Moving into a new home can be a very stressful and expensive adventure. Careful planning beforehand can help you save plenty of nerves, and money. Exploring all these options before you move will make your move much easier on you.
Free Moving Boxes
Yes there are plenty of free moving boxes available to be had. If you stop by your local retailer they are often willing to give away boxes to people for free – it saves them money from having to dispose of the cardboard. You can also save yourself boxes from items that you have shipped to you in the month or two before you move. If it comes down to it you can also get free boxes from the United States Postal Service. Although small the flat rate priority shipping boxes are free to pick up from almost any Post Office in the United States and they make great boxes for your possessions during a move. Free packaging material can be found in those auto and sales magazines that can be found for free at local stores.
Don’t Get a Moving Truck
So when you’re moving try and ask friends for help. Offer to pay for their gas and order some pizza for those who are willing to help you out. It’s a great thing to be able to save money and rely on friends at the same time – plus you will get a really good idea of who is truly your friend and who just pretends to be your friend.
If you have to get a moving truck when you change your address with the United States Postal Service the address change packet often has a bunch of coupons for moving vans and trucks as well as things to furnish your new home with.
Make a list of what you need
Make a list of the furniture, tools and anything else you will need for your new residence and start doing the shopping through sales guides before you start moving. If you are not rushed at the last minute to have to buy the furniture you need you will have much more time to find a sale or just a good deal on that couch you need so bad!
Also sometimes places like Goodwill, your local free cycle community or even your friends can help you get things you need at a steep discount and sometimes for free. So don’t be afraid to ask if friends know of someone that does not need something you do – it could help you save money on your move!
Make A Blueprint
Before you move in you should make a blueprint of how you want everything moved in once you have all your furniture and even your crap – yes everyone has crap. This will save you time looking at furniture that won’t fit or simply will not fit your needs. It will also save you money so you can get rid of things that won’t work with your new apartment, and you will be less likely to make those impulse buys that people often make when stressed out and rushed.
Prioritize What You Need
Yes, this is a big one. Prioritize the items you need in the importance of what you need. For example shower curtains, ways to make food, and a bed to sleep on are the most important priorities and then less important are a TV stand, fine pieces of art, etc. If you miss something of priority its often going to cost you a lot more money until you get it. For example possible water damage from a lack of shower curtain or being forced to order food or eat at restaurants because you do not have proper food storage or cooking items.
Make sure you have a few things to abide you time while at home as well. If you get bored your more likely to go out so make sure you have a TV, good book or something that will keep you occupied while all the utilities and furniture is moved into place.
Don’t Forget
Also do not forget it’s important to make sure that your new home is energy efficient. You can save a lot of money this way! Check all the weather stripping on windows and doors, make sure energy efficient lighting, heating, microwaves and heating is used. Also check to make sure any appliances, computers, TVs and radios that you bring into your apartment are energy star certified to save some extra money.
Remember saving money is just common sense. I’m sure that I did not cover it all on here so the best thing you can do is think and make smart decisions! Good luck on your move and I hope you enjoy your new home!