Unless you work for a company that’s paying for all your moving services, you are paying out of pocket for your move. Even though you know that moving will be the best option in the long run, you also know that it’s going to be expensive unless you can figure out how to move on a budget. Fortunately, there are some ways you can save money on a move so that you still have some money left over when you get to your new location.

Don’t Move Everything You Own

It’s natural for people to grow into their space, which means you probably have a lot more “stuff” than you really need. The more stuff you have to move, the more money you’re going to spend moving it. As such, it’s recommended that several months before you actually move, you start decluttering your life. Think about which of your belongings are actually worth the headache of moving them and get rid of all that aren’t. 

Getting rid of items doesn’t necessarily mean tossing them either. You can sell much of what you have, which can even expand your moving budget, or you can donate usable items to thrift stores or charities that help people less fortunate than yourself. Making the decisions about what to keep, sell, or donate can be difficult, but keep reminding yourself that if you rarely use something, it could be put to better use somewhere else. The bonus is if you get rid of it, you won’t have to move it.

Don’t Buy Packing Material

Packing materials like styrofoam peanuts and bubble wrap can get expensive, particularly if you’re using a lot of it. Instead, use other items in your house that also have to be moved as packing materials for fragile items. For example, socks make great glassware wrapping and towels are an excellent choice for wrapping plates, picture frames, and electronics. Consider using shirts, pants, and even (clean) underwear as cushioning materials for your more delicate items to cut down on your expenses.

As for boxes, yes, you can buy brand new boxes in which to pack your belongings, but why? Other people have moved and have those boxes available to donate. Websites like Craigslist and Nextdoor are perfect for finding people who have recently moved who have boxes they want to pass on. You can also request boxes on these sites if you’re not finding anyone offering them for free.

Don’t Buy Anything For Your New Place Until You’re Living There

Decorating and furnishing your new home is one of the joys of moving, but resist mentally decorating it until you’re actually living there. This will prevent you from buying a bunch of new furniture or decor that you’ll have to move from your current home to your new one. So, not only will you be saving money by not buying new stuff until you really need it, but you’ll also save on the expense of moving those items when you’re not going to be using them until you get to your new place anyway.

Conclusion

Moving doesn’t have to be super expensive if you’re careful about what you move, how you pack, and the new things you buy. If you pay attention to these factors, you can definitely stay within your moving budget.