How to Budget for Moving Costs

Moving costs are far too often overlooked by homeowners.

It makes sense though, when considering the other financial concerns tied up in securing a new home, including mortgages, closing costs, rental application fees or deposits.

Minimize your stress level and cut your expenses with our 4 professional tips on how to budget for moving costs.

The following topics are discussed:

Decluttering and Downsizing
Holding a Garage Sale
Selling on Craigslist
Donating to a Greater Cause

Decluttering and Downsizing

One of the biggest challenges to downsizing is determining what to get rid of.

When you sort through your items, use the 6-month rule to decluttering. That is, if you haven’t used or even thought of an item in at least six months, then it’s time to get rid of it.

Also, consider the KonMari method to decluttering and downsizing.

The premise of KonMari method is simple: only keep the items that bring you joy. Rather than purging belongings room by room, you downsize by category (i.e. books, clothes, shoes). It also illustrates folding techniques for each clothing item.

There are exceptions, such as your grandmother’s sterling silver. But if you know you’re not going cross country skiing again, then it’s time to get rid of the poles and skis.

You can also consider where you are moving to. If you live in Los Angeles and are moving to Portland, you might not need 25 pairs of flip-flops or sandals. Go ahead and trade in all of your beach wear for a sweater and rainproof jacket.

Holding a Garage Sale

One easy way to get rid of a lot of extra items is to hold a garage sale.

Many people find garage sales to be a fun and convenient method to making extra pocket money while getting rid of vintage or lightly-worn possessions that are taking up space.

Remember the waffle iron from three Christmases ago that you only used once? Someone will love to pay you for that! Have you migrated your book reading to an e-book device? All of your paper books will surely find a good home on a book lover’s shelf.

You never know what people will pay top dollar for. As the saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Be sure to check out our blog post on 7 Successful Garage Sale Tips Before Moving.

Selling on Craigslist

Craigslist will earn you the most money for your possessions in the least amount of time.

Craigslist is best suited for items that are distinctly valuable, such as vintage furniture or appliances. Clothing, however, won’t sell as easily.

Craigslist also has a “Free” option for those items you simply need to be rid of. Just convey that the buyer will need to come over and do the heavy lifting, and they will gladly take it off your hands.

Donating to a Greater Cause

If your items don’t sell or if you’d rather not be bothered with holding a garage sale, consider donating.

Local churches, charities or homeless shelters would be more than happy to take clothing, bedding, and even furniture off your hands. Many places will even pick up your items directly from your house. Just ask!

Here is a list of some of our favorite local charities and donation centers:

Save Moving Costs with Priority Moving Services

It can be tough to get rid of some belongings, but downsizing is one universal moving tip that always brings joy in the end.

While you focus on paring down your possessions, leave the heavy lifting to your local Portland moving company, Priority Moving Services.

Since 2006, our friendly and professional movers have been dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and satisfaction to individuals, families, and businesses across Oregon that need an extra hand in moving.