Unless you have decided to let go of all your possessions and to start over somewhere else with your new ascetic life, moving can easily turn into an agonising process that will drain your energy and wallet.
On the other hand, if you plan to continue your existence as a creature of this millennium, attached to your dear belongings, worry not, my friend, because there are ways to make this whole venture bearable while at a reasonable cost.
First and foremost, do the research
Whether doing it yourself or hiring the professionals, take the time to plan and predict all the possible expenses that will emerge during the moving. If you are moving across town, then it is possible to make it into a DIY project with a rented truck and a help of friends.
Then again, if this is a cross-country or cross-continent relocation start researching moving companies as soon as possible and ask for bids. Try to avoid peak seasons (May -September), weekends and holidays, as well as last and first days of the month, since moving companies charge higher rates during these days. And don’t forget to negotiate the price.
Your version of asceticism
Now is the perfect time to exercise minimalism and to de-clutter your home. Unburden your load and get rid of all the unnecessary things. Take a good look at your stuff and think when was the last time you used them and are they worth the trouble and cost of moving them. If not, sort them out and possibly even earn something through a yard sale. Though not a very ascetic move, it can be quite useful to have some extra cash for the road.
Packing Tricks
Aside from the fact that you own so many things, another thing that may come as a surprise is the cost of packing. To avoid this needless expense look for free boxes that lie behind supermarkets or other stores. Pack your clothes in trash bags, since it doesn’t require boxes at all.
Use sheets and towels to wrap fragile things as well as t-shirts and socks for wrapping up the glass items. Although you can save some money with this clever packing, keep in mind that a pile of wrap-laundry will be waiting for you the moment you settle into your new home.
Ship what you can
Shipping some items via Post office is a lot cheaper than leaving it to moving company. Consider shipping some non-fragile items as well as those you won’t be needed immediately upon arrival to a new residence.
Shipping is a great option for boxes filled with books since they are the heaviest and moving company would charge you a ridiculous amount of money for them. Of course, the delivery will take longer, but it’s not like you need to read all volumes of Game of Thrones the moment you set foot in your new place.
Consider storage
Once they’re packed, moving stuff from one location to another is fairly easy, though it may become complicated when moving to a smaller place, distant location, or just having a temporary move. For example, if you’re leaving Perth to study abroad, or having a year off to explore the Old Continent, perhaps you should consider an affordable self storage in Perth, since bringing your piano along may hold you back a little while touring across Europe.
Moving day always comes too soon for those who tend to procrastinate, so be wise and hum the early bird tune while planning and organising ahead. While humming, keep in mind that the Odyssey you are about to experience will unfold a new chapter of your life, with brand-new characters and new challenges. A perfect time to start over, to dive into uncertainty and to embrace the change.
Ready to rock’n roll then?
Special thanks to Victoria for providing us with this amazing article. She is a true home improvement and DIY fanatic. She’s passionate about writing, sharing tips and DIY projects. When she’s not writing, you can find her travelling and exploring with her dog or in a tea shop making difficult decisions about which tea would be perfect for her next cup. You could say she’s an avid tea-drinker. Connect with Victoria on Twitter.
