Month: June 2021

You find yourself having to make a residential move, and your budget is pretty slim. While moving can bring along some extra expenses, there are also a few good ways to save money. 

1. Get creative when sourcing packing supplies.

The cost of large moving boxes, packing paper, and quilted pads can add up. Not to mention the other packing supplies you will need like tape and bubble wrap. If you have a lot to pack, the cost of moving supplies is something to consider. Look for budget-friendly options: 

• Some grocery stores give away boxes that you can easily use for packing
• Check with local businesses for newspapers to use as packing paper 
• Use your own heavy blankets and towels to protect your furniture

As an adage, some moving companies provide discounted moving supplies like gently-used boxes for free or for a discount when you hire them for help. 

2. Sell what you don’t need. 

The fewer items you have to move, the more cost-effective your move will be. If you have things you don’t need, consider selling them instead of carrying them to your new place. You could post the articles on local classified groups online or even host a garage sale. As a side note, some items that you may consider trash you might be able to recycle for extra cash. For example, a lot of metal recycling centers will pay money for old metal appliances. With a bit of sorting and effort, you may even make some money to put toward your moving costs. 

3. Cut your utility usage where possible and split deposit payments when you can.

When you are in the process of moving, utility costs can change. You may have to pay for whatever you use before leaving your current address and paying a deposit to get service at the new place. Cut utility usage before moving day not to find yourself financially overwhelmed with the final bill. You may try: 

• Raising the thermostat a few degrees to prevent the AC from kicking on so often 
• Lowering electric heat settings a bit while you’re up packing or while in bed 
• Unplugging electronics when they are not in use 
• Scaling back on limited internet usage 
• Opting for showers over baths to save water usage

Keep in mind that some companies will allow you to split up deposit payments throughout your first few bills, which may help you save a bit during the move. 

4. Create a meal plan to save money on eating out.

When you’re in the middle of a move, it can be tempting to eat out and grab food on the fly instead of cooking. However, restaurant meals can be 325 percent more expensive than a meal you prepare at home on your own. Even just making your coffee at home could save around $40 in 30 days. Create yourself a meal plan, make your coffee at home, and you could save quite a bit to put toward your move. 

5. Enlist help to avoid time off of work.

While it may seem counterintuitive to hire professional movers to help you move, doing so can mean you have more free time, and you may not have to miss much time from work. If you are ready to tack down your moving budget and need to get an idea of the cost, reach out to us for a free moving quote today. 

 

What if you have found the ideal new home — but the kitchen is a bit dated? 

Many people dream of a new kitchen but can’t afford the costs of expensive remodels when they move into their new home. With the average kitchen remodel costing anywhere between $12,000 to $35,000, even a minor remodel can easily set a new homeowner back at least $4,000. 

Here are a few low-budget ways to refresh a dated kitchen and give it a newer look. It’s not a full remodel, but these small changes can make a huge difference.

1. Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

A coat of new paint can shave years off a dated kitchen. Painting is one of the most affordable and easiest ways to refresh a kitchen when moving into a new home. All it requires is about 1-2 gallons of paint and a few hours to get the job done. In the end, the kitchen will look refreshed and inviting.

2. Update Kitchen Cabinets

New kitchen cabinets can cost thousands of dollars. However, many vintage kitchen cabinets are well-made of solid wood and will continue to last decades.

• Sand and re-stain
• Paint
• Add new cabinet pulls and knobs

Sometimes, all kitchen cabinets need is a little TLC, and you can make them look refreshed and new without the hefty price tag.

3. Upgrade to a Modern Faucet

Many people are surprised after they realize the dramatic impact a modern faucet makes in a kitchen. Old, outdated faucets are often hard to keep clean and aren’t as functional as newer models. Yet, it’s one of the things most new homeowners overlook. Traditional chrome models show water stains, whereas brushed nickel and other versions repel water and leave it looking clean all the time. More contemporary faucets also add height and have built-in spray features making pots and pans easier to clean. Good-quality faucets are very affordable and can give your sink a whole new look.

4. Change Drawer and Shelf Liners

A low-budget refresh that you can do before your residential move or quickly before you unpack is to place new shelf liners throughout the kitchen. It’s a great way to give the interior of cabinets a clean look. It provides an opportunity to do some reorganization and perhaps even some downsizing to make cabinets more functional. Depending on how many surfaces need re-lining, this job, on average, costs anywhere between $25 and $75.

5. Install New Switch and Outlet Plates

Switch and outlet plates are often overlooked items for replacing. Homes often contain the original metal or white switch plates and then can look dingy. Try installing decorative or at least newer metal ones to provide a “cleaner” look—it’s surprising to learn what a big difference this small change makes. Nice-looking switch and outlet plates can cost anywhere between $3 and $15 per cover. It’s an easy fix that doesn’t take away much time from unpacking.

6. Add New Lighting

Older kitchens often have dim or inefficient lighting, which makes the room look dark and dank. Swap out the overhead fixture for an updated fixture that accommodates LED light bulbs. Homeowners can find inexpensive fixtures. If you need to have them professionally installed, it will increase the cost, but they’ll do it safely and correctly. 

New Home Refresh

Moving into a new place with a dated kitchen doesn’t have to bring down the excitement; even minor changes can equal significant differences.

Are you planning an upcoming move? Contact us today for a free estimate or to learn more about our moving services.