Budgeting for a Move

When you are planning a move to a new home or apartment you are going to have to deal with the costs of the move. If you are on a tight budget you are going to have to figure out how you are going to pay for the move. The key to saving money on a move is to plan, budget, and find ways to reduce your moving expenses. Below is a list of tips on budgeting for a move:

Determine your Spending Amount: Before you start to plan the move you need to figure out how much you can actually afford to spend on your move. If your move is several months away you should start saving for the move now. For instance, you can create a moving account. It will make it a lot easier and less stressful if you have money set aside a few months in advance of the big moving day.

Create a Moving Budget: It is wise to create a moving budget which will include all of the costs associated with the move. If you are hiring a moving company, costs will include moving company fee, insurance, extra insurance for valuables, etc. If you are moving yourself, you have to consider such fees as: moving van/truck rental, mileage/gas, insurance, and extra equipment rental. As well, you will need to buy packing materials such as packing tape, boxes, packing labels, and bubble wrap. By creating a moving budget you will be able to compare the amount you have to spend on the move and the actual cost of the move. You will then be able to find ways to cut costs to meet your moving budget.

Ways to Save: Once you know how much you can afford to spend and the cost of the move you can find ways to save. The more you can do on your own the more you will save. For instance, it may be cheaper to do the move yourself instead of hiring a moving company. Often you can find better deals on truck or van rentals if you move mid month instead of at the end or beginning of the month. Also, acquire free boxes from a supermarket or other stores that throw away a lot of boxes. Start to pack at least two weeks in advance of the moving day,

Traveling to your New Home: If you are traveling a long distance to your new home you can save money by packing a lunch and beverages rather than dining in restaurants. Also, if possible, stay with friends or family instead of a hotel.

Without proper planning and creating a budget you can spend a fortune on moving to a new home or apartment. However, it does not have to be an expensive project when you implement a reasonable budget and stick to it. This includes finding ways to cut down on moving expenses. When you are prepared you will find the move much less stressful and much cheaper.


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Thousands of Canadians struggle with debt each and every year. For non-profit credit counselling and debt counselling resources and tips visit Consolidated Credit; teaching consumers how to budget, get out of debt, and use credit wisely.