3 Tips for Your Next Move
Friends! I’m becoming a professional mover these days. A wise woman once told me that moving is one of the top three most stressful events to go through as an adult. I’ll let you guess what the others are. Fortunately or unfortunately, I’ve moved somewhere new every year since graduating from college and I’ve learned that it’s never cheap, always exhausting, and requires a lot of forward planning and coordination. I know what you’re thinking, “Negative much?” Bare with me, I’m in the thick of this current move and I’m feeling it.
Nevertheless, here’s what I’ve got for you: every time I’ve moved I’ve learned some new hack or skill that I’ve taken with me into the next move. If you’re thinking about moving or planning your next move, here are some things to remember: budget and save, enlist reinforcements, and cut your losses. Let me explain...
Budget & Save
One issue young adults face when trying to move is paying for all the expenses that come with it. Hiring movers, getting a rental truck (I chose Budget Truck Rental after some cost analysis), packing up your belongings, buying new belongings, the list of expenses can go on and on. My advice here is to write down the steps you need to take in order to execute this relocation. From there, you can write down the expenses associated with each step and begin to research their costs. Once you have all of those expenses, add them up and create a plan to save up over time. I used a budgeting app to automatically save for me as often as possible to reach my moving expense goal.
Tip: The earlier you can start planning the better! If you plan months out, you can be less aggressive about reaching your savings goal. P.S. always aim to save more than you budgeted, just in case!
Enlist Reinforcements
Believe me, not all DIY projects around your house are going to help you save. In fact, in some cases, it may end up costing you more in damages. When it comes to moving, it’s crucial to have help! My brother and dad are both strong, able-bodied men so when it’s time for me to move they’re always my go-to team. However, sometimes our schedules don’t align and I have to look elsewhere for help.
Hiring professional movers can be such a relief. They’ll come in and examine what should be done, the proper materials to use, and give you an effective cost and timeline on when and how much it will be. For my friends in Texas, one trustworthy company you can call on is Gameday Moving Services Houston — they can be your one-stop shop for all questions and effective services. This Houston, Texas long distance moving company has a variety of services including commericial moving, labor only, senior moving, or supply only.
Tip: When shopping for movers and moving supplies, don’t be afraid to negotiate!
Cut Your Losses
This move I’m trying something I’ve never tried before. For years, I’ve tried to pack and bring all of my stuff with me. This time, I’m selling all of my furniture and starting anew.
As you plan your next move, it’s important to honestly assess how much your belongings are worth to you. I’ve had the same bed set since I was in the ninth grade. Meaning, minus the time spent using dorm room furniture in college, I’ve been sleeping on the same bed since I was 14! That’s a long time. Prior to that, that same furniture was my parents, so it’s safe to say that it’s been used to its money’s worth. Plus, to be quite honest, I never liked it (sorry, Mom)!
All that to say, the furniture wasn’t worth enough to me to try to move it across the country AND when I priced what it would cost to move it — it was more than buying new furniture. Don’t be afraid to cut your losses friends, holding on to old things may cost you more than you think!
Image: Gameday Moving Services Houston
I hope this bite size advice helps you as you move or think about moving!
Wish me luck!
As always, thank you for the honor of your time. Remember, loving yourself out loud is mayaesthetic.
Yours Truly
