We all know how stressful moving can be. Not only do you have to go through every item in your home, but the cost of moving can put a strain on your wallet. While many people know about the large costs — like paying movers or renting a moving van, there is also a range of smaller expenses — from gasoline to packing supplies — that can add up as well. Here are seven tips to help you move on a budget.

 

1. Create a Moving Budget

One of the first things you should do is create a moving budget. A moving budget could help your move go much more smoothly and ensure your moving expenses don’t start spiraling out of control. To create an efficient moving budget, you'll want to plan ahead and do your research. Things to budget for include:

• Packing supplies
• Moving truck
• Professional movers
• Gasoline
• Food
• Hotels (if moving a far distance)
• Time off of work (potential lost income)

 

2. Declutter Your Home

Start with decluttering your home before you move. This will cut down on how many things you’ll end up having to transport when the moving day comes. Take time to go through each room in your house. Create piles of items you plan on keeping, donating, selling, or tossing. This will help you stay organized. Going through this process with each room will allow you to spend less time packing items you no longer need or want and help lessen your packing supplies expense.  

 

3. Sell or Donate Unwanted Items

Offset some of your moving costs by hosting a garage sale to raise money. If you have unused or unwanted items in your house, you might want to think about donating them or putting them up for sale before you pack them away. There are also many online options for selling your items if you don’t want to go through the hassle of a garage sale. Check your local neighborhood swap and shop sites or even social media platforms for these online marketplaces.

And even though you won’t make any immediate money by donating your items, you’ll save on moving costs because you’ll have fewer items to pack and move. Plus, you might be able to claim a charitable deduction on your taxes (so be sure to save your donation receipts!).

 

4. Ask for Help

Ask your family and friends to help you pack and move smaller items. You could utilize a moving company for the bigger things, like your furniture or mattresses, and then use your own vehicle or even rent a smaller moving truck to move the other items and boxes. 

Be sure to request a quote from multiple moving companies, particularly for fees associated with moving complex items, like a piano, for instance. Do your research and make sure the moving company you choose has a good reputation before you hire them. You won’t be saving much money if they break your things or overcharge you.

 

5. Pack in Advance Whatever You Can

You can save time by packing things you know you won’t be needing during your move, such as:

• Extra clothing
• Kitchenware
• Electronics

When you pack items like these ahead of time, it will help you create an easier move for yourself and enable you to keep your focus and energy on larger items like appliances and furniture on your moving day. Be sure fragile items, such as glasses, are adequately protected with bubble wrap or newspaper. 

 

6. Shop for the Proper Insurance Coverage

You'll want to shop for homeowners or renter’s insurance that will help you save more money while you keep your personal belongings covered under a dependable, affordable policy. Check out policy requirements, limits, and premiums before signing up.

 

7. Decorate After You Move in

Wait until after you move in to buy items to decorate your new home. You’ll want to see how everything fits before taking on that expense. Once you move in, you can gradually add new furniture and decorations. Both moving and furnishing a new place at the same time can quickly drain your finances.

 

We’re Here to Help!

It’s easy for moving costs to add up quickly. However, the more you strategically plan your move, the better off you’ll be financially. The credit union has many options to help save for the expense of moving including, Payroll Deduction and Savings Accounts.

Please email us at members@agfed.org or give us a call at 202-479-2270 for more information on these products and services.