Moving is stressful. There are so many things to do, and it can all seem overwhelming. But for low-income families, the stress of moving often isn’t just about logistics – it’s also about how they’ll be able to afford a new place to live. That’s where this article comes in! We’ve compiled some helpful tips that will make your cross country move easier on you financially, as well as giving you peace of mind during one of life’s most trying times.
Get ready to roll
Make a moving budget and follow it. What costs do you anticipate incurring? How much will these things cost? Moving is expensive, and your budget can (and should) factor in all of the oversized items like renting a truck or hiring movers. It can also take into consideration little expenses that add up fast, such as gas money and meals – not only while you’re on the road, but for however long it takes you to get settled at your new place after your move.
Open yourself up to a creative solution
Don’t assume that there’s no way to afford a cross country move without taking out another loan or maxing out yet another credit card…which can have a snowball effect, leading to even more debt later. Get creative! Look into moving services that offer discounts for cash payment, bartering services or low-income moving assistance programmes. You might also research hiring local college students looking to make some extra money over the summer – they’re always interested in making a few dollars on the side.
When it comes to big-ticket items
Chances are very good that you’ll need at least some moving truck or trailer to get your stuff cross country. But: not every state allows out-of-state transporters (no matter how much money they’re offering) to rent them without first becoming licensed and bonded in their state (and this is one time when it’s better to be safe than sorry). To avoid this problem, take a look into moving your belongings in a rental truck. You’ll not only save yourself the headache and time that it takes to find a reputable company that provides interstate transport (or hire licensed movers), you can also potentially save money by renting equipment at daily or weekly rates instead of forking over hundreds of dollars to rent equipment for its full value (which is often very high – especially if you’re moving across the country!)
When it comes to packing up.
The more you bring with you, the more boxes and tape you’ll need. The more boxes and tape you need, the more $$$ out-of-pocket costs add up. When selecting what to pack, what to throw away, and how big your boxes are, keep this in mind. You can also save significant money by packing yourself – or at least being involved in the packing process, so you know exactly how every single box is packed. This will help you distribute weight evenly…and prevent accidents along the way.
One last thing to take in Consideration before you go
Social services are offered through libraries across America (free internet, free computers, job search resources) that can help you get situated in your new area.
You may also want to check out the Goodwill and Salvation Army thrift stores near you (especially if moving overseas). They often offer cheap furniture, clothing, appliances – all of which might make your move easier on your wallet. Plus, it’s great for the environment!
There are plenty of ways to save money during a cross-country move, whether your low income or not, and it just takes some planning and patience to pull off successfully. With these tips in mind, though, you should be good to go!
Conclusions
In conclusion, low-income families can move across the country by saving money. To save money, you should research moving services that offer discounts for cash payment or bartering services. You should also consider renting equipment at daily or weekly rates instead of paying hundreds of dollars to rent equipment for its full value (especially if you’re moving across the country!). When it comes to packing up, pack yourself to know exactly how every box is packed and distribute weight evenly – preventing accidents along the way. It’s also good to check out thrift stores near you because they often offer cheap furniture, clothing, appliances – all of which will make your move easier on your wallet. Researching these things before your cross-country move will put you in the best position to save money. And if you execute correctly, you shouldn’t have a problem moving on a budget.