Moving out can be costly, especially when combined with furnishing costs for your new home. Therefore, it is crucial that you save up enough money in advance to cover expenses like moving services, truck rental fees and any other necessary moving-related fees.
Packing materials can be expensive. Instead, consider asking friends and family members for spare boxes, or use household items like socks and kitchen towels to cushion fragile glassware during transport.
1. Donate or Sell
Donating unwanted clothing, toys and magazines that you no longer read to charity can save money on your move. Also, donating furniture and homewares reduces how much they cost to transport.
Opting to utilize friends and family to assist with packing, garage sale-ing, painting or babysitting/pet sitting tasks that nearly anyone can complete can lower costs significantly.
Finding cable deals may also help reduce costs before moving out, which is crucial if you want to create an effective budget for your new place. By finding ways to limit spending even once you have set a solid budget, costly mistakes in the future can be avoided by making wiser purchasing choices, like opting for reusable packing supplies.
2. Rent a Storage Unit
Renting a storage unit can help save you money when moving out, especially if you have too much stuff that won’t fit in your new apartment or house.
Before renting a storage facility, it’s essential to compare pricing and costs and ask about climate control costs; this will ensure your possessions stay at a constant temperature and can help avoid mold or mildew growth.
Storage units provide college students moving out of dorms or off-campus apartments an economical and hassle-free option to transporting items back home during summer and gap years, or between semesters if possible. Their month-to-month leases and affordable rates make this an excellent solution.
3. Go Through Your Pantry and Freezer
Are you an avid bargain shopper who never lets their food expire? A pantry challenge could help save both money and get organized by helping you use what is already there before replenishing them with more.
Start by throwing away anything expired or moldy from your pantry and freezer, before reviewing what else remains. If there are too many leftovers before your move, donate it to local food banks or dispose of it altogether.
Once you’ve gone through your pantry and freezer, compile a list of everything in both. When shopping at grocery stores, try shopping your pantry first before spending any money on new groceries.
4. Get Rid of Heavy Cheap Furniture
Even if you really adore that cedar chest from your grandmother or that rickety old couch, they may not be worth moving at a considerable cost. One way to save money during a move is to get rid of items you no longer require in your new place of residence.
As you make your way through each room of your belongings, use the KonMari method of organization for helping to ensure you keep only items that spark joy. Also ask yourself whether an item may become essential later; if not, consider selling it off or giving it away.
Donate furniture instead of throwing it out; donate it to a local charity or non-profit organization and save yourself both money on moving costs while helping someone in need and decreasing waste. This way, both you and the environment win!
5. Find New Customer Deals on Your Cable
Many cable providers provide new customer deals that can save you money when moving out. Make sure you do your research before signing a contract; comparison shopping may save money by bundling services like cable TV and internet to save even more. Negotiate with your provider for better terms; if they refuse, switch providers.
6. Find Cheap or Free Furniture
Moving out takes money, so if you’re on a tight budget but in search of cheap furniture, try shopping your local thrift stores. Most offer items at reduced or even free prices; plus they provide opportunities to recycle items you no longer want or can’t afford at full retail cost.
Visit garage sales, yard sales and estate sales to find cheap or free furniture – they are usually held by people looking to rid themselves of unwanted pieces in order to make room for something new. Also consider searching Facebook Marketplace or local “buy and sell” groups as great sources for furniture bargains.
Financial planning before moving out can be helpful; renting can be expensive. An emergency fund that covers multiple months of rent and living expenses should be created before moving out.
7. Change Your Address
Moving out for the first time can be an exciting milestone in a young adult’s life, marking an opportunity to gain independence and freedom – yet also an expensive endeavor! Rent is only one expense associated with moving out; utilities, food supplies and insurance will likely add further expenses.
Budget for moving expenses as part of living on your own and make sure to notify USPS and other agencies early so you do not continue receiving mail at your parents’ house.
If you are rooming with friends, create a roommate agreement before moving out which outlines expectations and responsibilities – this can save both parties money! Also if carrying debt is an issue for you, consider paying it off before moving out; your life will likely become simpler with lower debt-to-income ratio.
8. Ask for Reimbursement
Many companies provide relocation packages that cover the expenses associated with moving. This may include rental bonds, storage fees and furniture & homewares (appliances, bed linen, towels & crockery).
Make sure that any damage done to your old property by you has been covered by your company. Also make sure that any outstanding debts have been settled with anyone owing money before moving. This will make saving easier and give your new budget a headstart. Learning to save as a young adult may seem intimidating at first, but with dedication and discipline it can become manageable in your new apartment or flat. With these 10 tips you will remain comfortable yet in charge of your finances when living independently.
9. Rent a Moving Truck
Moving can be expensive; especially when renting a truck. But there are ways you can reduce expenses when renting one for your move. Here are a few strategies to consider in order to find an economical truck rental option.
Make sure to rent the appropriate size truck when renting one – anything too small will incur extra gas expenses while anything too large will waste money through extra space and unused assets.
Make sure to book your truck rental early; prices can fluctuate based on demand; typically renting before summer can be cheaper. Also make sure your rental returns on time to avoid additional fees.
10. Hire a Moving Company
Saving money when moving out may require hiring a moving company; just compare prices before making your decision. Furthermore, try planning your move during off-peak season rates which generally span from May through August when companies tend to charge higher rates for services rendered.
If possible, aim to schedule your move between October and April; you will likely find cheaper moving companies during this period as they will also likely be less busy with moves.
Packing your own items can also save money during a move. Starting five weeks prior, start packing any non-essentials that you no longer use regularly; find free boxes on Craigslist or in recycling bins behind stores; this way, your time and money are both saved while saving time and effort!