save newspapers to use as packing materials.
•Move in the Off Season: While moving your own belongings will save you some money, if you need to hire movers and your moving dates are flexible, consider moving in the off-season between September and May. The demand is lower and more movers are available.
Welcome to Your New Home
Whether this is your first home or your third one, there are some ways to save some money moving in so you won’t get behind on your bills or rent. Here are some ways to minimize those costs:
•Buy Cheaper or Second-Hand Furniture: You don’t have to break the bank when you purchase furniture for your new place. There are many types of discount stores that sell good quality, low-priced pieces, as well as thrift stores and estate sales. You can also keep an eye out for garage sales throughout the neighborhood.
•Cut Energy Use: Next to rent and car payments, your electricity bill can be your next biggest expense, especially if you use your air conditioning or heater often. However, you can reduce this cost with a few tricks. Invest in climate control curtains, switch to energy-efficient fluorescent light bulbs, and unplug any unused electronics or appliances when not in use.
•Purchase Rental Insurance: While you can save much money by not buying many items you really don’t need, renter’s insurance is not one of things. It offers liability insurance and covers your belongings if they are stolen or damaged in a disaster such as a fire. It can really save you money in the long run if you ever need it.
While moving can be a stressful and time-consuming process, it doesn’t have to be an expensive one. Follow these tips and you’ll be sure to minimize expenses before, during and after your next move.
Jennifer Thayer is a technology writer from Southern California who loves finding ways technology can make life easier. She enjoys sharing her tips and tricks with readers. Follow her on Twitter.