Budget-friendly moving tips and what to do when you settle in
Purchasing a new home comes with so many expenses that it is not uncommon for buyers to search for ways to cut back on costs. While hiring a professional moving company can be incredibly helpful, it is also often one of the first expenses that buyers tend to try and work around.
READ: A new home presents the perfect opportunity to overhaul your household budget
Before starting your moving process write everything down; you will thank yourself later. Before you pack even one box, create a simple record-keeping system. Create a numbered list that specifically names the contents in each numbered box. You can designate a spiral-bound notebook for the job or generate the list on a computer.
Make sure you put a number on every box you pack. When describing the box contents, be specific-"A-D files" is better than "files" and "tulip dishes" rather than "kitchen." Never put the list down unless it's in your "packing central" location. This is where you store your labels, marking pens, box tape, and other packing supplies. In the midst of activity, you will be able to find what you need.
READ: 5 tips for a stress-free and smooth moving day
According to Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, Adrian Goslett, there are many upfront costs involved when moving into a new property that many forget to budget for.
"Tenants will need to pay a sizeable deposit and buyers will need to cover transfer fees and bond registration costs. This often leaves very little money over for things such as the moving day and any new furniture that needs to be purchased for the new home," he notes.
To help those who are looking for ways to cut down the costs of moving homes, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares a few tips for a cost-effective moving day.
1. Shop around for quotes
For those who choose to use professional movers, take the time to shop around. Get quotes from at least three different companies to see which offers the fairest quote. Doing so well in advance will also help you to budget more accurately and allow you time to save up the appropriate amount.
2. Hire a trailer
For those with a towbar and an appropriate vehicle, it can work out to be far more cost effective to hire a trailer for a day and to do the move yourself. Better still, if one of your friends or family could lend you a trailer or vehicle for the day, this could help you save some much-needed cash.
3. Declutter before the move
The less you have to move across to the new home, the cheaper the moving process will become. Before the move, go through the old home and get rid of the items you no longer need, being sure to donate or sell the items that are still in good condition. Resist the urge to purchase new items until after you have moved into the new home.
Whether you choose to move on your own or to hire professional movers, Goslett encourages all buyers and tenants to avoid having to take on extra debt to help cover the costs. "To protect your credit score and to minimise the impact of interest rate hikes, try to keep credit card debt as minimal as possible. As difficult as it may be, it is far better to be patient and build up savings to cover the associated costs of moving in cash rather than on credit," he advises.
To do this, it is useful to be fully aware of all the costs you can expect to cover when moving. "Before committing to a purchase or a lease agreement, speak to a trusted real estate advisor to get a better idea of all the associated costs. As experienced professionals, they could offer some advice around the most common expenses that have tripped clients up in the past. Being better informed will help to avoid surprise expenses and make the whole moving process much more enjoyable overall," says Goslett.
READ: Top 7 items that get damaged when moving and how to protect them
Home-Dzine shares the best tricks when moving out for the first-time
Whether you're moving out of your house with your roommates or with your partner, the need for landing on the necessary habits of better planning never dies.
Here is a list of things you should apply when you start living independently.
1. Bring changes to your lifestyle
Living in your parent's house is different, as there's no burden of responsibilities on your shoulders. But when you decide to live alone in your own home, a bunch of duties pops up. But don't worry; if you keep your lifestyle on track, there will be no milestone that you can't achieve.
2. Take a look of your finances
One of the most critical parts about leaving your house for the first time is to deal with your every-day increasing expenses. All you've to do is to plan and finance your future life. But the question that knocks out your head is how you're going to do all this? Make a budget to figure out your expenses. Buy everything ranging from your utility needs to furniture should be in your budget.
The best way is to note all your expenses for the month on a notepad and spend your money accordingly. Plus, keep water, petrol, and electricity in control as it also influences the budget.
3. Choose the best location
The choice of location for your future house will influence your troubles a lot. No doubt it's relatively easy to compromise with your needs, but still, you've to buy reliable real estate where all your needs are on your doorstep.
4. Find yourself a permanent Job
Taking a brave decision to move out of the house for the first time isn't appropriate unless you have a steady job pushing you up financially. As you're going to face millions of problems economically and emotionally, only a permanent job resolves all your matters. It's the best advice to have a steady job before move out of the house.
5. Always have a plan B
Not everyone who's moving out of the house is the one who gives a potential setback to the upcoming problems. There're chances that you may get fail in building yourself up. But don't bother about it much; having a plan B when moving out of college is the only thing you can do to save your living.
6. Go for renters insurance
The unfortunate time comes without informing. Thus, the best way to push yourself up in such circumstances is to have renters insurance. Choose the policies which have low monthly payments or those that offer full replacement coverage.
Stand On Your Own
Shifting in your house by moving out for the first time seems like a daunting task. But you shouldn't get confused after reading the tips we've talked about above. Adopt them in your life and see your development in days.
30 Nov 2024
Author Property24