How to Budget for an Affordable Senior Move
Senior moving doesn’t have to break the bank, it can actually be quite affordable. How, you ask? Start by creating a realistic budget – a budget that you feel comfortable with. If you are rightsizing and are not sure how to budget your expenditures, ask a professional accountant or a friend who can help you. Below are also useful tips help save money on your move.
Photo Credit | Deposit Photo | @AudreyPopov
Understanding your finances and what is available to spend on moving will allow you to make an educated decision on whether to use a full service moving company or renting a moving truck and completing the move yourself. During the decision making process, keep your health as priority and make sure that family and friends who will be helping you move are available on moving day. If you cannot do the move yourself, then you may have to hire a full service moving company
Renting a moving truck costs anywhere from $100 to $5000.
Depending on how far and what size truck you need will determine the price of a moving truck. The $100 represents a small 12 ft. truck (holds 1-2 bedrooms) going 100 miles. If you are traveling across country with a large 26 ft. truck (holds 5-7 bedrooms), then you should plan on spending approximately $5000. If you’re a DYIer, Instant quotes can be found on easy-to-use websites specific to renting moving trucks.
Unexpected costs of moving
It will appease you to remember the unexpected costs of moving. If you decide to rent a moving truck and drive across country, you will spend a good amount on gas. Everyone has to eat right? Keep in mind also that you will most likely have to invest in take out during the moving process since your kitchen items are already boxed up. And if your new home isn’t ready, you may need to put your items in storage for a few days or maybe a few weeks, which will be an extra costs.
Ways to cut costs of senior moving include the following:
• Pack your own boxes (if you are able to)
• Wrap your own furniture
• Re-use boxes
o Craigslist is a great place to purchase used boxes
o Grocery stores, department stores, etc. Ask if they have any boxes that they were going to throw away that you could use.
• Use Newspaper rather than bubble wrap
• Donate/Sell clutter before the move
• Ask friends and family to help move boxes
• Keep all receipts –items can be returned if not used or might be able to use as a tax refund
Rather than worrying about the organizational process of moving, hire a full service moving; Moves for Seniors will provide you with a specialty move coordinator to help you organize. If you want to save money, give us a call at (800) 227-0515.