Moving into a new home in Texas can be both hectic and expensive if you do not plan well. With proper planning, you can save money during your move and settle in peacefully, whether you choose to do the move yourself or if you opt to use a moving company.
- Come up with a Moving Budget
Get everything covered during your move by coming up with a moving budget. The budget will guide all your expenses and ensure you do not overlook anything that could potentially sabotage your move. The easiest way to come up with a moving budget is to use programs such as Microsoft Excel or Word, but you can also look up budget templates online. These will help you calculate and track all your expenses before, during, and immediately after the move, saving you money that would otherwise be spent carelessly.
- Rental Expenses
Whether you opt for services from a moving company or choose to do the move yourself, rental expenses are inevitable. If you opt to make the move by yourself, you need to factor in charges for a moving truck, the amount of gas you will need, and insurance costs. A truck rental is dependent on the size of the truck and whether you’ll be using it one way or return. Choose the correct size and not bigger to save you some money. To find out the cost of gas you’ll spend, ask the rental company the miles to the gallon rates for the truck you’ll be getting. Your credit card company could help you cover insurance costs, therefore, call the company in advance to find out if you’re covered. If you need additional rental equipment such as a loading ramp, find out from the rental company if they can throw this in for free.
- Packing Expenses
You need packing boxes, mattress covers, tape, labels, markers, bubble wrap, and newspapers, among others. You can rent packing boxes from a moving company, but you can save some money by opting to buy them yourself from stores such as Lowes and Home Depot. You can even get free moving supplies from Craigslist, but you need to start looking early if you choose this option. You can get items such as mattress covers for free from certain San Antonio movers if you are using a moving company. Above all, determine what you really need to bring with you. If you don’t need to move your old TV, sell it off or give it away. It will save the money you would have used to pack it.
- Travelling Expenses
If you are moving to Texas from out of state, you need to factor in travel expenses. If you need to stop at a lodging for a night, check beforehand what your cheapest options will be. Book in advance to ensure you get the best deal possible. Also set aside the cost of meals and check on the most affordable eateries on the route you’ll be taking.
- Settling In
Whether you buy or rent your new place, you need to factor in legal fees, insurance fees, and redecorating costs. Shop around for the cheapest lawyer you can find. Ask for recommendations from friends and family to find lawyers with the best rates. For home insurance, get quotes from different companies and settle for the most favorable but one that will cover all your insurance needs. Lastly, budget in advance for any redecoration costs such as painting and wallpaper and get items within your budget.
- Check if Your New Employer can Meet Some Expenses
If you are moving because you’ve found a new job, find out if your employer can cover some of the costs above such as travel, packing, and shipping expenses. Negotiate also to find out if the employer can meet realtor costs and any storage costs you may need. This will save you some money and make the move less tedious. You can also get your money back the next tax season if your move is work-related and meets certain time and distance requirements.
David Glenn is a home improvement expert. He occasionally freelance writes about home maintenance and DIY home repair. He’s also knowledgeable about topics like how to improve social presence and building a reputation online.
