Moving On a Budget
The reality behind the decision to save money depends on whether you want the payoff now or later. Every decision either has an immediate payoff or a delayed payoff. If people don’t save now, they will be forced into “saving” at a later time by living on less money when they retire due to inflation and other instances that cause a reduction in salary. Moving can be costly, but there are ways to save money before the moving process, during the process and setting up the new place.
Before packing up and deciding what to take, throw a mutual housewarming party with others. The idea is that everyone brings items they don’t need or wish to trade and trade with others. Trading items is an excellent cost-efficient approach to introducing new items to the house. Making a game out of it is also fun. Use the white elephant gift exchange for extra fun. However, do not take items that will not be kept for the new place. It is pointless to keep an item only to discard it. It may offend friends and family if that item was given away as well.
The less that needs to be moved, the less money will be required for moving it. However, valuable items would cost more should they have to be bought again at a later time. Reduce the amount of things moved if they’re superfluous. Organize the current residence and reduce what is not needed. This will make the packing process all the more efficient. Pick up things before packing, such as custom packing tape, to avoid making multiple trips to get it in the future.
Load up a moving truck as efficient as possible to avoid getting a truck that’s too large. Check around between moving companies. Ask whether these companies do price-matching. Companies will sometimes reduce their rates to beat out the competition. There are special rates for people who are moving to a new place. By checking with the post office they may provide coupons for a few moving companies. Try to make just one trip to save on gasoline in the event the new place is far from the current one.
Decorate the new place as desired. Consider utilizing paint to update furniture and the walls. Used furniture and other décor can be obtained from a thrift store. Items can be repurposed as well. Save money for the move, and have fun in the process.
