Moving abroad is a huge decision. One of the many things you’ll need to figure out before making the jump is how to save money to move. There are a few different ways to approach this, but no matter which method you choose, it’s important to be disciplined.
Whether you’re moving for a new job, to be closer to family, or in pursuit of a new adventure, moving internationally can be expensive. However, with careful planning and some sacrifice, you can save enough money to make your move across the world possible. A few tips on saving money to move will put more money in your pocket and allow you to get a better start in a foreign country. It will also help you save for international moving services. The key is to stay focused on your goal and change some of your habits prior to the move to another country.
Start Saving by Decluttering
If you want to know how to save money on moving, one of the best hacks out there is decluttering. You should think about getting rid of things you don’t need anymore if you want to relocate on a budget. The more goods you decide to keep when relocating, whether you are relocating locally or over great distances, the more expensive the move will be. If you wish to save money on your relocation, make sure to dispose of, sell, or donate as much as you can so you don’t pay for packing services for the things you don’t need anyway.
There are some charity organizations that will accept donations, making it easier for you to get rid of items you no longer need. This includes the Salvation Army, Goodwill, and similar charities. Get rid of all your bulky, inexpensive furnishings if you’re going far away. If you do the arithmetic, buying cheap furniture in another country will probably cost less than relocating your bulky furniture. Not only does lowering the number of your items mean lowering the price you’ll pay to the international mover – you’ll also move more efficiently with fewer items in your inventory list.
Guaranteed prices for International Moving. No hidden fees or surprises!
Organize a Garage Sale and Earn Some Cash
Electronics, furniture, cookware, children’s toys, bikes, and other items that you no longer need or use can be found by sorting through the items in your attic and garage. Additionally, it is an excellent time to search through closets for outdated apparel and footwear that shouldn’t be on your checklist for relocating abroad.
Plan a yard or garage sale if the circumstances and time allow, and make sure you set your prices competitively. Posting ads on your local markets website or Facebook Marketplace is also a fantastic option.
Look into consignment alternatives in your city if you don’t have time for a garage sale or you’re moving in the middle of the winter. There are frequently consignment shops for furnishings and apparel, where you can receive up to 40% of the retail price (the percentage will differ from store to store). In the end, don’t forget to reach out to your international moving company and ask which items movers won’t move so you can get rid of them, too.
If you want some tips on how to have a successful yard sale, watch the following video.
Pack up Some of Your Belongings on Your Own
Although packing takes the longest amount of time out of the complete moving process, doing it yourself can save you money if you have the time and physical strength to do it. Even while you’ll still need to employ experts to assist you in loading or unloading larger goods (such as furniture and mattresses,) packing up all of your smaller items will save you some money. While you’re at it, don’t forget to prepare a box of relocating essentials that contain toiletries, a change of clothes, a toolkit, chargers, a first-aid kit, and other necessities.
Get Free Materials Online
The secret is to plan ahead and be as orderly as you can. Start gathering boxes and packing supplies the moment you decide to move. Cardboard boxes can be obtained for free in a variety of places, including retail stores and Facebook Marketplace. You can also find some used cardboard boxes on Craigslist and get rid of them later in the same manner.
Use the Supplies You Already Have
When packing, it’s crucial to adequately wrap and secure your belongings, whether they are enormous furniture items or tiny picture frames and collectibles. Of course, you can buy moving supplies like bubble wrap and paper, and you can get moving blankets, but here is another area where you might be able to cut costs. Use old blankets, comforters, and sleeping bags to cover furniture and valuables if you don’t mind them getting a little soiled in the process. Smaller things like plates and glassware also fall under this category.
To protect your breakable things, save newspapers and fliers or use tea towels and bath towels. This will not only save you money, but it will also free up some room because you won’t need to store the bedding and towels individually in another box.
While You’re at It, Label Each Box
In addition to saving money, packing yourself will make unpacking easier because you’ll know exactly where everything is. Additionally, you’ll feel more secure knowing that your belongings were packed carefully and correctly. It would be simpler to unload and keep things organized if you label or color code your boxes.
Hire International Movers in Advance
When it comes to international moves, it’s important to hire experienced movers who are familiar with the process and can help make sure your move goes smoothly. One of the best ways to do this is to start planning early and get quotes from several moving companies. This way, you can compare prices and services and choose the company that’s right for you.
It’s also a good idea to research the customs regulations of your destination country before you move. This way, you can be prepared for any paperwork or fees that may be required so that you can organize all the important documents. With a little planning and preparation, even moving out for the first time can be a success.
Hire International Mover That Can Offer You a Good Price for More Than One Service
International movers can provide a great deal of assistance when you relocate to another country. In addition to helping you move your belongings, they can also help with other aspects of your relocation, such as customs clearance. A reliable company will provide many services for your international move, and perhaps even offer you a discount if you bundle some of the services. They might offer you the following:
- Transporting, loading, and unloading your belongings,
- Full and partial packing services,
- An affordable or even free storage service where you can store some of your belongings for a while,
- Secure overseas vehicle shipping because settling in is much easier if you have your car with you,
- Wooden crating for your breakables and valuables,
- Different types of moving insurance.
Additionally, be sure to ask about any hidden fees or charges that may apply because you want to avoid being scammed. And keep in mind that hiring international movers can be a great way to save money and time when you relocate to another country.
Additional Advice on Affordable Moving Options
You should try to save as much money as possible before you relocate. This way, you’ll have a cushion to fall back on in case of unforeseen expenses. Here are some relocation tips to get you going:
- Make a budget and stick to it. This will help you control your spending and make sure you’re not overspending on unnecessary things.
- Stay informed about the cost of living in your new country. This way, you can make sure you’re not spending more than you need to.
- Try to find ways to save money on transportation and housing. This can be a big expense when relocating, so it’s important to try to save as much as possible in these areas.
- Be prepared for unexpected costs. When relocating, there are always going to be some unexpected events. Try to have a contingency fund set aside to cover these expenses.
Following these tips will help you save money before you relocate to another country. If you are prepared and budget carefully, you can make sure you have the financial resources you need to make your relocation a success.
Start Your Savings Account Before You Leave
You should prioritize opening a savings account with a good interest rate since you will profit more from your savings. It’s also crucial to pick a no-minimum-balance account while you’re just getting started, like the American Express checking and savings program. By placing this on top of your moving-out list, you’ll be able to start saving (and collecting) right away and prevent paying fees if your account balance falls below a set level. Opening a savings account is especially important if you’re going to live on your own.
Some More Tips
There are a few other things you can do to save money before you relocate, so make sure you have them written on your to-do list. One is to cut back on expenses, such as eating out and cable TV. You can also sell some of your belongings to raise extra cash. Finally, if you have any debt, try to pay it off as much as possible. Your credit will have an impact on your move, regardless of whether you plan to buy or rent, in addition to how much it will cost you. A high credit score can be helpful if you want to choose the houses you desire and keep your prices as low as possible. This will reduce the amount of money you need to live on once you relocate.
Consider the Costs in the Foreign Nation
If you plan on relocating to another country, it’s important to research the cost of living in that country. This will help you budget and save accordingly. Additionally, be sure to consider the cost of transportation, housing, and healthcare in your new surroundings. By taking these factors into consideration, you can make sure you have enough money to live comfortably in your new home. So don’t make the mistake of skipping to inform yourself properly.
When You Figure Out How to Save Money to Move, Relocation Will Be a Breeze
Relocating to a new home is an exciting time, and there are many reasons to move that drive us forward. But it can also be a bit stressful because there are a lot of things to think about and organize, not to mention the expense of actually making the move. One of the biggest challenges associated with relocations is often saving up enough money to cover the costs. But with a little planning and some creative thinking, it is possible to save enough money to make your move a breeze. In the end, if you want to save up on the relocation itself, pick the best time of the year to move to save on expenses.