Whether it’s due to work or lifestyle, many of us make the decision to move interstate. An interstate move can be really exciting: you get to experience new opportunities, meet new people, find a new job. You can even to reinvent yourself (if you so desire!).
But, in amongst all this excitement, have you thought about the potential difficulties?
Moving interstate usually means you'll be moving over a considerable distance, which can be costly. If you don't keep to a strict budget, that move you're excited about could quickly turn into a financial decision you regret.
Luckily, you can move interstate on a budget. Here’s how.
Cut Down on Your Belongings to Cut Down on Costs
The volume of your belongings dictates how much your move will cost. So, the first way you can keep your interstate move on budget is to take as little as possible with you. This means decluttering.
When you sort through your home, you’ll realise that a lot of your possessions are useless. Your wardrobes are full of clothes you don’t wear, your kitchen is full of appliances you don’t use, and your storage spaces are full of all sorts of things that you probably haven't thought about (let alone used!) for years.
Decluttering isn’t just good for keeping your interstate move on budget, it’s also good for your life in general. You’ll love setting up your new clutter-free home. To declutter, follow this rule.
Dispose of, sell or donate anything that:
- You have multiples of
- You haven’t used in a year
- Doesn’t have a function
- Doesn’t hold sentimental value
Choosing the Right Interstate Removals Company
First things first, let's dispel a myth. The best way to move on a budget isn't about picking the cheapest removals company. A cheap quote may initially save you money, but that money will quickly be lost if that company can't deliver your goods safely and on time.
Instead of looking for cheap, look for value-for-money removalist companies. You’ll save money over the long run by avoiding the need to replace broken items, and you’ll also benefit from added extras like free blankets and ties. It's also a good idea to choose a company that will transport your vehicles and other speciality items, so you only have to deal with one the one company.
Make the Most of Your Space
You've paid for your moving container, so make the most of it. Obviously, you'll save money if you only have to make one trip, so get everything you can into one container. Doing this requires skill and patience. You don't want to rush and just throw everything in; instead, you need to plan your space and how you're going to fit everything in. For smart packing:
- Place smaller objects inside larger objects, for example, stack smaller pots inside bigger pots, smaller bags inside larger bags, and so on.
- Use suitcases, laundry hampers and other container-like objects as moving vessels.
- Make sure you pack your moving boxes correctly, which means placing heavier items at the bottom. This keeps everything balanced and ensures there are no spills during the trip.
Move At The Right Time
Like all industries, the removals industry is subject to peaks and troughs—moving during a trough is usually cheaper. You don’t want to move interstate during holiday periods, because you’ll generally end up paying more for the service.
When sourcing quotes, make sure you ask if their fees vary depending on the season. You may be able to save a substantial amount by moving your moving date either backwards or forwards.
Is Your New Address Ready?
The easiest way to waste money is to ship all your belongings to a house that isn't ready. You need to make sure that your new home is empty and accessible, or you'll have to pay to put everything in storage. In the lead up to the move, make sure you are in regular contact with your real estate agent and get them to check absolutely everything.
How Will You Get There?
This seems like an obvious point, but sometimes amongst all the rush people forget one crucial thing – how are they going to move to their new home? Interstate removals around Australia always require long-distance travel, which can often mean that flying is a better option than driving.
If you're going to fly, make sure you book your flights well in advance. An interstate flight can be costly when you book at the last minute, particularly if you need to fly the whole family.
Follow these tips, and you'll complete your interstate move on budget. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it's up to you to be organised and make sure everything is planned and coordinated by the time the big day rolls around.
