Your house has sold, and you have a new home to move into. Check that off your list. But that’s only part of the moving process. You can save money on the move and have extra cash for new accessories to make this home your own. Plan ahead and take advantages of freebies offered when moving to a new home.
Cutting Costs While Moving
1. Cancel or renegotiate your cable bill
Don’t opt to “take your cable box with you.” Call to cancel. Most times you will be offered a favorable rate to stay with the service in your new home. Or, if you have a partner in the house, they can take a turn putting the service in their name and take advantage of new customer deals offered by many companies. Or forego cable altogether. It is quite expensive when there are less costly alternatives, such as internet streaming services available. You can still watch your favorite TV shows at a fraction of the cost.
2. Shop for used furniture on online
Need different furniture for the new house, such as a dresser, coffee table or a dining room table? Or do you just need to fill an empty corner? If you don’t mind an eclectic look, you may be able to find cheap or even free furniture on Craigslist, Offer Up, and LetGo. If you look diligently and respond right away when posted, you can find some real treasures at an incredible price.
3. Look for deals and save coupons
You can find coupons and free items online by typing “coupons for moving” into your browser. Cash in on the coupons the post office sends out for moving-related services when you change your address. You could realize up to $750 in coupons to help save you money in the weeks after your move. Another go-to is Retailmenot.com, a very reliable source to find coupons from thousands of businesses.
4. Use discount shops or Dollar stores for staples
These stores are great for cleaning supplies, cups and bowls, kitchen utensils, kitchen towels, and other items around the house. When moving in, you’ll likely need new stuff and the discount or dollar stores are a great place to start, offering inexpensive items you may need. Or just get a bag of these cheap essentials to have on hand before your fully unpack.
5. Settle with people that owe you money
Don’t move before making an effort to collect money owed to you, especially if moving out of town. The amount owed can help with moving expenses. Even if it seems insignificant, or it makes you feel uncomfortable, you won’t have to see the person for a while.
If you are unsure how to start the conversation, heck out these tips on how to ask someone to pay you back.
6. Exchange your coins
Change jars are heavy, and there’s no point in moving them. Make a trip to your bank and trade in your coins for cash, you’ll be glad for the extra dough to defray moving expenses.
7. Change your address as soon as possible
Set up a forwarding address with the post office as soon as possible by visiting USPS.comto set up mail forwarding (you can also do this in person at the post office). The site allows you to determine the exact date you want mail to start arriving at your new address.
8. Stay the night with friends or family
Check out friends or family you could stay with if you’re moving a long distance, to save money on a hotel room. Hotel costs add up quickly during relocation and may put you over budget. It’s also a wonderful way to spend time with people you care about. You may even save money enjoying a home-cooked meal with them.
On shorter moves, tap one of your trusted friends or family members to look after kids and pets while you deal with getting items from point “A” to point “B”.
9. Avoid eating at restaurants the days leading up to the move
As you pack up your house, you’ll find it is difficult to prepare meals in a half-packed kitchen. Don’t be tempted to eat out in the days prior to your move – your costs will add up fast. Some options that won’t cost as much is having inexpensive and easy-to-make foods, like pizza, rotisserie chicken or sandwiches. Clean up can be a breeze, too, if you use disposable plates and eating utensils.
10. Cancel unused subscriptions
Moving provides the perfect opportunity to cancel monthly subscriptions you won’t need anymore, like the local gym membership. However, there may be a gym franchise where you are moving, so be sure your membership will transfer with you before canceling. There may be newspapers or magazines that you don’t want anymore, as well.
Bonus savings for our clients
The best money saving tip of all? Sell or purchase a home with us! Our Homes and Lakeshore clients have access to our free moving van when relocating locally.
Lessen the financial burden of moving before, during, and after your move by considering these money saving tips. Whether you are moving across town or to another state, who doesn’t want to save a little on the journey?