Buying a new home or moving into a new place is exciting, but moving generally is not. Here are a few tips to make your next move a bit simpler and more affordable.
1. Get Free Moving Boxes
Buying enough boxes to pack up an entire house can add up quickly. Next time you’re planning a move, call around to local grocery stores first and ask to pick up their shipment boxes. In Austin, Trader Joes and HEB are both generally willing to set any sturdy boxes aside for you for free.
Facebook Marketplace is another good resource, as many people who have just moved want to get rid of their own moving boxes and offer them (usually free) to the first person who picks them up.
2. Play ‘Keep or Toss’ Before Packing
The simplest way to slim down a move is to purge any unwanted or unused belongings as you pack up your current place, rather than waiting to do it at your new home.
Start packing earlier than you need to and donate any items that you don’t think you’ll use in your new space. You’ll save money on boxes and movers, plus have less unpacking to do!
3. Get Truck Rental Discounts
If you’re planning to rent a U-Haul or moving truck for your move, wait until after you’ve filled out a change of address with USPS online. They’ll typically give you a variety of moving-related coupons to download and often times a truck rental discount is included.
4. Hire Haulers vs Full-Service Movers to Save Money
There are dozens of ways to conduct a move. From DIY to full-service movers who bring boxes, pack, haul, and unpack, you’ve got options.
If you have the time to box everything yourself and prefer to unpack your own belongings, save several hundred dollars by hiring day-of movers to get everything from point A to point B. Services like Bellhops or Two Men and a Truck will provide vehicles and labor to do all the heavy lifting for you.
5. Schedule Repairs in an Empty Home
Some repairs are easier to have done with nothing in the house. Before you bring all your belongings into a new place, consider the practicality of having essential repairs done first.
Things like sealing the grout on floor tiles and in bathrooms, getting window treatments installed, or having the home professionally cleaned are worth considering before filling your new place with boxes.
I’d love to be your resource on all things real estate, so please contact me any time!