Moving can be quite costly. It involves a lot of packing, renting vehicles, the gas costs and also restocking the new home. All these contribute to a new financial burden you have to cope with. But there are a few ways to ensure that you do not spend too much money when relocating, and are still able to do so smoothly:
De-clutter first
A lot of your moving expenses don’t even have to cost you anything. Before packing to a new home, first of all, make sure that you go through all your stuff and decide what is not making a move with you. Give things away, throw useless things away, look through old boxes and closets to be sure you are only going with what you need. When moving, less is more.
Look for free moving boxes
Post adverts on free classifieds websites and ask friends and neighbors. You’d be surprised how many people have free boxes to give you that they’re not using. Alternatively, you can also go to a large manufacturing warehouse or even a superstore to take their boxes for use in moving.
Label all your boxes
The worst thing that can happen is not knowing what is fragile or non-fragile and them getting damaged in transit. It is easier to unpack when all the boxes are well-labeled. This way, the moment you are done with the packing, you can quickly sort the boxes first by label before unpacking them. Use simple names like “Living Room 1” or “Bedroom – Fragile” so that you can tell what is in the box at a glance.
Using Movers
Do you really need to use a mover? If you have reduced your load as much as possible and have managed to pack everything into boxes, then you may not need to use a mover. Using a mover could be quite risky as you may not know how they have packed your stuff. Because they do not understand the value or nature of your items, some confusion is bound to occur. If you are going to use movers, then be sure that it is absolutely necessary. Ask for friends and family to refer movers to you that they trust. A lousy mover can ruin a lot of sentimental items, and apologies won’t bring any of them back.
Whenever you are ready to move, you should take the time to plan correctly, contact the right movers, and monitor them from your old place to the new one. Talk to your real estate agent for their preferred movers in your area.
About the Author
Marsha Charles
Consistent top listing and selling agent receiving Chairman's Club award for superior sales achievement almost every year while associated with Preferred Properties, Inc. Consistently receive the International Presidents Premier award for sales volume since joining Coldwell Banker Realty and ranked in the top 1% of agents in Connecticut and Westchester County. In 2021 I received the International Society of Excellence award for sales volume in excess of $100,000,000. I have been named a Top Five Sales Agent for customer satisfaction since 2010 (longer than any other agent in Connecticut) and listed in Connecticut Magazine. Named one of the Top Agents in Connecticut by Real Trends since 2018.
I work with sellers and buyers and also have a strong understanding to needs of those who are relocating . Background and experience in advertising, public relations and photography offer creative and innovative marketing plans for sellers.
Realtor designations include: Graduate Real Estate Institute, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Residential Marketing Specialist, and Pricing Strategy Advisor. Served as President of New Canaan Board of Realtors (two terms), Director (three terms) and currently serve on Professional Standards Committee. Named Realtor of the year by the New Canaan Board of Realtors in 1994and again in 2022.
Married and mother of other of four children who attended and graduated from the New Canaan School System, Member of New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich and Statewide MLS systems. Areas covered include New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich, Rowayton, Norwalk, Wilton and all of lower Fairfield County.
