This content has been reviewed by the National Van Lines Team
Families succeed or fail by the budgets they set for their move. Intrastate or interstate moves can be especially stressful on a budget. We’re here to tell you there’s nothing to fear. Long or short distance, your move can be managed with minimal stress, even on a budget. We’ve learned a few tricks of the trade during our 80+ years spent moving families across the United States and around the world.
1. Sell Some of Your Items
One of the best things that you can do for yourself and your finances while you’re moving is to get rid of items that you no longer want or need. The less you have to move, the less your move will cost you. Especially heavy or bulky items can add a lot of additional cost. Ask yourself about the quality of your larger items. Depending on their age, condition and weight, you might be better off selling them and buying something new when you reach your destination.
2. Get Quality Boxes
You might be tempted to seek out free boxes when moving on a budget, but you have to be aware that those boxes might not be sturdy enough for the objects you’re putting in them. If those boxes rip open, whatever is inside can become damaged, which can cost money. If you absolutely have to get free boxes, get them at office supply stores and bookstores, but keep in mind that they still might not be very strong. For long distance moves, brand new boxes are your best option for efficient budget moving. Consult moving companies in your area about the boxes and packing techniques they use. Professionals will be able to provide you with the best advice when it comes to quality boxes.
3. Transfer Your Utilities Early
Transfer your utilities as soon as possible so that you’ll be able to budget for any transfer or setup fees that you may have to pay. Call utility companies in your destination area to establish a time line. If you can ensure you have electricity and other basic necessities as soon as you move in, you can avoid days of take out while you wait for them to turn on the service. You should do the same with the utilities you are canceling. Call well beforehand so you can avoid having everything turned off before you are ready or kept on long after you’re gone.
4. Recover Your Full Deposit
If you’re renting your current residence, clean up as much and as thoroughly as you can so that you can get as much of your deposit back as possible. This step might take more time and effort than you like, but it’s sure to pay off in the end. Websites such as Pinterest are full of budget cleaning tips. Many have the added bonus of being green, which can be a great benefit if you have pets or children in your home. Make the extra effort to steam clean your carpets, if you have them. Your landlord will likely be happy to give your full deposit if everything remains sparkling, clean, and tidy.
5. Change Your Address
As soon as you know what your new address will be, change it so that all of your bills and mail will be sent directly to your new residence. If anything gets lost, you will want to avoid paying late fees if possible. Keep a list of all the organizations you called to change your address and keep track of what you see in the mail. With this organization in place, you will be able to catch bills that mistakenly went to your old address and redirect them before their due date passes. Some of the businesses and organizations to notify your change of address may include:
- Utilities: electricity, gas, water, telephone, internet, cable or satellite, domestic waste collection
- Government institutions: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Social Security Administration, Health Insurance Companies
- Financial organizations: banks, credit card companies, lenders
- Insurance companies
- Registrar of Voters Office
- Health providers: family doctor, physician, dentist, veterinarian
- Other service providers: lawyer, accountant, school, daycare center, delivery service, cleaning service
- Your employer/workplace
- Clubs
For more professional tips on moving on a budget, get in touch with your friends here at National Van Lines by calling 877-590-2810.
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