Maintaining a reliable budget when involved in a move is no joke. There are a lot of factors to consider, and the last thing you want popping up when you’re already completely occupied with the logistics of your move is surprise
expenses derailing all your financial plans. Here are five tips to help you stay on budget and maybe even save a little extra along the way:
1. Do your homework on moving costs and supplies – this means research just what typical expenses your move may require, and look thoroughly at any companies you may be considering to help you in your move. Look at service
reviews and their rates, and tabulate which ones provide the best balance of both. Keep an eye out for hidden fees, or other
addition expenses (i.e. do they claim the first flight of stairs they will carry items down is free? How many steps do they count as a flight, then?)
2. Speaking of extra fees, make any apartment you are moving out of doesn’t include surprise fees such as for cleaning a vacated location.
3. Don’t forget to shut down all utilities and services you use at your home such as electricity, internet, etc. The last thing you need is an extra month of expenses you won’t be using.
4. Alternately, plan your move for as close to before your next typical payment day (either
for mortgage or rent) as possible. This can help you get the most out of your old home before heading to your new one.
5. Have a lot to transport? Consider having a garage sale first to offload some extra, unused items; this can both reduce what you’ll need to ship (helping reduce your transportation costs), and may even make you some extra
money, further improving your budget!