Move Your Family on a Budget With This Essential Planning Guide

Moving on a budget can be challenging even for the most organized family, so it’s important to do a little research ahead of time to ensure you’re prepared for every aspect of the process. Looking for the perfect home and neighborhood, saving for closing costs and a down payment, and tackling all the tasks that come with physically moving a household take time and patience. But if you have everything you need from the get-go, including these tips, you’ll be able to keep stress at bay.

Get Pre-Approved

Before you start your home search, it’s a good idea to boost your credit score as much as possible, then apply for pre-approval on a loan so you’ll have a number to work with. This will also allow you to put in an offer right away when you find a property you love since the buyers will see that you’re serious. Additionally, you can calculate your payments with a 30 year fixed mortgage rate so you know what to expect.

Finding the best home for your family’s needs can be time-consuming, but it will be helpful to have a list of aspects you absolutely can’t live without–such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms or the size of the garage–so your realtor can help you narrow down the options.

Get Organized

Creating checklists is a great way to get organized for your move since it can help you avoid overlooking important tasks and even save money in the long run. Whether you need to start decluttering to make the packing process easier or you need to prep the house for potential buyers, writing out a checklist of everything that needs to be done can help you stay on top of things and reduce stress. You already know the big tasks that need to be taken care of, so start your list with the details.

In order to get ready for an open house, for instance, you’ll want to make sure every room is full of natural light and smells nice. You’ll also want to secure valuables, depersonalize by removing a few family photos and simplifying the decor, and create a plan for your pets that will get them out of the house while buyers are walking around since they can be looked upon unfavorably.

Create Separate Packing Lists

Along with your prep checklist, it’s a good idea to create detailed packing lists for both the movers and your own car. This is an easy way to save money when moving with kids since you can prepare a bag for each child that contains their favorite toys, methods of entertainment, and snacks during the move.

You can also pack a bag that contains everyone’s phone chargers, medicine, and a few cleaning supplies – such as disinfectant wipes and paper towels – so you’ll have them at the ready when you walk into the new house. Having these bags packed will eliminate the need to stop for items while you’re on the road and will allow for a much smoother trip.

Factor in Your Work or Business

It is almost impossible to juggle work and moving on the same days, so take a few days off around the move. This choice will allow you to focus on making sure the move – and everything that goes along with it – goes as smoothly as possible.

However, taking a few days off can be more of a challenge for business owners, especially if you’re also moving your business. In these cases, make sure the business aspect of your move has its own checklist and organization. Clearly label boxes with office items, whether they are for your home office or a collective brick and mortar office space. If you’re relocating out of the area, it’s vital that you give your employees adequate time to decide if they will stay with your company, move on or, if you’ll allow it, work from home after the move. And keep your clients in the loop, too.

Hire Movers

Hiring professional movers from A+ Moving Solutions can be a great way to make your move smoother and less stressful. They are experienced in packing, loading, and transporting items safely so you don’t need to worry about damaging or losing anything. They will also be able to provide the necessary tools and equipment for heavy items that would require special handling. Call today to get a quote!

Budget for Move-In Day

While you’re planning for the move, it’s crucial not to overlook the big day when it comes to budgeting. Take things like meals and tipping the movers into consideration; you may want to grab fast food or a pizza for your first dinner in the new home, and the movers may only be able to take a cash gratuity. Planning for even these small details will help you avoid any issues so you can focus on getting settled in.

Meet New People

Meeting new people can be challenging. One of the best ways to meet new people is by joining local organizations or partaking in activities such as book reading clubs, fitness classes, volunteer opportunities, or even just going for a walk around your neighborhood. You could also try getting involved in online forums or groups related to your interests. And don’t forget about reaching out to old friends and acquaintances if you’re moving back to your home town or city. If you can’t contact them through social media, you can find Tampa alumni through online search engines.

Start Your Move

Moving your family on a budget can be challenging, but it’s definitely not impossible. Good planning can go a long way toward helping you stay on top of each task and eliminating anxiety or stress. Start by getting organized, and create plans for specific purposes, like first night and business related items. Once you’re moved in, reach out to old friends or meet new ones in your area.