Moving to a new place can be very expensive. From the down payment on the new home, to the materials needed to move your belongings, it is very difficult to make moving affordable. Thankfully, there are some ways to make moving less of a financial burden.

1. Do the Moving Yourself

The best way to save money on moving is to do all of it yourself. While moving companies can be incredibly helpful, they are usually very expensive. So, when you are trying to save as much money as possible, rent a moving truck for a week or so, and do everything yourself. Recruit some friends and family members to help you load and unload your things from place to place in exchange for a nice dinner. Doing all of the moving yourself can save you thousands of dollars, so we highly recommend doing everything yourself if possible.

2. Use Free Boxes

While moving boxes are fairly inexpensive, their cost adds up when you are moving all of your belongings to a new place. The good news is, moving boxes usually hold up well if treated with care, making it possible to reuse them. There is a high probability you, your friends, your family, or your neighbors have moving boxes sitting around. Offer to take gently used boxes off of their hands so you can save some money. If you don’t know anyone with boxes on hand, check your area’s online marketplaces to see if anyone has some for sale. Reusing boxes is also a great way to recycle materials!

3. Sell Things You Don’t Use

If you have clothes, furniture, books, kitchenware, or other items you haven’t touched in over six months, consider selling them. The more you have to move, the more boxes you need to pack, and the more space you need on your moving truck. If you are able to get rid of anything, then do so through a garage sale or an online marketplace. This will help lighten your load and will put some extra cash in your pockets at moving time.

4. Purchase Used Furniture

When you move into your new place, you will likely need to purchase some new furniture. Considering furniture depreciates in value quickly, it is highly recommended that you purchase gently used furniture to save money. Be sure to check nearby garage sales and your local marketplaces to find used furniture for sale. With most online marketplaces, you can type in the furniture brand you would like, which makes it easy to find furniture you have been eyeing.

5. Set a Budget

Just like with most things, it is easy to spend too much when you don’t set a budget for moving. With that being said, you will want to set a reasonable budget for your moving expenses. Have your budget include the cost of transporting your belongings, the packing materials like boxes and tape, and the cost to purchase new furniture. We all know that with moving, unexpected things come up, so don’t be so hard on yourself if you go over budget. What is important is that you have a budget to shoot for, so you are more aware of what you are spending your money on.

We hope these tips help you save money on your move. For more financial advice and budgeting tips, feel free to contact one of our financial professionals today! We look forward to speaking with you.