Moving on a Budget: What You Need to Know
Whether you’re moving in a short period of time or you have all the time in the world, moving can be expensive. For those on a tight budget, this means you need to find the best possible ways to save. Thankfully, you have plenty of options. From using storage facilities to finding free boxes to hiring a move out cleaning service, check out the best ways you can move on a budget.
Moving to a new city on a budget can be daunting, but with the right planning and research, it is possible to find affordable accommodation in vienna. Whether you’re looking for a room in a shared flat or an entire apartment, there are plenty of options available for those on a tight budget. With careful consideration of your needs and lifestyle, you can find the perfect place to call home without breaking the bank.
Plan Ahead
Moving can be less expensive when you have time to plan. If you are trying to move in a rush, you’ll find that you may not have time to find the best deals. If it’s possible, try to plan your move as much in advance as possible to save on overall costs.
Tackle your Belongings
Moving all your stuff is the most expensive part of moving, but there are many ways where you can save money on this task. First, you should go through your house and purge anything you don’t want or don’t need. The less you have to move, the less expensive it will be. Once you have narrowed it done, consider getting a storage facility instead of actual movers. These facilities typically cost less, and it allows you to keep your belongings in a safe place until you’re ready to bring them home. According to Livible, storage units in Portland, “Using storage facilities for an extended period of time is often more affordable and less stressful than paying a moving company to do it all quickly. Plus, storage facilities allow you to work on your own time instead of someone else’s schedule.”
Find Free Boxes
When moving your belongings, you’ll need to pack everything up. For some people, this means heading to the local home improvement store and buying moving boxes. While it seems like an easy task, it’s also quite expensive. Instead of spending money on boxes, consider finding free boxes.
- Ask around: Ask friends, family members, or neighbors if they have any boxes you can use for your move. You can even post this request on a local community board.
- Visit local businesses: Go to businesses that often get shipments in and ask if you can take their boxes off their hands. Some companies may re-use them, but others will be happy to hand them over.
- Go dumpster diving: Drive around the neighborhood on garbage day or visit your local recycling center and see if you can find boxes lying around for the taking. The money you save by doing this will be worth it.
Watch Your Utilities
Some utility companies are great about transferring your service to another location, but some still try to capitalize on the move by charging you set-up fees or not prorating your bill. If you find a company that is being ornery about your move, then try and make the system work for you. For instance, instead of paying for cable, you’re not using, don’t set up the install date until you’re actually in your new home. You may even want to terminate your cable early in the house you’re moving out of, especially if you won’t really have the time to use it. You’ll also want to shop around if you’re moving to a new area, as you may have more options available to you that will allow you to save money on your bill.
Consider Moving in the Off-Season
If you are renting trucks or using a moving company (which yes, can often be more cost-effective), you should consider moving in the off-season. While you likely don’t want to be shuffling through the snow to get into your new home, you’ll often find you get a deal on truck rentals or moving companies because their business is slower this time of year. If you’re not strapped to move during a certain time of the year, then try to aim your move date for when you can snag some great deals.
Write off Your Move
Did you know you can write your move off on your taxes? If you meet certain criteria, such as moving a specific distance, you may be able to deduct moving expenses and get some money back. Be sure to document every moving expense you encounter and save your receipts and invoices. When it comes time to file your taxes, either follow the directions on your tax software or bring your documentation to your accountant. While you’ll still need to pay for your moving expenses upfront, it’s nice to know you could get some money back in the end.
Moving can be stressful, but using these tips will help you save money during the process.
