Moving house can be an exciting time of new beginnings but it can also be a stressful and costly exercise, so it’s important to save money where you can, especially if you have just depleted your savings by buying your own home.
Whichever way you look at it, moving and settling into your new home is a big undertaking and, with so many payments going out in the run-up to move day, your bank account is going to take a bit of a battering, which will only add to the stress factor.
There are a multitude of costs to cover when you're moving house and they can quickly add up if one isn’t careful, however, with advance planning and a little creativity, many of these expenses can be significantly reduced and you'll also avoid unexpected bills which could break the bank as well as drive stress levels to breaking point.
To this end, planning is the most critical step because it’s when we’re rushing and under pressure, that we are likely to spend more money than we would have otherwise.
It’s also important to start planning as soon as your move is confirmed, even if it’s still months away, as this will not only save you money and alleviate a lot of the pressure, it will also enable you to better circumvent potential pitfalls.
Do your homework: Get at least three quotes from removal companies and make sure they all include the same services. Select companies that offer fixed estimates and be wary of a quote That’s much lower than the others as they could be leaving out a critical element which you’ll end up paying for later.
Negotiate a deal and be flexible in return: Most people move on weekends and at the end of a month so moving companies will often agree to a discounted rate if you move mid-week or mid-month. Also bear in mind that moving costs tend to rise during major holiday periods like Christmas, so try and avoid these key dates if you can.
Declutter before you pack: Working around clutter is not only frustrating, it often leads to packing everything in sight which will cost more in transport costs and if you're moving to a smaller home you will end up paying for storage or living in an even more cluttered space.
Take only what you need: Moving home is the best time to get rid of what you no longer use and it can also reduce your outlay even further by adding to the moving kitty as many items are saleable.
Creative packing: Start gathering boxes from local supermarkets a few weeks before your move and check community social media pages for boxes offered by people who have recently moved. And, instead of buying reams of packing paper, your linens, sheets, and towels can be used to wrap and protect items like mirrors, ornaments and paintings.
Plan for your pets: Pets are often traumatised by the disruption in their worlds when packing gets to the final stages and move day is especially stressful for them and for you, If possible, arrange for a friend or family member to take them for a few days until after you’ve moved into your new home as kennelling will add additional costs.
Creative meal planning: In the final two weeks leading up to the move, make an inventory of all the food you have in your fridge, freezer and pantry and create an inventive meal plan to use up as much of it as you can and only stock up on essentials and perishables.
Pack linen, towels and toiletries separately and transport them in your car: Being able to take a shower and make up the beds without having to trawl through boxes will be more of a blessing than you can imagine
Pack a necessities box: A container stocked with basic necessities and emergency supplies that you can transport in your car on the day of the move will save you from having to buying things you already have and from the frustration of having to dig them out of packed boxes. Include items like headache tablets, chronic medication, snacks and bottled water, pet snacks and cell phone chargers.
Moving can be a large financial burden and taking the time to really consider all of your options will alleviate much of the stress on your pocket and your nerves. And the more time you give yourself to plan ahead, the more you’re likely to save.
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