How to move house on a budget


How to move house on a budget

You’ve done the research, found the perfect property and secured the right loan. Now it’s time to move.

Yes. That’s right; move.

That means shifting all of your worldly belongings from the house you’ve been living in, without breaking that vase your mother-in-law gave you, to the new one.

Even the most organised human being is likely to feel a little faint at the thought of organising such a feat. But, with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be difficult.

Here are our tips for organising your move on a budget.

1. Don’t do it alone

Yes, your uncle may have a ute, but if you want to move like a pro, you need to hire some.

Removalists are relatively cheap, and know how to effectively pack the back of a truck in a way that minimises damage.

The cost of a removalist is also well worth the cost, as you’ll get the job done faster, safer and with less stress.

Check out Google and Yelp reviews for removalists in your area, and hire one that has a high percentile rating from many different customers.

2. Box smart

It may seem tempting to stuff all your belongings into whatever box is handy, but when you get to Point B (your new home!), you’ll be kicking yourself.

Invest in a thick permanent marker and make sure to clearly mark each box. For example, items from the kitchen should be marked ‘Kitchen’.

Keep the local newspaper and pick up any free local papers you see at news stands to pad delicate items.

You can also buy bubble wrap from the local Post Office. It’s around $3 for a large roll, and does a great job of wrapping ornaments and other valuables.

You’ll also need some sticky tape, so get the cheap stuff from Red Dot (or any other $2 store), or pay a few dollars extra for proper packing tape from the Post Office.

3. Give yourself time

Giving yourself the right amount of time to pack up your home is probably the most important tip on this list.

Many people underestimate the task of packing up a home, and leave the endeavour to a single weekend. The result? Stress.

If you know you’re moving out, plan a month in advance. Start packing items you don’t use day-to-day, then box up the essentials closer to moving date.

You can also enlist the family (yes kids and partners should pull their weight too!) to help with wrapping, packing and labelling.

4. Have a garage sale

A garage sale is a surprisingly simple way to generate extra cash before your move. And get rid of unwanted household items in the process.

Moving is a wonderful opportunity to cleanse your life of things you no longer want or need, and it means less to move into your new home.

Many people enjoy moving into a home with a fresh slate. Plus, your once loved items go to someone who will appreciate them.

Create an Event on Facebook and invite your friends. Place an ad in the local Trade Paper (for example, the Quokka). Ads for garage sales are usually free, and generate good interest.

Thinking of moving into a new home?

Contact our mortgage brokers for support with finding the right loan for your needs. We research and tailor a loan that matches your goals, budget and lifestyle – so you feel peace of mind that you’ve found the best loan for your situation.

Get in touch now for a chat!

Financial Advice Disclaimer:This information is general in nature. Mortgage brokers do not provide financial advice. Clients seeking financial advice will be referred to a qualified financial planner.

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