She Strengthens

Mastering the Art of Moving: How to Keep Your Expenses Under $300

When it comes to moving, horror stories abound. From broken heirlooms to lost items, the prospect of relocating can be daunting. But what if you’re only moving a short distance? I recently faced this challenge, moving just four miles across town with my spouse and furry friends in tow. While I had moved around town in college, I had very little to my name and was able to shuffle my belongings in one or two car trips. This time, however, I needed a more strategic approach.

The Key to Success: Planning and Preparation

After scouring the internet for advice, I realized that most resources focused on cross-country or international moves. I needed a more tailored approach for my local move. By prioritizing my needs and budgeting carefully, I was able to keep my moving expenses under $300.

Renting the Right Equipment

The first step was to rent a U-Haul truck. This proved to be the best money I spent during the move, reducing our trips across town from over 20 to just two. I booked the truck for 22 hours, but ended up returning it after 12. The total cost, including insurance coverage and gas, came out to $75.

Storage Solutions

Next, I turned to plastic storage totes to keep my belongings organized and easily transportable. These versatile bins can be used for everything from socks to cleaning supplies, and are easy to wipe down and pack into the truck. I purchased a few additional totes at Target to help with the move, and they’ve proven to be a valuable investment for my new home.

Internet Deposit

One often-overlooked expense is the internet deposit required when switching service providers. In my case, switching from my name to my husband’s saved us $30/month, but required a $100 deposit. By budgeting for this upfront, I avoided a hard credit check and ensured a smooth transition.

Bathroom Storage

When moving into a new home, it’s essential to consider storage and space differences. In my case, the pedestal sink and tiny medicine cabinet required some creative solutions. I opted for a $60 wall cabinet on sale at IKEA, which has proven to be a valuable investment for in-room storage.

Free Resources

Finally, I was able to save money by utilizing free resources. We had saved cardboard boxes from our previous move, and I kept an eye out for free moving supplies on neighborhood social media sites. Additionally, we were lucky enough to have family members and friends help us on moving day, which saved us tons of time and potential injury.

The Bottom Line

By prioritizing my needs, budgeting carefully, and utilizing free resources, I was able to keep my moving expenses under $300. The grand total came out to $294, a testament to the power of planning and preparation. Remember to consider expenses unique to your situation, and don’t forget to take breaks and enjoy your new home!