Moving on a Budget

Moving to Florida can be stressful and sometimes at a moment’s notice. When things are done on the fly, money can be frivolously spent even when there is none to spare. If you have two months or two days before moving, it’s always good to be prepared and plan so that you can approach moving on a budget. It can save you unnecessary expenses as well as unexpected costs. In order to make a budget for moving, you first have to realize what expenses are occurred during the move. Here are some easy ways to save on your move:

Move yourself. Let’s preface this by saying if you don’t have patience, get frustrated easily, are in a hurry, and have some wiggle room in your moving budget, hire professionals! They are well worth their weight in gold. Just do your research and check around to see who has great reviews, includes packing, and has insurance. Before you buy extra insurance, though, check with your credit card company to make sure you’re not already covered under their services. However, hiring professionals can be expensive, and since everyone doesn’t save up just in case they have to move one day, packing your own stuff, cramming your car to the brim and driving your goods in your own car to your new home might be the only option since spare money is just lying around. Even just opting to pack yourself before the movers arrive can be very helpful in cutting costs. Therefore, remember these tips when packing:

1. Visit your local grocery store, convenience store, or recycling center for extra, free boxes that you can use. Paper product boxes are usually great to pack in because they always have to stay dry.
2. Don’t buy bubble wrap. Between towels, bed linens and t-shirts, your free bubble wrap is in your nearest closet or cabinet.
3. Unload unwanted items. Remember that chair sitting in the corner no one has sat on in five years? Now would be a great time to say goodbye. Craigslist, eBay, or a garage sell is a great way to sell things before your move to generate some extra cash and reduce your moving pile at the same time.

Lastly, remember the actual costs of transporting your life from one place to the next like fuel, lodging, and car maintenance. Gas could be more expensive if your vehicles are carrying a lot of weight. Lodging costs may be necessary if moving far away. Pack a cooler with drinks and snacks so that convenience store stops don’t tack on an extra $5 or $10 here and there.

Moving can be a headache but don’t let it drain your wallet. Remember the little things can save you money and add up in the long run.

This article was written exclusively by Office Pro’s, a leading office supply store near Atlanta with over 50 years of experience in the office furniture business. From new office furniture to used office cubicles, Office Pro’s knows how to supply your business.