Cross-Country Moving On A Budget: Here’s How To
Moving is the absolute worst. No doubts here. But moving across the border may offer new shiny opportunities, and so we do it anyway.
Changing the old surroundings for new may seem less stressful than the move itself which is both tiresome and expensive. However there are ways to make it somewhat better. Use the following tips to navigate easily through the process.
1. Downsize
The hardest part of moving is trying to organize the sheer amount of stuff. Through the years we collect so many things which have little or no use and yet we keep them ‘just in case’. It is almost impossible to pack it all and not to mention the cost of all the weight/space the unnecessary stuff will cost you. Clearing out your household will make the move so much easier.
If possible, start early and do the decluttering in stages, otherwise you might lose the will to finish it.
You might even make some money by selling your belongings, but keep in mind that some items that you sell (and you actually need) you might need to buy again.
How about selling everything (luxuries excluded)? This might sound extreme but in some cases it may be the right step. Check your numbers to be sure but don’t forget that for some of us parting with our favorite sofa might be just a little bit too much.
2. Save money on packing
It is hard to put your whole life in a few boxes but this is exactly what you will have to do. However, what you don’t have to do is pay for them. There are different ways to acquire some for free: ask your local stores, your neighbors, or your friends who recently moved. If nothing else you can post your request on Facebook or reach out using Craigslist or Freecycle.
There are numerous ways to protect your belongings during the long travel. These include bubble wrap and newspapers, or their cheaper alternatives like clothes and towels. In addition to these, getting insurance might be a wise move.
Make sure you keep your valuables and necessities on you, as they can get lost or misplaced and also it is such a nag to rummage through the boxes to find your reading glasses.
3. Better rested than sorry
Before moving, check how far is it between your current destination and the new one. Cross-border moves take hours, or even days, so it might be smart to find a temporary place to stay. Exhaustion would make the whole process of moving even harder, thus taking a break might be a thing to do.
Of course if you’ve saved some flying miles, this might be the right time to use them. In this way, you can avoid traffic and unnecessary frustrations.
4. Lower your bills
In order to lower your bills, you might want to check the status of utilities in both your new and old home. Some of your services can be transferred to your new address, but some will have to be canceled. In both cases you will have to contact your service providers and ask for information.
Compare the dates when the services are scheduled to be billed to the day you move and cancel the ones you can. This will save you some additional money you might need for the move itself.
5. Do your own research
When moving on a budget, research is the key. Weigh out between the possibility of hiring professional movers and doing everything yourself. Each household is unique thus every move is unique as well. This means that you will have to do your own research. Take the following into consideration:
- moving vehicle – Do you have your own vehicle? Is it large enough? How much fuel will you need?
- movers – Can you move everything on your own? Do you have some friends who can help?
Though doing everything yourself might save you some money, hiring professionals like Sydney removalists, might save you time and equally important – save you from injury.
Another possibility is to combine, for example renting a truck but using your friends as movers. Write down your ideas and make sure you find out everything you need to know. Be patient and thorough.
In conclusion, when moving across the border on budget make sure you mind your expenses. Start the preparation for your move as early as possible by clearing out the unneeded items. You can save some money while packing by finding boxes for free or by using your clothes as wrapping material. If you have to travel for a long time, find a place to stay. Save some money by transferring or shutting down utilities in your old home. The most important part is to plan carefully and do your own research – as no two moves are alike.
