Turning a New Page: 8 Tips for Saving Money When Relocating to Another Area

Relocating to another area doesn’t have to overwhelm you. It’s your turn to call on your friends for help, and it’s an opportunity to bring the family into the necessary decisions.

Having a certain economic stability should always be your priority, since it is very complicated to do anything if you see that your bank account is low and you do not know if you are going to be able to make ends meet.

Being in a tight budget forces you to make bad decisions, and that is the worst thing you can do while moving.

Ideally, when you change cities, do it with work, or knowing that you will find something quickly. If not, try at least to have some good savings that allow you to live without stress the days you need to get a job.

The size of your savings will determine your risk tolerance: there are people who when they see that the money that has cost them so much to save is disappearing they get very nervous and cannot think of anything else, while others feel comfortable (and even motivated) by living on the edge.

But there are ways of reducing the out-of-pocket expense. If you can do that, you relieve some more stress. Relocating to take a new job, moving to be closer to the grand kids, or just looking for opting for a change of lifestyle, you want to manage the expenses. As US News says, “Putting forth a little extra effort in the months leading up to a move can save you a ton of money when you’re packing up your belongings.”

8 tips for saving money when relocating:

1. Move it or trash it! If you reduce the load, you reduce the cost. Moving is a great chance to get rid of things with no value or priority. You can designate things for the trash bin, the recycling center, or the local charity. And, if you can sell things in a yard sale or on internet platforms, you’ll wind up with some pocket money.

• Forage for supplies! If you check, you’ll find moving supplies in house. You may have markers, tape, and labels on hand. Your neighbors may have packing boxes left over from their moves. And, you can find most of what you need in bubble wrap, foam peanuts, and other packing supplies at OfficeMax, Staples, Kinko’s, or other locations. While you still may have to purchase some packing supplies, the more you can find on your own, the better.

• Make it seasonal! You can’t always get what you want, but if the choice is yours, the months between October and April can offer some bargains. Moving companies are less in demand during those months, so they are open to lower costs or negotiation.

• Shop Craigslist! You’re not the only one on the move, so you’ll find much of what you need online. You’ll find boxes and supplies there, but you may also find people willing to take the work off your hands, drivers for a rental truck, or muscle for moving your household goods.

• Do-it-yourself! Depending on the size and distance of your move, you may prefer to do-it-yourself. Most folks can load an apartment full of furniture on a rented truck. But the moving professionals at Matco point out while you might save money, you increase the risk of damage by packing, moving, and unpacking on your own.

• Optimize your utility rates! Utility companies have specific billing cycles. You want your move to take advantage of them. Either coordinate the move with the cycle date, shut the service for a few days in advance, or determine a prorated charge.

• Make things right! Most people want to leave their residence in good shape for the next resident. If making things right means making repairs, you should opt for DIY fixes for the things you can manage.

• Ship what you can! Many millennials live out of their backpacks. If you don’t have much to move or have decided not to move your furniture and appliances, you can ship a lot by USPS or UPS at lower rates than professional movers.

Your takeaway?

Everyone’s move is different. If you can handle everything including the stressors on your own, you can save some money. But Monster.com recommends, “Hire a reputable moving company.” You must know what you want, do your research, and compare your options to turn your new page.