Tight Budget? How to Move Out Cheaply

Moving out of a two-bedroom apartment can easily run you $500. If you’re a homeowner or are moving long distance, that number can reach into the thousands.

Whether you just bought a house or you’re moving into a new apartment, you’ve likely already spent a nice chunk of change. Closing fees and renovations or a security deposit, pet fee, and your first month’s rent can quickly eat up your savings.

Luckily, there are ways you can move out on a budget. By following a few simple tips, you can save hundreds or even thousands on your move.

Do you want to know more? Keep reading to discover how you can move out on the cheap.

Declutter

If you’re like most, you’ve probably accumulated a bunch of things you don’t really want or need. Before you start packing, go through your home and declutter.

Not only will this feel amazing, but it’s one of the easiest ways to save on your move. The less you bring with you, the less tape, boxes, and bubble wrap you’ll need. Plus, you can get away with renting a smaller truck!

Go through your home one room at a time. Put everything you don’t need to take with you into a large box or garbage bag. You can then donate it or sell it for a little extra cash.

Get Free Boxes

Boxes are the single most important moving supply you’ll need. Your local moving company likely sells them for a couple bucks per box. While this may not seem like much, it can quickly add up.

Instead, you can get free boxes just by visiting your local grocery store. Call them up and ask if they have any empty boxes you could have.

If they don’t have any today, they should be able to tell you when their shipment comes in. Make sure you call again that day and ask them to set aside a few boxes for you.

Save Money on Bubble Wrap

Any breakable items will need to be packed correctly to prevent damage. The last thing you want is to discover you need to buy new glasses and plates because they all broke in transit.

However, bubble wrap and packing peanuts are just extra costs that can be avoided. Instead, use what you already have to protect your breakables.

Blankets, towels, sheets, and clothes can all be used. You can also save newspapers and magazines and use the pages between plates or crumple them up for a packing peanut substitute.

Don’t Break Your Lease

Did you find the perfect apartment or condo? If so, you may want to move out right away. However, it’s important you stay in your current apartment until the lease is over to avoid incurring high fees.

Of course, there is an exception. If your new apartment is substantially cheaper, the fee for breaking the lease may be cheaper than the difference in rent you’d pay by staying in your current location for another few months.

Also, some apartments will wave the fee if you find a renter to move in right away. If you need to move out before your lease is up, ask your building’s management company if they offer this option and advertise your apartment online.

Shop Around for Movers

While moving yourself may be the cheapest option, it isn’t always viable. If your friends and family aren’t available to help you on moving day or if you have a lot of heavy furniture, it may be easier to just hire movers.

But this doesn’t mean you have to pay an arm and a leg. Shopping around online can get you a better price and make movers more affordable.

Pack Yourself

Many moving companies offer packing services. However, this is almost always extra.

You can save money by just packing your belongings yourself, especially if you’re getting free boxes and using towels in lieu of bubble wrap.

If you’re short on time, consider asking your loved ones for help. You’d be surprised how much you can get done in one day. Plus, it’ll likely only cost you the price of pizza to thank your friends and family for helping out.

Move During Slow Season

That’s right—there is such a thing as moving slow season.

Everyone wants to move out when the weather is nice, meaning the warm summer months are considered the busy season. This is even true in southern states like Florida since most families don’t want to move in the middle of the school year.

When the demand for movers is high, many companies increase their rates. But during slow season, they offer cheaper rates to stay competitive. If possible, schedule your move during the winter months to take advantage of these lower rates.

Start Early

It’s no secret that moving is stressful. But you can make the process a lot easier and cheaper by starting early.

This gives you more time to declutter and sell your items. It also means you have plenty of time to get those free boxes and pack things away yourself instead of having movers do it.

Perhaps the biggest saving is that you have more time to shop around for great deals on moving companies. Not only will you feel more relaxed during the process, but you’ll likely save a nice amount by just getting a head start.

Tips to Move Out on the Cheap

With the high costs associated with buying a house or renting a new apartment, it’s no surprise that you’d want to save money where you can. Luckily, the actual process of moving doesn’t have to be so expensive. From decluttering your home to moving during the slow season, there are plenty of ways you can move out on a budget.

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