Boxes and Bins on a Budget: Moving Tips for Single Parents

Whether you’re moving across town or cross country, packing up everything you own is always hard work, especially if you’re a single parent with kids to care for. With all that work to do and not a lot of time for it, anyone could be excused for just writing a big check to a professional moving company to make things easy. A lot of people do choose that route because it’s convenient, but it’s not always that simple for a single parent who’s trying to make ends meet.

If you’re a single parent trying to figure out how to finance a move, there are many things you can do to cut corners and costs and to save time. Consider how the following tips can help you plan and carry out a move without nuking your budget.

Savvy Shopping

No matter how much or how little you have to pack, you’ll need enough supplies to do the job right, including felt-tip pens, packing tape, box knives, tools, rope, plastic containers and boxes, and a two-wheel dolly or two. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but the cost can add up quickly, so take a savvy approach to shopping for your moving supplies by watching for online coupons, promotional offers, and cashback deals that will save you money at retail stores such as Target.

Weigh Your Options

It’s understandable to assume that hiring a moving company will be too expensive. If money’s tight, you might be accustomed to doing things yourself anyway. However, bear in mind that there are plenty of costs associated with moving yourself. You’ll need a moving truck, gas, boxes, and supplies, not to mention the back-breaking work involved in packing, loading, and unloading. You won’t know which option makes more financial sense until you’ve priced some moving companies, so get several quotes. When you do, consider that moving outside of peak season (such as the fall or winter) can save you a lot of money — as much as 25 percent or more in many cases. It’ll also save you money by packing up boxes and breaking down furniture yourself. If you’re determined to go the DIY route, remember that you can save money by not moving during rush hour and burning up gas should you get stuck in a traffic jam.

Save by Decluttering

When planning a move, decluttering is always a good idea. It’ll lessen your moving burden, help minimize what you’ll have to spend on gas, and take some of the pain and time out of unpacking and getting settled into your new digs. If you’re planning on going with a professional moving company, decluttering can reduce the company’s estimate. You’ll have to declutter once you’ve moved in anyway, so why not get it done before you leave? Also, you can make a few dollars by selling your unwanted belongings at a yard sale or by taking them to a consignment store.

Boxes on a Budget

Boxes are probably the single most important part of your move — you can’t do it without them. Sometimes, you can get a lot of what you need for no cost if you know where to look. Ask around at work; many companies simply throw away or recycle old boxes. Some retailers usually have bunches of reinforced boxes lying around, so it might be worthwhile to check at a local shop. Don’t forget to check behind large retail stores (check out the dumpster area), or put the word out via social media. It’s one of the best ways to economize your move. Otherwise, you can pick up cardboard moving boxes from stores such as Home Depot.

Look for any opportunity to save costs as you prepare to move. It can be as expensive as you choose to make it, so don’t shy away from even the smallest cost-cutting measures.

Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

Thank you to Alexis Hall for her input.

Carol Gilles, of the RealEstate Group, has been helping buyers and sellers for over 38 years, including a focus on working with single parents and their families to help make their move a smooth transition.  Carol can be reached at 310-864-9738 or Carol@CarolGilles.com