Moving on a Budget

Whether you're relocating, downsizing, UPsizing or just looking for a change - the costs associated with moving can creep up on you. I've moved over ten times since I was a child. Over the years I've become pretty savvy at working with moving truck companies, preparing my "stuff" ahead of time and making the move a little less stressful and less costly. Read on to hear some tips on how to move on a budget.


Prepping

• Your local grocery and liquor stores have a weekly surplus of boxes they need to trash. Find out when they put them out and stop by each week to collect some (if you need them). Not only are they free, but you are doing the earth a favor by reusing instead of purchasing new boxes. If you have to buy new, be sure to purchase boxes made of recycled materials. 
• Stock up on garbage bags by buying in bulk. You will have several uses for them (trash, storage, donations)!
• Pick up some packing tape to seal boxes, but you can also fold them shut to seal them.
  
• When packing up - don't stow away blankets and pillows. They work as great padding for fragile or glass items, especially glass table tops.
• Buy masking or painters tape to label your bins or boxes. Not only can you use it for painting your new home, but it removes easily for relabeling.
• Sell your gently used furniture for extra moving cash on craigslist.
• Collect free newspapers for padding up your kitchen items when packing.
  

Packing 

• Take this opportunity to organize. Toss anything that is damaged, recycle or sell items you haven't used in over a year, and revisit your old clothes as possibly donation items. 
• After sorting your bins, consolidate and label them properly so they are easy to store. It's also great to indicate which room it belongs in, on the label (IE - Kitchen, Attic, Basement). 
• Help avoid mold and dust problems by keeping fabrics in airtight bins. You know those small white packets filled with what feels like rock salt that come in UPS packages? Hold on to them and toss them into your basement bins. They absorb moisture so your things don't get ruined.
• If you have valuables you are afraid of getting lost or broken, be sure to pack those in your personal vehicle. Or at least label them fragile/keepsakes.
  

Paying

• Be sure to quote several moving truck companies like UHaul, Budget, Enterprise, Penske, and Ryder. All of them will provide online quotes. You can either drop off and pick up from the same location, or if you're moving far - do a one-way trip.
• Before you sign up for insurance when you book the truck, check your major credit card benefits - you may be already covered. 
• If you are concerned with any overage charges, call up your bank beforehand and get a disposable visa card to purchase your truck rental online. They can't withdraw more from your account than you've put on the card.
  

The Move

• Unless you are someone who's time is worth more than the average Joe, I would recommend asking some good friends and family to help with the move instead of hiring movers to save on $$. You can bribe them with pizza and beer after or a house warming party. If your loved ones aren't local, be sure to do your homework on quoting and getting great references for movers.
• BE CAREFUL: Stretch your body and back probably before and after the move. Most people don't realize the muscles they use during a move and end up very sore (some injured)! If you're not careful - that could really cost you. Remember, lift with your legs, not your back.

After

• Don't be surprised if your friends give you a call when they move :)
• Break down all the boxes as you unpack them and place them in the recycle pile or ask your friends if anyone needs them for a move.
  
• Relax, unpack and enjoy your new home!