Moving a house is expensive. It’s also time-consuming and unbelievably stressful. But, most of us hope that once we find our perfect home, our forever house, we’ll never have to do it again.
Moving into your forever house is a big deal, especially if you’ve got a family. You might be moving across the county for a new job, or back home to be closer to your extended family having previously moved away for work or school. You may have moved several times before, but, you know that this is the big one. The move that signals your intention to settle down and build your own family home.
Your big move is bound to be significantly more costly than moving from short term lease to another short-term lease. If it’s the last move you plan to make, it’s certainly worth taking the time to do it right, and even spending more to ensure that you get the home that you’ve always dreamed of.
But, that doesn’t mean that you have to spend more than you need to. While all house moves are costly, there is plenty that you can do to save cash or reduce the costs, giving you the chance to start your new life without debt, and maybe even with enough cash in the bank to start decorating. Here’s a look at some of the best ways to save on your big house move.
Budget and Plan
Often the best way to save money is to be more prepared. Before you even start looking at homes, sit down, and prepare a budget. Consider all of the costs, including the house itself, realtor fees, moving vans, packaging, mail redirection, and anything else that you can think of. Set a budget for individual costs, and take your time to find services and help that fit your budget, instead of spending wildly with no plan.
Find the Right Realtor
Realtors are an essential expense when it comes to finding your dream home, and the right one will help you to find a great deal. But, if you find the right person you could also be looking at a substantial Home Buyer Rebate, which you could use to offset some of the costs of moving, or spend furnishing and decorating your new home.
Take Your Time to Find the Right House
The biggest mistake that you could make would be rushing and buying the wrong house. You might end up moving again much sooner than you’d like, or spending far more than you’d budgeted for on repairs in the home.
Take your time, look at houses, pay for surveys, and make sure you are getting a good deal. Remember, older homes that perhaps need more work may be cheaper upfront, but often cost more in the long run. That doesn’t mean that you should buy a brand new house, just that you should be aware of the costs that you might face.
Declutter
The more stuff that you have to move, the longer it will take and the more it will cost. Over the years, we all accumulate clutter; it’s only natural. But, ask yourself if you are willing to pay to move everything in your current home?
A move is a perfect opportunity for a big declutter. Work room to room, asking yourself if you want all of your possessions, furniture, and stuff, enough to pack it, and pay to have it moved.
Consider a Removal Team
A removal team is an expense; one that you might be tempted to avoid by renting a van and moving everything yourself. But, a removal team could actually save you money. They’ll complete your move faster, you are less likely to face breakages, and they’ll be fully insured just in case. Hiring help could also save your back.
Enlist Your Friends and Family
Whether you have decided to hire a removal team or not, you should still enlist the help of your friends and family. They could help you to clean both properties, pack, and take care of children and pets to simplify the move. Friends might even feed you while the move is going on.
Make the Most of Free Resources
There are plenty of companies out there offering to sell you things to make your move easier. But, you don’t need it all. Start saving boxes as soon as you know that you are going to move, ask friends and family to do the same, and, ring around local stores to see if they could save you boxes from their deliveries.
You can also use what you already own. Wrap valuables and breakables in towels, and even clothes to avoid paying for safe packaging. This is also better for the environment.
Book Things in Advance and Move Off-Season
Many removal teams and other services will offer you cheaper rates if you can book in advance. They may also have cheaper deals if you move off-season, or on weekdays, when they are less likely to be busy.
Avoid Food Waste
If you’ve got a freezer filled with food, don’t throw it all away when you move. Save money on shopping and avoid waste by running your food stores down, and moving everything that you can.
Compare Utilities
A house move is a fantastic chance to save money on your utilities. Don’t just stick with the same providers. Spend time comparing costs and finding better deals.
Cancel Contracts
You may have some contracts, such as a gym membership, that you won’t be able to use when you’ve moved if you are moving far away or changing your job. Cancel these as soon as you’ve got your moving date, so you don’t end up paying longer than you need to.
Factor in Loss of Income
Hopefully, you’ll be able to move using your days off work, or scheduled holiday. But, if you have to take unpaid leave or your business suffers as you move, remember to factor this loss of income into your budget.
While moving home is without a doubt expensive and stressful, as well as hard work, it’s also exciting. This is your chance to start a new chapter, so let yourself be excited, and have fun where you can.
