If you’re planning on moving, this can be an exciting time for you. It can also be a bit stressful and an expense you should plan ahead for. While some of the stress of packing and moving your belongings can be alleviated with the help of those close to you, the financial aspect can be a little trickier to figure out. Although planning takes some time and effort, it’s not impossible to achieve a move that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. When it comes to moving without breaking the bank, there are steps you can take to make the process more manageable and lighter on your finances.

Create a Budget

One of the worst things you can do when you move is doing so without a budget or plan. The truth is that moving, especially to a different state, can be expensive and you don’t want the cost of this to catch you by surprise. When you create your budget, you should anticipate not only the costs of moving equipment but also food for the trip and lodging if you plan to stop and rest.

Sell Unnecessary Items

Perhaps the first thing you need to do when you plan a move is to go through everything you own and determine what’s worth keeping and what’s not. Sorting through your belongings will help you figure out what you can say goodbye to so you have less things to pack and move. Moving can be pricey so consider selling the things you no longer need. To sell, you can talk to your friends and family and see if they might want to get some stuff off your hands or you can post them online. You can even do it the old-fashioned way and host a yard sale!

Research Full-Service Movers

One of the most proactive ways to ensure all your belongings make it to your destination is by hiring professional or full-service movers. There will be a moving company that meets your needs and it’s just a matter of exploring your options. Some companies may charge an additional cost for things like heavy items while others charge a single flat rate. Be sure to get estimates for services and look for ones that offer discounts or referrals.

Consider Your Moving Date

It’s no surprise that most people choose to move during the summer months because they have time off during this time. As a result, moving companies may charge more for their services. Additionally, gas prices tend to rise in the summer. Experts recommend choosing a day mid-month and mid-day between the months of October and April to ensure you avoid any peak season prices and get a better deal.

Save Money on Supplies

You might think that packing materials such as boxes may be inexpensive but these costs quickly add up. Save yourself the money you would spend on boxes because acquiring them can be as easy as asking for them. Local grocery stores and businesses have old boxes that they get rid of at the end of the day that you can probably take if you call or visit them. For materials like paper, bubble wrap, and tape, be on the lookout in the months leading up to your move when you can buy them in bulk so you don’t have to make last minute runs. A few alternatives to traditional packing materials that can help you save big time are using old newspapers to wrap fragile items or old sheets and towels for added padding. You can even double-dip with your packing by wrapping fragile items in your clothing, taking care of two birds with one stone.

Ask Friends and Family for Help

The easiest way to save money on all your moving necessities is to ask your friends and family for help. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you know you need it. Friends and family can be super helpful by providing an extra set of hands, in some cases they might offer to use their car to help you move things, and above all they can help make the process more enjoyable by being your companions.

Avoid Shopping

When you plan on moving somewhere new, you can’t help but start imagining and taking note of the types of things you want to buy to furnish your home. As much as this planning is essential and fun to think about, it may prevent you from saving money in the moment you need it the most. You can start thinking about your new home but we would recommend holding off on any shopping until you’re more settled in. Once you’re settled in, you can really focus on what it is you need and how much you can afford to spend.

Whether you are moving across the country or down the street, this is an exciting time in your life but it can also be a stressful one. To help with those moving costs, Brink’s Money Prepaid Mastercard can be there to help.