Save Money when Moving to a New House or Apartment

Moving can be a hassle, not just because of the logistics involved, but also because of the expense. To save money when moving to a new apartment or home, it helps to get organized. Once you’ve made your Moving Checklist of items to be moved and tasks to be accomplished, you’ll be able to put together a plan to save time and money each step of the way. You’ll also be able to set a budget. The move will probably end up costing more than you expect, but a good budget can keep you on track and give you a good idea of your finances.

In addition to creating your Moving Checklist, here are some more money-saving tips for moving:

• Make a moving file to hold all the information you will need and collect along the way (furniture inventories, mover contact information, invoices, etc). In your file, make sure to include estimates on all large services (house cleaners, furniture movers, truck rentals, storage units) and additional fees.
• You can avoid some fees by doing simple things like packing everything yourself before the movers arrive. Borrow boxes from neighbors and friends, or ask your local moving store if you can return unused cardboard.
• Reserve your moving service ahead of time to avoid being overcharged for a last-minute move, particularly during peak seasons.
• Don’t rent a dumpster. Unless the property needs to be completely gutted, it’s often cheaper to rent or borrow a truck and drive your trash to the dump yourself.
• Draw a floor plan of your new property to determine what items you can fit, and what needs to be left behind or sold.
• Hold a garage sale to sell unwanted items. You’ll get rid of clutter, and you’ll appreciate the liquidity of the extra cash.
• Look into the cost of shipping things like books. Sometimes it’s cheaper to ship than to pay a moving service.
• Collect deposits while you are still in town, and get rid of any services charging a monthly fee that you will no longer be using after the move (ex: newspaper delivery).

Simplify your move by creating your Moving Checklist online with Rocket Lawyer-- it's fast and easy! You can also Find a Lawyer to help you with any of your legal needs.

Laws on this topic may vary from state to state. This content is not meant to provide you with complete information and it is not intended to be legal or tax advice. It is recommended that you consult with your own attorney, accountant or other advisor regarding your specific situation.