Between packing boxes, hiring movers, dealing with security deposits, and a whole host of other things, there’s no doubt that moving can be stressful. This is even more true if you’re moving to another state. But moving to another state doesn’t have to be a full-on stressful experience and with some of the biggest money saving tips when moving to a different state, the whole thing can be a breeze.
Plan Ahead
So you’ve decided to move to another state; now what do you do? One of the biggest money saving tips when moving to a different state you can use is to plan ahead. The more proactive you are, the less stressed you’re going to be. Planning will make things easier and a lot more budget-friendly.
Before taking any physical steps to prepare for moving, make some checklists of things that need to be taken care of. You can make a checklist for what to pack and how to pack it. You can make a checklist of what needs to be done before you sell your current home. You can make a checklist of important documents you need to gather up and what documents you may need if you’re buying a new home. By planning ahead, you’ll be prepared and when you’re prepared you’ll be able to stay calm during the moving process and also save some money.
Get Everything Settled With Your Current Home
If you’re selling your home in preparation for a move to another state, you’ll want to get everything settled before moving day. By planning ahead and knowing all the necessary to-dos, you’ll be able to save yourself a lot of frustration. It also might mean letting some things go. If you had your heart set on a particular home renovation, but you didn’t get a chance to do it, let it go if you’re trying to sell your home. One of the biggest money saving tips when moving to a different state when selling your home is to get the help of a realtor. An experienced realtor can get your home ready for showing, get your home on the market and host open houses so potential buyers can take a look at it. The speed at which a home is sold can depend on a lot of factors, including location, time of year and price. But a realtor can take away the stress of trying to sell a home and let you focus your energy on moving.
Declutter
If you’ve ever had to move before, you probably looked at a packed closet full of your belongings and wonder just why the heck you have so much stuff. Perhaps you’ve looked at things like your furniture or your pool table and groaned at the thought of having to move those heavy items yet again.
One of the biggest money saving tips when moving to a different state is to throw things away. There’s no better scenario in life for determining what you do or don’t need than when it’s time to move. It allows you to really take stock of what’s important. Do you really need the stack of books you’ve been hanging on to? Do you need all the clothes hanging in your closet?
Think of a move to another state as a chance to start anew; a chance to ditch things that are attached to bad memories; and a chance to get rid of stuff you just don’t want or need anymore. It can also be the perfect time to start anew if you’re looking to get new mainstays for a home, such as furniture. For example, if you’ve got your heart set on Amish furniture for your new home, it’s a good time to ditch the old, tired furniture of your current home.
If you’re having a hard time figuring out what to keep and what to throw away, remember that life is about people and experiences, not things. So if you’re on the fence, it might be best to pitch items. If nothing else, you’ll have less to pack.
Shop Around as Your Plan
Even if you’ve moved a few times in your life, one of the biggest money saving tips when moving to a different state you can learn is to shop around. Just because an item or a service cost a certain amount when you moved a few years ago, doesn’t mean it’s going to be that same price now. By shopping around, you’ll alleviate your stress because you’ll be able to find some of the best deals.
Take the physical act of moving, for example. Usually, it involves doing it yourself or asking some friends to help you. But if you’re moving to a different state, you are likely going to want a moving company to help you. If you’re in the market for a moving company, look at comprehensive sites that offer lists of moving services or steps you should take to find the best moving service for your move. You can also take time to read online reviews to get a feel for a company’s reputation. Odds are you source a lot of everyday things online already, so don’t leave anything to chance when hiring movers.
Don’t Pay For Boxes
Another one of the biggest money saving tips when moving to a different state that you should heed is not paying for boxes. These can easily drive up the cost of moving and you can usually get them free. Many times, grocery stores can give you boxes if you ask, and you can ask friends and family to save boxes for you over time.
Be Creative
Most folks that end up moving don’t work for companies that will facilitate the move for them. But, if you need help with a move to another state, it doesn’t hurt to ask your new employer for help. If you’re moving a significant distance, the company may be able to help with costs like gas and accommodations. Don’t be afraid to ask, because the worst thing you’ll be told is No. But an employer might appreciate what you’re willing to do to work for that company, so they may be more than willing to help you out.
If you absolutely need to borrow money, look into credit card offers that have a 0 percent offer. That way you can spend what you need to spend and focus on the move rather than money. If you’ve helped your friends move in the past, now’s the time to cash in any favors. The more creative you can be, the more you might save and the less stressed you’ll be.
Another way to be creative is by thinking about location. If the state you’re moving to is close to the state you’re currently living in, like Florida to Georgia or Michigan to Indiana, you can rent a cargo trailer and haul your belongings yourself. If you can, it also helps if you’re moving during a nonpeak time for moving, such as during the winter months. If you’re moving and renting a UHaul or some other kind of trailer, you might find that a winter move (weather-permitting) is actually less stressful than a summer move.
Don’t Forget Utilities
It may not be at the top of your list, but another of the biggest money saving tips when moving to a different state is staying on top of your utilities. Knowing when to transfer your utilities can save you some money, as is setting up new accounts in your new home.
You need to think about when you’re moving and when utilities need to be turned off in the home you’re moving from. Once you’ve done that, look into turning utilities on in your new home. The last thing you want is to complete your move only to find that the water and lights have been shut off. By contacting a utility company and getting everything squared away, it will just be one less thing to worry about, especially if you’re moving during the colder months of the year.
While you’re getting your utilities set up, think about other setups too, especially internet and cable. If you’re moving across the country, you can contact a cable company in the area you’re moving to and have those things set up. That when you’re moved in and your custom AV system is hooked up with your TV, you’ll be able to watch your favorite shows right from the get-go.
Take Small Steps With Your New Home
If you and your family are moving to a new home, you may be very excited about your new adventure. But even if you’re trying to save money, some parts of your move are going to cost money. One of the biggest expenses will be your new home itself. One of the biggest money saving tips when moving to a different state for a new home is to start small. You and your family might have found the perfect home and have your eyes on all kinds of projects you want to do. But adding features like a home security system or contacting home improvement services to inquire about adding a patio, can be costly. As you settle into your new home, focus on paying off the expenses from moving and make a list of all the future projects you’d like to tackle.
There’s an old saying that Rome wasn’t built in a day. The same thing is true of your new home. Over time, you and your family will be able to make your home feel like a home. But all of your best laid plans aren’t going to happen overnight. Having patience and planning can save you a great deal of money after your move to another state and can keep you from feeling overwhelmed.
Get The Necessities For Your Home
While some of these biggest money saving tips when moving to a different state can be very helpful, one thing you absolutely should spend on is must-haves for your home. If you’re moving into a new home, you should absolutely buy good home owners insurance, and join your local homeowners association or HOA. If you live in a community with an HOA, being a member will give you access to amenities and is a good way to meet other members of the community.
During your move to another state, your goal is obviously to save money. But spending on the memberships and insurance policies that you really need is a must. You don’t want to be left in a bad spot or footing the bill for a costly repair after something unexpected happens because you didn’t want to spend the money on insurance.
Keep Things in Perspective
Armed with some of these biggest money saving tips when moving to a different state, your move can be a smooth one. By taking time to plan ahead and make checklists, you can ensure that nothing gets overlooked and you don’t feel overwhelmed. By taking time to declutter, you can easily eliminate belongings you no longer need, and you’ll have less to pack. By being creative with your move, you can potentially save money by renting a trailer, enlisting the help of friends and family, and save by not spending on packing boxes. Once you’re ready to move, find a reputable mover and set up utilities at your new abode. Remember that making a house a home takes time, so you don’t need to rush to take out home loans or find a custom home builder to do renovations. Take time to enjoy your new home and be proud of all that you accomplished during your move.
