We’re in real estate and even we can agree that one of the most unpleasant time periods for our clients is the physical act of moving. Let’s face it, moving can be expensive. We’ve put together a list of ways to not only help you move out efficiently but also cheaper!
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Declutter, sell, and donate
Prior to moving take the time to declutter every room in your home. Make decluttering quicker by placing items in keep versus donate piles. You could even make some money by selling some gently used items on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Poshmark, or a yard sale. If you simply want to get rid of the items there are options like local reuzit shops and giving items away to friends and family. Ridding yourself of unwanted items means not moving and storing unwanted items – less time packing and less money on packing supplies.
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Create a budget
Hiring professional movers for local moves can range from $800 to $2,500, and out-of-state moves will range from $2,200 to $5,700. Renting a moving truck and loading it yourself with the help of friends and family would be a cheaper option, but if you can afford to hire professional movers it will bring you more peace of mind. Do your research, check references and read reviews. Make the most educated decision you can make.
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Get creative with your packing material
One of the worst things is unpacking and finding broken items. So packing items appropriately is important. Boxes, packing paper, packing tape, packing peanuts, and bubble wrap can add up in your moving budget. Local grocery stores will sometime give their boxes away for free. You can also make posts to your social media accounts asking for moving boxes. Cut moving costs by using blankets, towels, linens, and clothing to wrap delicate items, and newspaper or shopping bags to substitute packing paper.
Regardless of the material you use to pack, make sure everything is wrapped as best as possible so that your items arrive in one piece.
Substitutions to consider:
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Socks can be used to wrap glassware
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Kitchen towels are a great way to separate plates
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Leverage original packaging to transfer what originally came in them
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Pack what you can in advance
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Don’t overbuy for your new home
We know, we know, you are envisioning your new life in your new home and you’re excited to fill it up with all new things. It may be really tough, but show restraint and freeze your spending. The “add to cart” is way too easy to click on Amazon! Try these recommendations below to keep your budget on track.
Remember:
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Buy only what you need for your new home.
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Resist envisioning how you would decorate your new space.
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The less you buy now, the more money you’ll save and the less you’ll have to move on moving on the big day.
Once you get into your new space and “live” in it you will be able to make plans based on your budget for adding new items to make your new home – your home! Sometimes until we live in a space we don’t truly know how it will flow and our preferences may change.
We hope you found value in these tips. Drop a comment below if you have any questions, comments, or tips you may have found that make moving easier.
