When you move into a new home, your budgeting doesn’t begin and end with the cost of your rent or mortgage. You must consider the price of moving all your belongings from one place to another, which may involve hiring a professional moving company.
If you are moving cross country, costs jump from several hundred dollars to several thousand. By taking the following steps, you can keep going even if finances are tight.
Wait Until Fall
Spring and summer are popular “moving seasons.” When fall and winter roll around, business opportunities tend to dry up for moving companies, so they cut back their prices to give themselves a competitive edge. For an added discount, avoid moving on weekends if you can.
Take Out a Loan
Your bank may offer unsecured moving loans. “Unsecured” means you don’t need to put down a deposit or collateral. However, your bank may only offer them if you have amazing credit. Another option is quick loans.
There are online services such as MaxLend which don’t take credit scores into consideration. All you need to qualify is proof you can afford the loan payments and to not be considering, or going through, bankruptcy. However, they often require you have a checking account that meets their requirements.
According to online MaxLend reviews, the service is quick, courteous and great for situations where time is of the essence.
Pack Thrifty
When it comes to packing supplies, recycle and repurpose what you can. If you have a friend or neighbor who recently moved, ask if they have any used or leftover boxes they’re willing to part with. If you have a backlog of padded mailers or disposable shopping bags, or an abundance of towels and tablecloths, those all can be used as packing material.
Think Outside the Box Truck
When you rent a moving pod or freight trailer, you often have to pack them yourself and secure your belongings so they don’t get jostled around or break in transit. However, they both may have a lower price tag than renting a moving truck and hiring a driver.
With a moving pod, you rent it for a flat fee, fill it, then call the company to pick it up for delivery to your new home. With a freight trailer, you’re often on the company’s schedule when it comes to packing your belongings, and are given a set time frame to work in. One trailer may hold the belongings of several customers, lending itself to mix-ups. A benefit is that, like moving pods, you pay the cost upfront and don’t have to deal with unexpected travel expenses.
Cut the Extra Fat
Don’t move cross country with stuff that you don’t want. Evaluate your belongings, and if you haven’t even looked at something in several years, it may be time to donate or sell it. Not only will you have less to move, but you may earn some extra cash to fund the transition.
Moving may seem overwhelming, but when it’s all over you’ll be glad for the transition and the new beginnings it brings.
