Moving can be expensive in a multitude of ways, so you need to plan ahead. The first step is finding the right place to work with your short-term cash flow and long-term budget. There are ways to earn and save money for the actual move as well.
Moving can be an exciting time: new beginnings, fresh starts, and a blank canvas in your new place. Moving can also be incredibly stressful, time-consuming, and, most importantly, expensive. The cost adds up quickly, from the large budgetary items, such as security deposits and moving trucks, to the small things, such as moving supplies.
If you are low on cash, that move can seem extra daunting. But don’t fret; whether you have spent months planning a move or are moving quickly, there are ways to find places that work for you and to save up some extra money to help fund the cost. Here are seven ways to save money and cut costs when moving.
Consider your income
Most finance experts agree your rent should be a third of your income. At a glance, the housing market can make it seem like that’s not feasible at times. Utilize rental property apps, ask friends and family if they know of anyone renting a place, or get in your car and drive around, looking to see if someone has a sign in their yard for a rental, such as a garage apartment or small unit, to find one within your budget. The properties are there, even if you have to search a little longer.
You can also utilize government rental programs that assist those looking for rental assistance. Search Section 8 housing options for available rentals in your area and see if you qualify. In some cases, these programs will waive your security deposit as well.
Find less commercial places
Rental properties that larger corporations run are more stringent with their rules for moving in: first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and a security deposit. Those three things can add up quickly, even if you’ve found a place on the lower end of your budget. Instead, look for places that don’t require putting down first and last, and maybe even a deposit. Some apartment complexes fold the deposit into rent instead of requiring it up front, making the amount much more palatable.
Rentals handled directly by individuals might still require a deposit, but some waive the first and last requirements if you have good references. Those garage apartments and smaller units mentioned above typically fall in this category.
Find a roommate
A roommate provides extra breathing room in your budget since this is someone with whom you can split the rent and utilities. If you find a roommate already in a place and just looking to sublet a room, you will likely be dealing directly with them and wouldn’t have to worry about putting the money down for the first and last month’s rent and deposit.
Time your move
Just like there is a holiday season, a summer season, and even a wedding season, there is also a moving season. It bookends summer when students are moving off and on campus and back in and when families plan their big moves to prevent disrupting their children’s schooling. Since there is a moving season, there is also a moving offseason. Everything is a bit cheaper during this time, such as moving truck rentals or movers. Complexes will often run specials during this time, waiving fees, deposits, and even weeks of rent. Identify the slow time for moving in your city, and try to time your move during that period if possible.
Have a yard sale
Moving makes you realize just how much stuff you have. It’s a great time to sift through everything, downsize, and update furniture. That can mean cleaning out your possessions or selling what you can. If you have the space, host a weekend yard sale, selling furniture and tchotchkes to your neighbors. If you don’t have the time or space to host a yard sale, list your items with online sale sites like Facebook Marketplace. Just remember to meet in neutral places and use precautions.
Pick up a side gig
Sometimes, you can pinch pennies as much as possible and cut corners and expenses, but it’s still not enough when saving up for a move. That is when it’s time to find a side gig for supplemental income. If you have a car, delivery services always look for drivers. You can sign up as a dog walker or tutor, or search for seasonal jobs. These side gigs aren’t typically long-term, giving you the freedom to save up the money you need and then move on.
Conduct your move yourself
When moving, getting caught up in the rent, deposits, new furniture, and more is easy. Then it comes time for the actual move, and the other costs sneak up on you, like a moving truck, packing supplies, and movers. Cut down on those costs as much as possible by handling these parts of the move yourself. Reuse packing materials you may already have, find things already around your house that can be used to put stuff in, and visit local convenience or wine stores and ask if you can take empty boxes off their hands.
If you don’t have a truck or access to one, you are still going to need some sort of vehicle to transport stuff. That means probably renting a moving vehicle. If your furniture allows, rent a van instead of a truck, as moving vans are more economical.
Conclusion
There are many moving parts when it comes to moving; if you’re low on cash, they can seem overwhelming. Minimize the stress by employing these seven tactics to find housing within your budget and make the move as easy on your wallet as possible.
