Moving to a new place can be an exciting adventure but often comes with a hefty price tag.
From hiring movers to fixing up the place you are moving into, the costs can add up in a hurry. But don’t let a tight budget rain on your relocation parade! With some savvy planning and creative thinking, you can master the art of frugality. The key? Getting scrappy and thinking outside the box. This could include utilizing all of your resources and raiding your home for things like towels and blankets to protect your belongings. Using suitcases to transport as much stuff as possible and even roping in your social circle, plying them full of pizza and enlisting them to help you throughout your move! So, are you ready to move without breaking the bank? Keep reading for our top tips on having a smooth, affordable relocation from the get-go.
DIY Transportation Solutions: Making the Most of Self-Driving Vehicle Rentals
James McNally, Managing Director of Self Drive Vehicle Hire
“When it comes to moving on a budget, getting your belongings from point A to point B can be one of the biggest expenses (not to mention headaches). Professional movers and truck rentals will put a serious dent in your wallet. But what if you could be your own moving crew for a fraction of the cost? Enter self-driving vehicle rentals! With a little DIY spirit, you can transport all your worldly possessions by yourself – and save a nice chunk of change in the process. The first step is sizing up your load. Take stock of how much you actually need to move. This might involve being more ruthless than you usually are and purging anything you don’t absolutely need. The less stuff you have to transport, the smaller (and cheaper) the rental truck you’ll require. Even if you need a larger truck to move more things, fewer items will mean fewer trips and, therefore, even further savings. Also, avoid defaulting to the biggest option the rental company offers. Aside from the fact that you might need a specific license to drive something of that size, you may find it too challenging to actually drive. In most cases, it’s best to contact a vehicle rental company and discuss what you are doing with them so that they can assist you in getting the right car or truck for the type of move you are attempting.”
Flooring Considerations: Cost-Effective Options for Your New Space
Yarl Christie, Managing Director and Founder of Stories Flooring
“Before closing on the new home of your dreams, you likely spent some time looking around and imagining what you might do to spruce the place up once you have finally moved in. Once you have arrived at your new abode and taken some time to unpack your essentials, it’s probably the best time to turn that empty canvas into a true home sweet home. And few things can transform a space quite like new flooring. Just bear in mind that it is best to avoid unpacking in the rooms that you will first refloor. Once that floor is complete, you can move around to each room, reflooring then unpacking as you go for the most efficient use of time. But replacing floors can get pricey fast if you’re not careful, and this is all about saving money when possible. The first thing to consider is what rooms need new floors most urgently. Prioritize high-traffic areas like the living room, kitchen, and hallways. Bedrooms and closets can potentially wait. This allows you to start with a smaller square footage and spread out the cost over time.
Regarding materials, you will want to take a look at options like laminate and vinyl, which are total budget hereos. They have an uncanny ability to mimic pricier materials like hardwood but at a fraction of the cost…and the icing on the cake is that they tend to be far easier to maintain and take care of. When it comes to bathrooms or laundry rooms, i.e., areas that experience a lot of moisture, you can explore luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), which are waterproof and insanely easy to install yourself. Speaking of which, you can save even more by putting in a little sweat equity. Many laminates and LVTs use click-lock installation that doesn’t require adhesives or nailing. As long as you have at least a modicum of DIY ability, you can definitely handle laying new flooring yourself instead of paying labor costs. It only takes a little ingenuity and elbow grease to completely refloor an entire home without spending a fortune.”
Streamlining Cleaning Costs: Affordable House Cleaning Strategies
Ryan Knoll, Owner of Tidy Casa
“After all the hassle of actually moving, the last thing you want to do is spend hours scrubbing and scouring your new place from top to bottom. However, this is something that is probably going to need to happen at some point. Hiring professional cleaners can be a serious budget-buster, especially if you’re already watching your pennies from the initial relocation costs. The biggest money-saver? Good, old-fashioned hard work! However, to avoid spending too much time on what can often be a tedious task, you can break it down into chunks, such as different rooms on different days, etc. If the thought of cleaning windows, blinds, and baseboards makes you break out in hives, consider going halfsies with a pro service. Some companies will let you pick and choose which rooms or tasks you want done. Focus their efforts on the really tough, time-consuming jobs like scrubbing tile floors or deep-cleaning ovens and bathrooms. Then, you can handle the lighter stuff on your own. With a little creativity and willingness to get those hands dirty (you have to eventually), you can make sure your new home sparkles without blowing your budget.”
Selling Your Home: Maximizing Returns Through Strategic Moves
Doug Van Soest, Cofounder of SoCal Home Buyers
“Selling your current home is obviously a crucial part of any relocation game plan. But between staging, repairs, agent fees (although they seem to be going the way of the dodo in the US soon), and more, those costs can seriously cut into your profits. To avoid losing out and maximizing the amount you receive from a sale, you need to think strategically. First up, let’s talk about staging. You don’t need to hire an overpriced pro or rent a bunch of fancy furniture. Keep it simple by decluttering ruthlessly, then rearranging your existing pieces to showcase the natural flow and best features of each room. A fresh coat of neutral paint can also work wonders for a minimal cash layout. Once it’s photo-ready and those offers start rolling in, don’t be afraid to get your negotiation game on strong! A few key counteroffer tactics can help squeeze out top dollar with minimal effort. Things like asking buyers to cover closing costs, negotiating repair credits, or even offering a home warranty can be a great way to affordably sweeten the deal without slashing your sale price.”
There you have it—all the tips you need to pull off an affordable move without going broke in the process. From opting to move your things yourself to staging your exciting home to maximize sale price, a little bit of hustle can go a long way in keeping relocation costs down. Armed with these money-saving strategies, you’ve got everything you need to have a smooth, affordable transition into your next chapter.