It’s that time of year again, where the housing and home rental market is booming! Everyone who needs to move wants to do so and get settled prior to the start of a new school year and most definitely before the holidays. If you’re planning a move soon, this post is for you!
In my experience, moving can get expensive. Really expensive. Between expected expenses (if you don’t provide limitless pizza, your friends are not obligated to help you move- you know this, right?) and unexpected (oh. our fridge doesn’t fit in the new kitchen and we’re going to need a shorter one like, tomorrow) the costs of moving can be a major source of stress. Little projects (replacing outlet covers to make them all white) turn into bigger projects (the plugs are actually almond color, so you need to replace the plugs AND the covers). Appliances become obsolete (your dryer is gas but the new hookups are electric only) or suddenly needed (a lack of built-in microwave in the new digs) the list goes on.
We worked hard (and are continually working toward) making our house a home, and doing it on a budget. Here are the top five ways we saved money during our move, that may be of help to others.
1. Sell unneeded items on Craigslist and use the money toward items that are needed. When we discovered our former fridge would not fit in the new house, I listed it for sale. I also listed our old dining set (too large for the new cozy eat-in kitchen/breakfast nook), entertainment stand and toys our son had outgrown. We were able to use this money toward the replacement refrigerator (the sales proceeds covered 85% of the cost!). You can also look for Facebook groups in your area that allow you to sell used items. Try typing your city or area code and the word furniture/home/housewares/upcycled into the search bar. Odds are you’ll find multiple groups to choose from, and you may have numerous Facebook friends already in them, who can approve your request to join.
2. Rent a U-Haul trailer instead of a truck. Instead of spending $29.99 plus mileage and adding gas to a moving truck rental, a trailer costs just one base fee of $19-$24 (depending on size and whether you want a ramp) and you avoid the mileage and gas costs (beside the gas cost of the vehicle that hauls the trailer of course, but most likely that will get better mileage than a moving truck). Of note: you’ll a vehicle capable of towing a trailer (many SUVs, trucks) so you might have to pitch in for more pizza and gas money for a truck-owning friend, but I bet this option will still save you money.
3. Purchase needed items from Craigslist/Facebook. I was able to purchase the exact same stainless steel microwave I’d had my eye on new at Target for 1/2 the price on Craigslist! I also scored a wrought iron 6 chair and large table patio set for $50. The Craigslist mobile app is very easy to search through, especially if you’re looking for something specific, and the Facebook sales groups allow you to search by picture for items that may be of use. Oh, and while you’re on Craigslist, be sure to check the FREE section for moving boxes! You can often score a household supply of boxes from someone looking to unload them after their own recent move.
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| Our patio set, purchased for a song through Craigslist |
4. When shopping for new fixtures or appliances, choose energy efficient items that offer rebates. We decided the toilets and bathroom faucets in our home needed replacing when we moved in, and by selecting low flow (but still highly rated) options, we were able to get as much as 80% of the purchase price back through rebates. Additionally, these fixtures will continually save us on our water utility costs every month as well as save water for the Valley, given our drought condition. Total win-win!
5. Prioritize. Decide what purchases are truly important and which can wait. Don’t insist on having everything set and perfect immediately. Give yourself time to shop around (including searching Craigslist) and decide on a budget for the items you are still seeking and give yourself the time it takes to find something you REALLY like at a cost you can afford. It’s better to wait and save for that piece of furniture or decor item you really love, than you settle for something that “will do.” I’m watching for the perfect decor items for my master bath currently, but I know if I’m patient, I’ll find just what I’m looking for and be pleased for the long term rather than just temporarily. Repurchasing is always tough on the budget.
Well, that’s my list of tips – I’d love to hear yours!
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