Most people go through a period in their lives when they will have to move for their job. It’s pretty common and can happen on short notice. The good news is that there are many things you can do to make your move as inexpensive as possible.
1) Estimate the Cost of Living
Many people who are moving for a new job overestimate the amount they’ll be making, resulting in overspending before starting again at the new place. Take time to estimate your cost of living so you’re not unprepared. And be sure to include living expenses such as rent and utilities, transportation costs, food costs, and other miscellaneous items.
2) Establish a Budget
Before you move, be sure to establish a household budget. Figure out how much money you have to spend, then create a list of priorities and go from there. It’s best to save as much as possible on your move to get started on the right foot financially.
3) Get Rid of Things
If you’re moving for a new job, that might mean quitting your current job. Before you do so, look carefully at your belongings and make sure there’s nothing that can stay behind at your old place. After all, you can’t fit everything in a car, so it’s best to sort through this stuff before you move.
4) Use a Real Estate Agent
Real estate agents can be a financial lifesaver for those moving for a new job. A good agent will know which neighborhoods are safe and include desirable amenities like parks and playgrounds. They’ll also help make sure you don’t lose money on your purchase or sale, so it’s worth investing in the services of an agent.
5) Check Utilities
Before you move, check what utilities will cost where you’re moving. If moving in during the summer, factor in the cost of air conditioning into your budget. If it’s winter, have a plan for heating costs to avoid being caught by surprise.
6) Take Advantage of Prepayment Plans
Some service providers will let you prepay for services like cable and electricity. This can save you a lot of money and eliminate the need for travel time to set up new accounts. It’s a wise move to ensure that pre-paid utility bills will be enough to cover the cost of your utilities when you’re moving.
7) Declare Your Expenses
When you start a new job, declare your moving expenses so your employer can reimburse them. This is an easy way to save money on top of what they offer you for moving expenses.
8) Research the Area
People are often moving for a new job and don’t know much about the area where they are moving to. This can be a major issue when it comes to finding a good school district for your kids, which can be more complicated than you’d think. Before you move, research the area and connect with local businesses so you’re prepared when you arrive.
Making a move for a new job can be difficult, but it’s important to know how to minimize the cost to make it as inexpensive as possible. Planning and eliminating unnecessary items can help make the process easier. Finally, be sure to take advantage of all the available resources to save money on your move.
