Moving can be frustrating. Nobody likes having to deal with packing, carrying heavy stuff, and having to adjust to a new setting. I’ve moved several times in the last few years and each time has been a learning experience of what to do and what not to do.
As I’ve learned from relocating to different places, in order for a move to go as smoothly as possible, you have to plan and budget it accordingly. While there is no need to go full type A and plan out every little detail, doing some preparation can be beneficial and save yourself from further frustration.
If just the thinking about the thought of moving gets you nervous, then it’s in your best interest to get your moving tasks in order. Your sanity, budget, and time will thank you.
Things always seem to get lost or forgotten in the process of relocating to a new place. The last few times I’ve moved, I’ve always had to spend way more than I anticipated on things like trash bins, cleaning supplies, unexpected fees, and other small things.
To make your move easier, give a few of these things a try.
1) Declutter
When you get settled into a place, things always seem to start to pile up. No matter how careful I’ve been, I’ve always amassed a few things in every place I have stayed in that I really didn’t care for.
It usually doesn’t make sense to bring every single thing you own with you in a move. There is bound to be a few things you can toss. While you’re in the process of packing, set stuff aside that you’re not sure about keeping. Revisit the stuff once you have packed up all your stuff.
Decide what is and isn’t worth to keep. Donate the rest. Give things to your local thrift store or Goodwill. Consider having a yard sale or selling some of the stuff on Craigslist in order to make some cash.
2) Stock up on Supplies
You do not have to buy moving boxes. They can an unnecessary expense for something you can otherwise get for free. Visit your local grocery store or liquor store to see if they have any boxes they can give away.
The last time I moved, I was able to get several boxes from my local grocery store, saving me money that I would have spent had I purchased boxes from a shipping supplies store. Some of the boxes I got where wine and alcohol boxes which had separators in them that were perfect for storing my fragile items.
Remember to add up the cost to purchase things like permanent markers, labels, bubble wrap, tape, and rope.
3) Decide How You Want to Move
Do you want to stuff everything in your car or rent a U-Haul in order to move everthing? I’ve done it both ways. Back when I was moving into my first apartment, I crammed everything I had into my little sedan. It worked out since I didn’t have much furniture to my name and gave away several things I didn’t want.
Decide if you’re going to pack everything in your vehicle, rent a U-Haul or hire professional movers. Consider the distance you’re moving, like if you’re going to be relocating to a different state or somewhere far away. While it can be cost-effective to go the do-it-yourself route, think about stuff like heavy furniture and the amount of time you have for the move.
4) Update Your Address Details
One of the most frustrating parts about moving is having to update your address details for everything including bills, insurance, bank, memberships, and subscriptions.
Updating your details for all of these can take time. Putting in a change of address via the post office can be easily done online in a few minutes. It’s quick, simple and ensures your mails get delivered to you.
5) Practice Good Money Management
Moving tends to make everything go down the drain, including your finances. Admittedly moving isn’t going to be easy on the wallet, but don’t let it make you abandon your money management during the process.
If you know well in advance that you will be moving, then start setting aside dedicated savings to help pay for moving costs. There are a lot of unexpected moving costs that can seem to come out of nowhere.
Paper towels, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies are often forgotten costs. Make sure you account for things like installation fees, utility deposits, pet fees, parking costs, and other expenses. While some of these costs are expected among frequent movers, they can sometimes be higher than anticipated.
Having dedicated savings for your move will help you. I’ve utilized financial tech resources in the past to help with my moves. Apps like Ebates and Ibotta help you earn cash back. Every little bit counts in helping to cover the cost of a move.
6) Meal Plan
Food spending can get out of hand when you’re moving. Packing up things like pots and pans usually means you’re left with the options of leftovers or take-out. Protect your wallet by planning out your meals and what you will eat in the days leading up to your move and for the first few days after your move.
While you don’t have to organize every last meal you will eat, it is good to at least know some simple recipes and foods you can eat. Moving is stressful, so naturally you’ll want to cave in and order take-out at some point. Allocate a set amount for food spending and try to stick to it as much as possible.
Know your weaknesses. If you have a feeling you will be ordering a lot of take-out, then budget for it so you don’t feel too bad.
7) Shop Small and Thrifty
You might have a tendency to buy the things when you move into a new place. Resist the urge and start small. Focus on the essentials first like a bed, table, and place to sit.
Get thrifty and browse your local thrift store or Craigslist to find things like furniture and kitchen appliances. There are some things I will always buy new like a mattress, but plenty of things can be bought secondhand. Doing so will help you save money on furnishing.
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There are many steps to moving, so it’s alway best to take the time to get yourself organized. Review all of the steps above so you’re not running around at the last minute to do everything. A little planning can go a long way and give you peace of mind.
What steps did you take when preparing to move? What things did you do to prepare for a move?
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All good tips Colin. We went with professional movers for the first time with our move last year. It really didn’t save us much time in the preparation to move, but it saved us a ton of time come moving day as they got it done much quicker and were able to quickly get things to specific rooms so it was well worth the cost. I’d also add doing a deep clean of your new place, if that hasn’t been done already. I’d much rather make it dirty on my own than to live in someone else’s dirt. ;-)
totally agree and point 1 is always a good choice:D