New year, new you! It’s time to say goodbye to 2020 and hello to 2021 with a new home and money saving tips to start the year out financially responsible! There is no need to stress over relocating with our 9 tips for saving money.

Let’s Talk Downsizing

Moving into a new home is the best time to look through your belongings and declutter. Split things up based on whether it is seasonal or not. If it is not seasonal and you haven’t used it in over a year, it’s time to get rid of it. If you aren’t married to your furniture and think you’ll want to upgrade to something different in your new home, you can add that to the “get rid of” pile. You can sell the items you want to get rid of for extra cash, and you’ll also save money not having to move the extra clutter across state lines. 

If you aren’t sure what to do with the things you want to get rid of, here are some suggestions

• Host a garage sell
• Sell on Facebook Marketplace
• Trade items with your friends and family
• Donate to Goodwillor Salvation Army

Many moving companies will charge by the weight of your furniture. Many apartments come with washers and dryers and others come with a laundry facility. If that is the case, you don’t want to pay a moving company to move your washer and dryer. You’ll save money selling them to someone else.

Rent a Moving Truck

While it is convenient to hire a moving company, it is also expensive. Save some money, get some friends together and pay them in pizza and drinks to help you load up your stuff into a moving truck.

To rent a truck, it can cost anywhere from $100 – $3000. This all varies based on the size of the truck, how far you are driving, and how long you have the truck. You can compare rental truck prices here.

Should I Hire a Moving Company?

If you don’t think you can move without the help of a moving company,consider asking your job if they will reimburse you for a moving company. 

Before you hire and movers, as yourself these questions : 

• Do I have a lot to move?
• Are my friends and family willing / able to help?
• How far away am I moving?
• Which option is more cost effective?
• How valuable are my belongings?
• Are my items complicated to move?

While a moving company may be more expensive, they can save you time, money, and energy down the road when moving your valuables. 

Move During The Fall or Winter – Midweek

When it comes to moving, there is an on and off season. Some apartments are cheaper when you relocate during the cooler months. Some landlords will offer you cheaper rent since their apartments aren’t being rented out as often.

If you move during the week, some rental truck companies or moving companies will charge you less since they don’t have as many families wanting to move on these days.

Get Your Own Boxes and Supplies

There is no need to waste your money on boxes and supplies. When you buy boxes, you can spend anywhere from $35 – $100+. Think and pack smarter by getting your boxes for free from 

• Liquor Stores
• Local Boutiques
• Grocery stores
• Facebook Marketplace
• Local bookstores

You can also use reusable bins. They may be costly up front, but they come in handy whenever you need to store your belongings. This investment may be worth it if you relocate often for work.

Don’t waste your money on bubble wrap and packing supplies either. Socks make a great option for all of your breakable glasses. Towels and blankets can be used to cover headboards, paintings, etc. 

Saving Money When Renting a Moving TruckDon’t Overbuy

When you move into a new apartment, it’s exciting to want to buy all new furniture and decor. Put your spending on pause and ask yourself “do I need this?” before you hit purchase! Don’t start decorating your new apartment until you get moved in and you can see what all you need. You may be moving into a furnished apartmentand won’t even have room for new furniture or decor. And don’t forget, if you can buy something in a new city, that is money you will save on not having to move it.

Choose The Best Rental Rates

Nice apartments in trendy neighborhoods can charge their tenants rent that is higher than other locations. These highly sought after apartments may be nice because they are right in the heart of the downtown area. But if you are willing to drive a couple miles to enjoy the nightlife or shipping, you could save hundreds of dollars on rent a month. For example, living in Benton may cost you less than Little Rock, and there is so much to do around you.

Use our neighborhood guideto help you find the neighborhood you want to live in in Central Arkansas.

Choose Affordable Utilities

Not every city will give you the option to choose which utility company you used. However, some will. We suggest calling around and comparing rates for gas, electric, water, and trash services. It can’t hurt to ask if utility companies offer discounted rates for specific apartment complexes, specific occupations such as medical workers, teachers, military, etc., or even if they are willing to negotiate on price.

You can also ask if you can pay a fixed rate each month so that your bills do not fluctuate so much during the hottest and coldest times of the year. 

Some apartments will even offer utilities in their cost of rent. Be sure to ask this when you are apartment hunting. 

Consider Meals and Cleaning Supplies

Start to eat all of your groceries that you have left that cannot move with you, weeks before your big move. Save money on going out to eat by cooking at home and not wasting your perishable items. 

And when it comes to cleaning supplies, us eup what you can in the months leading up to your relocation. If you have full bottles of cleaning supplies, move them with you. If they aren’t full enough to move, donate them or throw them out. Be on the lookout for good cleaning supplies deals whenever you get to your new home. 

Apartment Hunters of Central Arkansas is happy to help you in any way we can with your new start. Keep your wallets full by planning ahead and using our 9 tips to keep your move affordable.