Are you currently moving to a new city? Moving to a new city is not an easy endeavor. Not only are you leaving family and friends behind, but it’s also not cheap. From travel expenses to hiring a reputable moving company, the list goes on and on. What if I told you it doesn’t have to be so hard? With millions of people moving every year there has to be a better way. Well, I am here to tell you there are many ways to move to a new city on a budget. Saving money should be a top priority when adjusting to a new setting. You don’t know what might happen, and god forbid that it does.
Setting Realistic Financial Goals
The first step to a low-budget moving experience is setting a realistic budget. It’s going to be a lot harder to save money in cities that have higher living expenses. However, I’m going to tell you right now that it’s not impossible. You need to make sure to evaluate your current financial situation. By doing so, you will have a better understanding of where you stand and can adjust your budget accordingly. Also, this will allow you to identify areas where you can cut costs. Food, rent, and leisure are the many expenses you can cut. You don’t need to rent the nicest house on the block, and you don’t need to eat out every day. Limiting these expenses will most definitely help you move on a budget.
Decluttering for an Affordable Move
People don’t realize the amount of items they have until it’s time to move. You’re talking about items they haven’t seen for ages. What if we decided to throw those old unused items away? Downsizing and decluttering will be an essential step to a low-budget move. You don’t need half the stuff you think you do. Many minimalists are completely content where they stand. More is not always better. It would be wise to take all of your unused items and take them to a donation center. As the saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Please keep in mind donation centers can be picky due to the high amount of items they receive daily. Therefore, you may have to sell your unused items online. Maybe even dispose of those items at a waste yard.
Cost-Saving Strategies for Hiring a Moving Company
Hiring a professional moving company can be the most costly expense you have while moving to a new city. Depending on the time of year, you may have to plan in advance. Moving companies are in high demand in the summer. Therefore, the cost of hiring a reputable moving company will increase. Not only will it be more expensive, but harder to get a moving company with an available schedule. Compare quotes from a variety of moving companies to insure you lock in a competitive rate. Another option to consider is to move during the winter months. The moving season is really slow during this time of year. Moving companies may be more willing to give you a discounted rate.
Taking Control & Move it yourself
Even though it will be a lot more difficult, you may decide to move yourself. This may not be an option for everyone, but an option nonetheless. You can rent a moving truck or van at your local Uhual and do everything yourself. This may add a lot more stress to your plate. You will need a lot of time and maybe some help from family and friends. You will need to pack all of your items into boxes. Then you will need meticulously load all of your items on the rental truck. This option will save you hundreds if not thousands on your move, but is it worth it? Well, we’ll let you decide for yourself
Sustainable Transportation Alternatives
Imagine your driving your vehicle downtown. You stop somewhere to park, and then — you come to realize there’s no parking. After spending over 20 minutes looking, you finally find paid parking. You leave and come back after a long day of shopping to see a $200 dollar parking ticket. Like most people, this is something you may have experienced. What if I told you there’s a better way? Owning and operating a vehicle in the united states is not cheap. Insurance, maintenance, and gas will eat up your budget in no time. Americans spend on average $11,000 a year on vehicles alone. What if we opted to take the bus? Or even better, rode a bike around the city. Healthy and cheap, what more can you ask for? Some may argue that there isn’t anything as convenient as driving a daily vehicle. I beg to differ. You don’t need to drive everywhere. Sometimes making sacrifices are essential to a financially stable lifestyle.
Maximizing Savings on Utilities and Entertainment
Small things will make a big difference. This especially applies to budgeting when traveling to a new city. With this in mind, I think it’s time to start making cuts in your utility expenses. One could stop using so much water or electricity. You don’t need to take two showers a day or keep the light on all night. You only need to take a shower 3 times a week to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Don’t take a bath but instead shower as this will save you up to 60% on your utility bill every month. Now, most people need internet and cable for entertainment. Always do your research on the most affordable options available to you. And now remember, don’t forget to cut back on unneeded subscriptions as this will most definitely hinder your efforts.
Embracing Change in Your New City
When moving to a new city on a budget, there are big and small changes anyone can do. From taking fewer showers to even going as extreme as riding a bike every day. I encourage everyone to make the necessary changes to match your budget. Not only will it challenge you, but most importantly, it will save you money. However, don’t let saving money get in the way of having fun in your new city. Just like anything else in life, it’s all about balance. You are excited about starting a new chapter in your life, and you shouldn’t let anything get in the way of this.
