Friday 1 August 2008

Furniture Removals On a Limited Budget

Tips on How to Move Cheap

If you're moving, you're probably about to go through a local or interstate furniture removal process. Of course there are always options when it comes to moving, and back loading is one of them. But whether you are trying to seek help with financing, packing, or just moving in general, the following article may be able to relieve any type of stress you may be experiencing.

Moving is always a challenge. There are so many financial mishaps we have to watch out for in the process of moving. But, moving while simultaneously watching your budget doesn’t mean you have to have a sub-par moving experience. Instead, plan in advance so that you’ll have researched plenty of money-saving options. These tips that follow are intended to help you have a smooth transition to a new home while maintaining a full wallet.

Start Early and Save Money

The phrase “time is money” is very true. The earlier you start planning, the more you’ll save. Map out how much money you’ll be willing to spend for your budget and try your best to stick to it. If you have to move by plane, then reserve your flight and hotel rooms as soon as possible because that’s when you’ll get the cheapest bargains. If you plan to move by car, map out a route that will accommodate your budget considering expenditures such as gas, tolls, food, and hotel stays.

Very often, people forget to consider the following moving expenses: home repairs, rental costs, pet care, storage costs, and monetary tips for professional movers. Record all expenditures you make for the sake of your moving process so that you will have an accurate tabulation at the end. Don’t forget to save all receipts. A good chunk of moving costs are tax deductible, so maintain your files and then hand it over to your accountant who will be able to distinguish which is and which is not tax deductible.

To Hire or Not to Hire

One of the first decisions is whether to opt for professional movers, obtaining a moving truck rental, or to seek a self-service moving company. If you don’t want to operate a truck, consider the self-service moving companies because they are much more budget-friendly than professional movers. No matter what option you go by, always keep track of how many charges the moving will cost you so you can obtain as accurate of tabulation as possible. Stay cautious when given extremely cheap estimates and always review references before making an actual hire (for movers).

On to Packing

The next step is to gather all your possessions as soon as you can. Unless an item deserves special attention from professionals (i.e. a baby grand piano), do the packing yourself. Always be on the lookout for supplies you’ll need such as boxes, newspaper, tape, trash bags, and scissors. People list these items for cheap in local newsletter ads or your neighbors might have some available as well. Wrap all your delicates (i.e. ceramic dishes) in your blankets and towels rather than paying for bubble wrap.

If you don’t feel like you want certain items anymore, have a garage sale. As long as you plan things in advance and use free advertising venues, you should be able to sell off a lot of things. It also saves you and your movers the effort. If you do not feel like having a garage sale, consider packing up the unwanted goods as a donation to a local charity.

Finally, involve your friends and family in the moving process. The more hands, the better because you won’t need to hire nearly as many movers and you will very likely have people willing to act as babysitters or pet sitters. Reward your helpers with plenty of fueling snack items throughout the moving day and plan a good, home-cooked meal at the end of the process as a thank you present.

Being resourceful with your money involves good planning and some creativity. Please utilize these tips to make your moving experience a pleasant one. This will map out your start at your new home to be a positive beginning.