When we found out we were moving, our first instinct was to figure out what we were going to do with all of our stuff. We weren't sure how to cope with the amount of belongings that we had, so we started looking around for a storage facility in the new city that could help. After a brief search, we were able to find a facility that really worked well for what we needed. They were fantastic to work with, and we loved being able to have a spot where we could stash things. I wanted to create a new website dedicated to setting up a new home, so you know what you are up against.
Moving long distance requires a lot of planning and prep. Any move that is more than across town, even if it is only a few hours away, can feel like a long-distance move. As you plan for your move, there are steps you can take to reduce the money required for your move, even if you are working with one of your local moving companies.
#1 Save Up Packing Supplies
Start savings up and collecting packaging supplies. Still get the newspaper? Save them up for wrapping items in. Save all the packing materials you get in any items you have ordered and shipped to your home. Ask your friends for old newspapers and packing materials you can use.
Also, gather up some boxes. Buying enough boxes to pack your entire home can be expensive, so see where you can collect boxes. Pretty much any business is going to deal with lots of boxes, so ask a business owner you know or visit a business you frequent to see if they could save some boxes for you. Just make sure that you pick the boxes up at the agreed upon time; boxes take up a lot of space, especially if the business usually throws them out right away.
#2 Get Rid of Items You No Longer Use
You are going to want to go through your house in two rounds. In the first round, you want to focus on getting rid of items you can't remember the last time you have used or that have outgrown their functional use. For example, if you have not used that exercise equipment you bought three years ago, it goes as does that winter coat you have not worn in two years and those cooking books you never read or even open.
If you are looking to reduce costs, consider trying to sell these items online or taking them to a consignment shop if appropriate. If you donate the items, be sure to get a written receipt so you can deduct this expense at tax time.
#3 Get Rid of Items That Will Not Work in Your New Home
In the second round of going through your home, focus on getting rid of items that will not work in your new home or you don't want to take to your new home. Only have a breakfast nook in your new home? Get rid of your dining room table. Downsizing from three bedrooms to two bedrooms? Get rid of an entire bedroom of furniture.
This is where you can get rid of really big items that will take up space and cost you money to move. There is no point in moving furniture you don't want or can't use in your new home. Sell it through a local online listing and make some extra cash.
Now, don't just purge to purse; it can be expensive to replace things you really need. Selling or donating items you don't need can be useful and will allow you to make some extra cash to use to finance your move.
Share2 April 2019
