Not many of us are lucky enough to move to a Beacon Hill condo or Beacon Hill apartment for free. For most of us, moving expenses add up fast, which can lead to unnecessary stress when money is tight. We understand some of you are college students moving into Beacon Hill come September, this is cost for your parents you’d like to minimize. Hopefully, the following tips will keep your spending in check and can help you move on a budget without compromising your sanity.
These moving tips will address some effective ways to move cheaply. Before you dive into these practical ways to save money, create a moving checklist that you can edit and trim as you continue to plan for your move.
Declutter and sell your excess stuff
Did you know that you can make money when moving? Start by gathering some unneeded items that are still valuable enough to sell. Consider if these items are worth the time, cost and headache to move. If not, sell them and pocket the cash for moving expenses.
Some decisions are easier than others, like selling the television set that no one uses anymore.
Once you’ve made a mental note of all the items you’re not going to be packing, it’s time to figure out how you’re going to get rid of these pieces and make the most money on them possible.
Donate bulky items you can’t sell.
Take what you can’t sell and donate it. Thrift shops are ideal for quick and effortless donating. Some shops even have drive-up garage access. You drive through the doors into an enclosed hallway, unload your items, and someone will be waiting there to give you a receipt.
In order for a donation to potentially save you money, request an itemized receipt, so you can write off the donation on your income taxes.
Reuse cheap or free packing materials.
Packing materials can be costly. Instead of buying an oversized roll of bubble wrap, try to use household items as packing material for household goods.
How to save money on packing supplies:
- Socks can be used to wrap glassware.
- Kitchen towels are a great way to separate plates.
- Leverage original packaging to transfer what originally came in them, or find a way to use these old boxes to protect finer goods.
- Avoid buying moving boxes altogether. Try sites like Craigslist to search for people who are willing to give them away.
Don’t overbuy for your new Beacon Hill condo or Apartment
This trick to moving on a budget is a mental one. You’re going to need to freeze spending, even when it’s tempting not want to spend. It’s easy to start clicking “Add to Cart” for everything you see on Wayfair, but reign in the emotional spending and hold that mouse. To stay on track, commit to a spending hiatus while in the middle of a move.
Remember:
- One way to save money while moving is to strive to buy only what you need at your new Boston Beacon Hill condo or Beacon Hill apartment.
- Resist mentally decorating your new Beacon Hill condo until you’re actually in it.
- It’s common to be more impulsive with spending in the short-term because you might start to visualize what you think you need in your Beacon Hill apartment
- The less you buy now, the more money you’ll save and the less you’ll have to move on moving date
Decide if you should spend money on movers.
Recruiting either friends or movers is always one of the most significant decisions you will make when moving the a Beacon Hill apartment on a budget. While you may be quick to bribe your friends with pizza and beer, it’s sometimes better to call the professionals.
Ask these questions before hiring movers:
- Are your friends capable of moving heavy furniture?
- How much do I have to move?
- Am I moving far away or relocating?
- How much money will I save by asking friends?
- Do I have any valuable furniture pieces to move?
- Do I have a piano, pool table or otherwise complicated pieces to move?
Movers come with a cost, but they can save you a lot of headaches with speediness and efficiency.
Don’t move during the busy season.
While this may be out of your control because of college or a job transfer, try to avoid moving during the peak season (May through September). Not only are off-season rates lower, but you will have an easier time scheduling the move.
