Many Australians move into different homes a lot. In the 2007-2008 data by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 43% of the population relocated within the last five years. On the other hand, at least 11% have changed addresses at least five times.
People move for many reasons: jobs, relationships, and cost living, among others. One thing remains the same: each relocation costs money. How can you spend less when moving in? Here are five ideas:
Moving in: Rent whatever you can
You can rent appliances and furniture for a start. These include washing machines, microwave ovens, fridges, sofa sets, and dining tables. When you add their costs, these home fixtures can create a significant dent in your pocket. Renting allows you to allot your money to the essentials, such as paying for installation of utilities or covering your first month’s mortgage/lease.
Renting these items also gives you access to the newest and even trendiest electronics and designs. It is also easier for you to pick furniture and appliances that match your preferred theme.
Moving in: Ask help from friends and family
Relocating can be challenging when you need to bring many things with you. Hauling them, especially interstate, can be costly. Depending on the moving company, it may charge between $100 and $300 per hour if you are moving towns. You may also have to pay for insurance and other fees.
You can save money by involving your friends and family. If they have vans, trucks, or other vehicles, they can help transport them to your new location instead. This way, you can spend less on a professional removalist or even avoid their services.
Do not bring what you do not need
Before you relocate, perform an inventory of all your possessions and decide whether they are still essential to your new home. Some of them are past their purpose. Sorting your things will hopefully reduce the number of items to carry, and you may now avoid leasing a big truck. You also need not consider paying rental fees for storage.
What do you do with your non-essentials? You can gather three large boxes and label them with:
- Throw out
- Donate
- Sell
For those you like to sell, you can hold an auction or garage sale, and offer them online. The extra money can go a long way and may even cover costs like moving vans.
Follow your lease contract
Landlords can have strict stipulations in their contracts. For example, you may not drill holes into walls or leave the property unclean. Otherwise, you will pay hefty penalties or forego your bond.
A month or two before you leave, re-read your contract and make sure you have followed all rules to a T. Otherwise, get professionals to help you, from plumbers to cleaners. Do not forget to call a pest control company too. You can also rent appliances you can use for mowing the lawn or sprucing up the yard.
Cancel your utilities
Moving to a different property or location is stressful. It can take so much of your time and attention that sometimes you forgot to do one vital step: cut utilities in your existing house. At least a few weeks before your big move, call your telephone, broadband, and cable companies so they will stop charging you. If you are moving nearby or the same town, you may request to transfer your line or subscription to your new address.
By the same token, make sure you hire the right utilities to get yourself set up at your new place. By setting up your internet ahead of time you can find the best prices and services. For example, you can look through the att internet plans to find the right internet package for your needs. Some companies let you bundle packages, so you can sort your internet, tv, and phone all in one go. This can be done with all your utilities, and if you shop around and do your research, you can often get a better deal!
Relocating need not be financially draining. These tips will help protect one of your crucial resources: money.
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