It may seem paradoxical, but if you’re a longtime renter, you probably dread moving. It doesn’t matter how many times you do it, it doesn’t get easier. You must find a new place to live, pay them for a deposit and pay final fees on your old place. THEN you must find the most economical way to move. It’s an expensive process. It’s the reason that so many people will renew their lease even if it doesn’t suit them; at least they don’t have to move again.
Assuming that you paid first and last month’s rent, you should be getting some money back. With that money, you should be able to fully finance your move and have some leftover to help with a future security deposit. Here are some ways to move out of your place on a budget.
Don’t Buy Boxes
There are many stores who have unused boxes. If you approach them with a friendly attitude they’ll probably give you as many boxes as you want, free of charge. If you’re not an organization nut, stick to trash bags for your clothing and bedding. They might not be the most chic way to move your clothes, but it’s economical. Plus, you can fit an entire closet in one or two bags.
Stick To Dollar Stores
Buying things like packing tape and markers ends up costing you. If you’re only going to use these things one time, go to your local dollar store.
Get Rid of What You Don’t Need
There will be things you no longer have any use for. You can sell or giveaway belongings on Craigslist. Give them your address and they can pick up while you’re moving. This is a great way to make some extra money and lighten the load. By the time you arrive to your new place, you’ll be pretty pooped.
Don’t allow yourself to be lazy and leave that old TV in the living room “for someone else to pickup”. They will charge you for that.
Employ Your Friends
Chances are, one of your friends or family members has a truck or SUV. If they’re going to let you use it, they’ll probably also help you with the transport of your belongings to the car. If they don’t, maybe you should reevaluate their friendship.
Instead of giving them cash (good friends and family won’t accept it anyway) offer to take them out to eat. You could also pay them in beer when you get to your destination.
Clean
Instead of letting your manager charge you for a cleaning crew, do it yourself. It’s the easiest way to avoid paying an extra $200. If you’re not adept at cleaning, ask one of your girlfriends to help you. Sometimes even your will Mom will come through. You will need to get a steam cleaner rental if you have carpets-it is nearly impossible to keep them free of spills and stains. Most of the time, a clean carpet makes the entire space look cleaner.
Be sure to get everything out the apartment. Even the toilet paper. Don’t leave any objects in the drawers, corners, fridge.
Turn Everything In
This seems like a no-brainer, but for many renters it’s something that’s on the end of their list.
Put the little things (keycard, keys, parking pass, etc) in an envelope. Store them all somewhere safe so that they don’t get lost in the process of moving. Apartments will charge you an arm and a leg for one small piece of plastic.
This is a guest post from Marie Ortiz, DIYMother.org .
