Moving May Cost You Your Sanity, Don't Let It Cost You More!

When it comes to moving, everyone focuses on the stress aspect. It’s one of those milestones in life. The upheaval; not knowing where anything is; feeling displaced and struggling to cope with it. While these are all valid points, one thing that can often be overlooked is the cost.

Sure, it's a cost that you quickly learn when you're in the process - and at a time when you're not flush with cash. You've just purchased a new home, denting your savings, and then there are further demands for your hard-earned cash.

While there is never going to be a way to be able to move cheaply, that doesn't mean you can't find a way to move affordably. There are plenty of ideas people have picked up along the way, so try these out and see if you can save your pennies for new decor instead.

1. Avoid Storage Wherever Possible

It's a given that storage is expensive. While few people do it by choice, it nevertheless can end up costing a ridiculous amount of money. From the beginning of organising your move, think about making the dates coincide as well as possible.

Also think about other places you can store items. It might be cheaper to rent a delivery van for a few days than to use storage for those dates. If you're using movers, pick a local service. Reputation and value are important when dealing with what's going to be a stressful day.

2. Don't Get Sentimental With Clutter

When moving home, we are all faced with the issue of getting stuff out of storage ready to move it. And when we do this, we can have a sudden rush of nostalgia for things we bought years ago and barely used. Ask yourself some tough questions. Are you REALLY going to use it at the new house? If not, sell it for more money in your pocket. Or freecycle it, to keep the move as light as possible.

3. Don't Buy Moving Boxes

It's easier to move things when they are packaged - that's no surprise to anyone. And so a lot of people pay for boxes to help with the move. This is a mistake. As soon as you know you are moving, save every box that you have delivered to your home. Break them down and stash them under your bed. Beg them from supermarkets when you go shopping if you don't have enough. You also don't need bubble wrap - use old newspapers instead.

4. Pack Snacks

The last box you put in the van, or car, should contain some snacks for everyone involved in the move. It should also contain some bottled water. Because the truth is, it's sapping work moving house and it's going to take days. You're unlikely to have the kitchen in full working order or to really want to cook. So to avoid spending a lot on takeout, you should have ready access to quick and easy food.

Doesn't mean you can't order in once the work is complete - I mean, you're due a celebration then!

With a bit of forward planning, you can make a house move smoother, less stressful and cheaper. All three of these aspects will make it a lot more pleasurable to wake up the next day in your new house.