You are moving into a new place and the opportunity is exciting as well as nerve wracking! While you are thrilled to be going somewhere new to start a new chapter of your life, you are also worried about all of the work and expenses that go into a big move. Luckily, if you keep some helpful and essential tips in mind, you can reduce the cost and the amount of time invested in your move. Here are 5 easy and effective ways to save time and money when you move.
- First of all, you should never spend money on buying boxes! You can often buy these from U-haul, but it is not necessary! Instead go to your local recycling center where they have tons of used boxes on hand! Another great idea is to go to a local liquor or beer store. They often have tons on tons of used boxes which were used to ship products to the store. They are often willing and glad to give these boxes away to people who are moving so that they don’t have to get rid of them on their own!
- The easiest way to save on moving to take less stuff with you! Before moving from your current place, it is helpful to do a big binge of stuff you don’t need. Really consider what you have to take with you and what you truly never use anymore! Often it may be hard to part with things, but now is the time to move on a start fresh, so be honest with yourself and only take the essentials.
- Don’t overspend on bubble wrap and other packing supplies. Instead, try to use old newspapers or recyclables that will provide cushioning and protection just as well as the stuff they sell at the UPS store! You can also use bed linens, towels and other soft items that needs to be shipping anyways! This way they can serve double duty taking advantage of every box the best you can to optimize space! As a word of caution, most moving companies will not insure any boxes that you pack yourself, so if you choose DIY options, be sure to pack carefully. Also know that your homeowners insurance will often cover any damages as well so you should be all set, but it’s always good to double check!
- Make sure to keep a paper trail. You will want to keep copies of all your moving expenses by holding on to receipts of keeping a detailed log and record. If your move fits within certain criteria, you may actually be able to write off a portion of your moving expenses when you do your taxes and deduct come April. If your new job location is 50 miles farther from your former home, the IRS will also be able to reimburse you at tax season.
- Finally, if you have a lot of books, consider mailing them instead of using a moving service. The post office has a special rate for shipping “Media Mail” .This rate applies to book and magazines. They will likely take a long tie to ship, but if you aren’t in a hurry to have your books on hand, this can save you a significant amount of money so be sure to view website rates for the postal service nearest you.
While a big move can get quite expensive, if you take certain precautions and make smart decisions, you can save a ton of money and ensure an affordable, quick, smooth transition process from your former home to your new location!