Making Your Move Budget Friendly

Apart from causing undue stress all over the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has also greatly increased the cost of living today. In addition, supply shortages continue to drive up the price of goods. A report by BDO notes that the quality of life of many Canadians has substantially diminished as the pandemic continues and more debt accumulates. Because of this, many of today’s living expenses can cause great emotional and financial strain.

In order to have a satisfying and fuller life, it’s helpful to cut back on costs wherever and whenever possible. In this post, collaborator Stella Ronan shares the different costs involved in moving and how you can make this life event more wallet-friendly.

4 MOVING COSTS TO ADD TO YOUR BUDGET

Packing materials. These include items like packing tape, bubble wrap, and boxes. In addition, you also have to consider the items that can keep your belongings safe, such as bungee cords, furniture covers. If you’re not careful, these expenses can easily add up.
Moving services. These can greatly reduce the stress of your moving experience. However, you should be extremely careful when choosing a moving service, especially since you’re allowing them to handle all your valuables. To choose the right moving service company, Better Home and Gardens notes that you should research their reputation, ask for estimates, and ensure that they have a license.
Lodging, food, and gas. These are additional expenses that you shouldn’t forget to factor into your budget, especially if you’re making a long-distance move. Even if you’re paying someone else to transport your items, this should still be included in your budget. Be sure to map out your move in order to make hotel reservations in advance and calculate how much you might spend on gas and food. In addition, factor in lodging in case there is a delay taking possession of your new home due to renovations for example.
Emergency cash reserves. You should also include emergency cash in your budget in case your moving experience doesn’t go as smoothly as expected. While you can use your credit to pay for emergency situations such as a broken-down truck or lost belongings, you can avoid high-interest fees if you pull from your emergency funds.

HOW TO SAVE MONEY WHILE YOU MOVE

Schedule your move during the week. Weekends are generally peak times when people utilize moving services most, especially towards the end of the month. Many movers charge more during these busy times, so consider moving during the week to take advantage of reduced rates. Inquire about discounted rates on particular days through the week to optimize the most savings potential.
See if you can do it yourself. If you really want to cut back on the costs of moving, you should forgo hiring extra help when packing and loading your items. You can even go the extra mile by renting a moving truck instead of employing an entire moving service. Another cost-cutting measure is to save up boxes that arrive from online purchases. These can accumulate and reduce your need to pay a premium for moving boxes.
Check for discounts. When shopping for a moving service, don’t forget to ask if they give out discounts. For example, if you’re a member of the military who needs to relocate, you can get great deals from various moving companies. Some schools and companies also partner with moving companies to provide discounts to their students or employees.

When planning your move, be sure to keep in mind the advice and tips we’ve discussed above. For more home and real estate insights, be sure to check our blog regularly here on Bosley Real Estate.

Penned especially for bosleyrealestate.com, by Jennifer Birch