Moving is always a frustrating experience, but it can be especially challenging if you have to move with little notice. It can be the result of eviction, a change in property ownership, or due to damage to the property. Regardless of the cause, packing up and relocating to a new home within a limited time frame can be that much more complicated and stressful. It can also be more expensive, especially if you’re using the situation to relocate to another state.
Take as little as possible.
You can start saving money and labor on your move even before you start packing. Separate everything you own into three different categories:
- things you’re taking with you
- items you can sell quickly
- stuff that you should throw away
You don’t have a lot of time or space, and minimizing what you will reduce your needs as far as a moving van or truck. Determine which items you don’t need and those that you can easily replace. Out of these things, sell those items that can fetch a reasonable price and will sell fast on eBay, classified ads, or on social media. You can toss out those items that are in poor condition or don’t sell quickly.
Don’t waste much money on packing supplies.
You’ll need boxes, plastic wrap, tape, and other moving supplies to prepare your belongings for the move. To start, fill up wastebaskets, buckets, and dresser drawers before worrying about cardboard boxes. Once you do run out of available receptacles, visit area stores and ask them for their discarded boxes. Similarly, ask co-workers, friends, and relatives if they have extra tape, plastic wrap, and other supplies you can use to make the process easier. The less money you have to spend on these disposables, the better off you’ll be.
Pack a cooler.
If you don’t already have a decent cooler, this is a good time to invest in one. In shopping for a cooler, make sure you buy one that comes equipped with wheels and a spout to make it easier to drain. You can pack the cooler with sandwich fixings, bottled water, snacks, and other items that can feed you and your family on the road. If you’re moving in a hurry, you won’t have extra money to spend on restaurant dining.
Hiring movers is still a good idea.
Trusting your move to professional movers can help you save money on the road and will ensure your things arrive safely at your destination. Experienced moving teams know the best routes to take and how to avoid road construction and other fuel-wasting obstacles. Additionally, you’ll be able to ensure the move for added protection if you choose. It will leave you free to drive to your new home with your family and the few things you might need on the road.
Download travel apps.
Don’t forget to bring your car charger along for the ride, because you’ll get plenty of use out of your smartphone. You can couple your GPS and location services with mobile apps to find deals on hotels, gas stations, and fast-food dining on the road. Without using some of these apps, you may end up overpaying when a similar business is offering much lower rates just a few miles away.
Getting to your new home in a hurry leaves much to chance. By using the resources available to you for free or for a minimal cost, you can save a great deal of money on a sudden move. The money you save will come in handy as you deal with turning on utilities in your new home, changing your address, and taking care of other various items. The fees for these services will add up, so cutting costs ahead of time will prepare you for life in your new home.