Real estate is full of possibilities right
now. If you have been watching the market, you might be thinking that now is
the time to pack up and move. Here are six tips to help you save money on the
moving process.
Don’t Buy Boxes
Moving companies will sell you boxes, but
if you know where to look, you can get all the boxes you need for nothing.
Grocery stores are mainstays, but there are many other places to look. Check
offices for sturdy paper boxes with lids. Hospital and laboratory supplies come
in strong double-walled boxes. Restaurants will have lidded boxes for tomatoes
and potatoes.
Skip the Bubble Wrap
The same goes for packing supplies. Don’t
waste money on bubble wrap when you could use newspaper, bedding and other
things to wrap your valuables. Check grocery stores on Monday mornings. Many of
them will have boxes of unsold Sunday papers with the UPC removed that are free
for the taking.
Box Everything
It is tempting to leave out the big stuff
like lamps and sculptures, but you should box them if at all possible. Boxed
items are more protected and stack-able, so you will not waste time and energy
finding safe nooks to tuck everything in the moving van.
Seriously Clean House
Those racks of clothes that have been
collecting dust in the back of your closet? Donate them to a thrift store. Do
you have an attic full of long-forgotten knickknacks? Hold a yard sale to get
rid of it. These things will take up lots of time, energy and van space. If you
haven’t used it in over a year, chances are you won’t miss it.
Avoid Storage Units
Many people think that loading large pieces
of furniture and other things into a self-store unit will help with moving. The
reality is, you are going to be moving those items twice and paying money for
the privilege. If your new home doesn't have the space, you might reconsider
keeping some things. Keep in mind that sometimes the cost of a storage unit is more
than the items it houses.
Get Organized
According to the experts at Santa Monica
Real Estate, set a date to move and stick to it. This
way, you can notify utility companies of exact times when to shut off or start
new service. You wouldn't want to have to pay an extra month’s phone bill
because you waited a week too long to cancel service.
Do you have have any questions or suggestions? Write in comment section.