Preparing a Moving Budget
No matter how you look at it –Moving it’s expensive. While you can’t move for free, chances are you can save quite a bit of money if you plan the move with time and are willing to make some changes and sacrifices in order to reduce costs.
The first thing to do to get you started is to prepare a moving budget. Write down your expected expenses, including the truck fee, items like cardboard boxes and bubble wrap, insurance, extra services such as packing, equipment rental and lodging (if you are driving the moving truck yourself and need to stop along the way).
Add to the list a breakdown of expenses connected to your first few days in your new location. Think of connection fees for utilities, new cell phone contract, small fixes in your new place (anything from bulbs to an extra set of keys) and even take out for the first few days, when your kitchen is still unpacked.
Next, discuss fees with the moving company and see if you can save money by doing some things yourself. For example, offer to buy your own moving supplies, including your own cardboard boxes, for cheaper prices. You might also save money by buying the most basic insurance. This is an especially good idea if you already have home insurance, as this will most likely cover your items during the move.
