Moving for your job will always cost something, but there are some things you can do to keep costs down, whether you are staying in Austin or moving across the country. If you are moving far away because of a job and you’re wondering how to save money in the process, following these tips may help you stick to your budget.
There are plenty of services these days that pack items for you in addition to moving. This is one thing you should always try to do yourself to save money. Packing yourself allows for better home organization since you know where everything is. It also makes downsizing easier since as you pack items, you can evaluate if they are necessary.
If you are doing a relatively short move, cardboard boxes will be good enough, but you should opt for plastic bin storage for longer moves. If you choose cardboard storage boxes, start asking stores if they have free boxes as soon as possible.
As you work on home organization, set up a box to open first and one to pack last. This way, you will not have to run out and buy items like plates, toilet paper, paper towels, or scissors because you have no clue where you packed them.
Assuming your work gives you notice, start looking for a home or apartment rental as soon as you can. Even if you won’t be moving for months, this will give you an idea of what neighborhoods work best for your budget.
Downsizing is an excellent way to save money on the move. You will pay less in rent for a smaller place, and the moving company will charge less if you move fewer items. Downsize with a combination of a garage sale and public storage unit.
While a moving company could cost more out of pocket than doing it yourself, it may pay off in the long run (both for your wallet and your mental state). When you choose a moving company, you can rest assured that you have trained professionals on the job. Having the help of experienced movers significantly decreases the chances of valuables being broken during the move which, depending on the item, may be priceless to you.
For many, it’s also easier than burdening family members or bargaining with friends for their help. Especially if you’re moving several hours away and need to reimburse others for gas and tolls. When you hire a moving company, their team will simply get the job done, with no added pressure to “return the favor” down the road. There’s a good chance you’ll be able to comfortably fit all of your belongings in their professional moving truck, rather than cramming a bunch of stuff into a smaller rental truck and the vehicles of friends and family.
If you do decide to go this route, just remember to take the time to compare various long distance moving companies so you can find the best rate (and service)!
If you can’t bear to part with items but know you won’t need them anytime soon, put them in a full-service storage unit. The best ones will save you money as you won’t have to pay for gas to bring items to the storage unit or take them back home. Some even provide plastic storage bins so you don’t have to buy them yourself.
Finally, avoid the temptation to go out and buy things you think you need as soon as you get to the new place. Instead, make a running list and wait until you finish unpacking. This way, you won’t buy something only to realize you already have it.
Crampt is an on-demand storage company located in the heart of Austin, Texas. If you’re moving crosstown because of a job or relocating to this great city from out of state, our team can help make the process easier on you! We provide storage pickup and delivery services, meaning we’ll pick up any items you need put in storage, move your items into our secure storage facility, and then return them to you whenever you need them back. So whether your job has you on the move, you’re downsizing, or you’re simply looking to declutter your home – Crampt has the storage solutions for you!
Request a quote to get started with Crampt today and learn more about the local communities and areas we serve in Austin, TX.