Moving is an exciting time, but it also comes with some new bills, including rent or a mortgage, utility hookups, and more. You can find affordable ways to move so that you have more cash to decorate your new space. David McCarthy Moving can help you move quickly and cut costs.

If you are moving on a budget, there are several ways to save money. Follow the tips below to effectively establish a moving budget and stick to it as closely as possible to ensure a smooth transition to a new home.

1. Make a Budget in Advance

Figure out how much you can afford and plan your move. Create checklists to ensure you do not overlook an expense. You can also find out if you qualify for any tax breaks or if your employer offers any assistance.

2. Sell or Donate Excess Possessions

Consider what is essential for you to have in your new space. Sell anything you no longer love or need. You will make some extra cash and avoid paying to transport those items.

A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is asking yourself how long ago you used certain items in your home. If you have not used an appliance, worn clothes or needed an object in your current residence in the past two years, you can probably part ways with these possessions before you move.

If you want to make extra cash before moving, you can start a yard sale to sell the possessions you no longer need. Yard sales attract locals of all ages, so you can part with items quickly to get back to packing. There are also online boards where you can post belongings for sale.

A fun alternative to getting rid of excess items in your house is to have a home unwarming party. Like the opposite of a housewarming party, you can invite family and friends over where they can take anything you no longer need rather than bringing gifts to spice up your new home. This event is an exciting spin on a moving tradition that can help remove things from your home while making lasting memories.

You can also donate the things you do not want to a local rescue mission, thrift store, salvation army, or hospital. Research any neighboring organizations that could benefit from extra clothes, blankets, or other necessities to give back to your community.

3. Avoid Moves During Moving Season

Deciding on your move date can influence how much you spend on moving costs. Moving during the summer or just before school starts is usually more expensive. Leasing for apartments also typically ends during this time. You can save money by moving during the winter or spring when there is less demand.

You can plan accordingly during the fall and winter to find a new home to move into at a cheaper cost. With this plan in mind, you have more time to pack the items you need while saving more altogether.

4. Find Free Boxes

During the packing process, you may notice that you need more boxes than you previously anticipated. While boxes only cost a few dollars, the price can add up as you begin packing.

To save as much on packing essentials, you can ask friends and social media followers for boxes. You can also often find free, clean cardboard boxes by asking at your workplace or at the stores where you shop. Getting free boxes can save you hundreds of dollars on packaging supplies.

Related: Packing Tips for Your Next Move: A Room-by-Room Checklist

5. Call Professional Movers

Moving on your own can be challenging. If you end up damaging furniture and items because you are not a professional mover, replacing those items can be costly. Driving a large rental truck with many blind spots and carrying large boxes in and out of the vehicle can put you at risk of injury.

Calling professional movers can be more affordable and safer. A quality moving company such as David McCarthy Moving provides you with quotes and works with various budgets.

Related: How Much Do Professional Movers Cost?

pack ahead of time

6. Pack Ahead of Time

Although the idea of packing can be nerve-racking, you can gain some peace of mind from packing early in the moving process to avoid stressing at the last minute. When you get your move-in date, we recommend packing as soon as possible. Start with the items you use the least amount of so you will not have to use them again once your store it away. The last items you should pack are clothing and other personal items you will need on the day of the move.

Packing ahead of time also gives you a better idea of how many things you are bringing to your new home. Keeping an inventory of items and appliances can grant you insight into what you may need to purchase for your house once you move in.

7. Reuse Packing Materials

If you enjoy online shopping, there are several benefits besides getting your items delivered to your door promptly. You can also reuse the boxes, packing peanuts, bubble wrap and tape that contain your online purchases. These materials are essential for saving money while packing.

In the months leading up to your move, remind household members to save all boxes and protective materials they receive in the mail to make the packing process more manageable and cheaper.

8. Plan Utility Bills Accordingly

Before moving into your new home, make sure that you transfer all of your utility bills to your new address. Most companies prefer that customers let them know their plans to move a week or more in advance to ensure the next billing cycle includes the services the new property will need so you can expect the correct information in the mail.

You can either call or look up online forms from your utility companies to successfully transfer all bills to your new address. This step grants you peace of mind, so you do not have to worry about getting everything in order after you have already moved into your home.

9. Use Storage Units When in a Time Crunch

In some circumstances, homeowners need to move out of their current residence by a specific date, but their next home is not ready for move-in. The time frame between move-in dates can be stressful without knowing where to store the items you packed for your new property. In these scenarios, a cheaper alternative for keeping your items packed and ready for moving is to use storage units.

You can contact professional movers to store your items in a secure, air-conditioned space to save money when packing for a move weeks or months away.

10. Avoid Buying Too Much for Your New Home

Packing too much for your new home can often lead to overspending on things you will not use. The excitement of moving can cause you to spend extra time shopping and going over your moving budget without realizing it.

To avoid overspending, pack the essentials you know you will need for your new home. These necessities can include kitchen appliances, furniture, bathroom items, and clothing. Think of what you use throughout your daily routine. If you already own things that can satisfy your everyday needs, make sure to pack these to put in your new home.

After moving in, you can take note of what you may need once you have unpacked. Waiting until you have completely moved in can help you avoid buying too much for your new home.

contact David McCarthy Moving for your next move

Contact David McCarthy Moving for Your Next Move

David McCarthy Moving, LLC is a fully licensed and insured company with over 30 years of experience moving households and businesses. We have been independently owned and operated and claim-free since 1996.

When you call us, you deal directly with our business owner. We take care to hire only vetted, professional moving employees, so we do not leave your belongings in the hands of daily staff. Contact us for a quote and more information about our services.

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