Everybody knows that you need a big budget to move. It could be challenging for those who have never moved to see just how much cash they will need to spread their wings and fly away from their childhood home. So, how to save money to move out? We decided to share a few of our most valuable tips and tricks for gathering a budget big enough to move to one of the lovely towns in the Bay Area.
There are so many upsides to living on your own, like being completely free and having your own space. Young people tend to rush to get a new place, away from their parents, but that’s impossible to do if you don’t have a reasonable budget. In this economy, it can be hard to put aside cash – but it’s not impossible. Check out our suggestions for saving. They can help you move out a lot faster.
How to Save Money to Move Out – Tips and Tricks You Should Know
Everybody knows that residential relocation isn’t cheap, even if you’re going only a few streets away. Relocating to a new Bay Area town is incredibly challenging, but it’s nothing you can’t handle. Before you move out, you must learn to manage your finances. Yes, you probably already know the basics, but unless you pay rent to your parents and help them out with utility bills, you still have a lot to learn. We can show you where to cut costs and how to prepare for the move with the least amount of spending.
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Free QuoteWhen Is the Right Time to Move Out of Your Parents’ Home?
The question you must ask yourself before you begin with preparations to move and face the moving stress is this – are you ready for this step? You may have plenty of reasons to move, but is it a practical solution right now? Usually, people like to settle in a good job before they start saving for an apartment. These days, it’s common to live with your parents longer than before since staying home can significantly decrease your spending and increase your savings. Don’t hesitate to live with your parents a bit longer than you planned – it could be beneficial for you. You will start your independent life with more cash in your account if you are patient enough – trust us, rushing to move in a hurry won’t get you far.
How Much Money Should You Save Up Before Moving?
You have to set a goal for yourself. Decide on the number you have to reach and work towards it. But how do you figure out how much you need? Well, the usual amount you should have saved up is at least three months’ worth of living expenses. Ideally, it would be six months’ worth of expenses if you want to move efficiently. However, we must emphasize that you’re not only saving for rent. Even though rent will eat up a not-so-small part of your salary, there are other things to consider as well. You must have enough to pay for utilities, food, hygiene products, and transportation (do you know how to get around San Francisco without a car?).
You Have to Calculate the Monthly Cost of Living on Your Own
Feel free to calculate precisely how much you need for a month. We mentioned the essential spendings above, but keep in mind that’s not enough. You always have to put aside a bit of cash for a night out with friends, someone’s birthday present, or an emergency. If you are moving with pets, you have to remember to count on the cost of a visit to the vet. Generally, it’s a good idea to put aside a part of your salary after deducting rent and other essentials. Additionally, keep in mind that your rent should never cost more than 30% of your earnings – if it exceeds that percent, you probably won’t be able to get through the month without any issues.
Keep Track of How Much You Spend for a Couple of Months
Keeping track of your spending is always the best way to control your budget. You will see that the same principle applies to relocations – you’re yet to become acquainted with the relocation expenses checklist. Anyway, here’s what we suggest you do once you decide it’s time to move – start writing down every cent you spend. But, honestly, we mean everything. You can use an app to track your expenses, or you can do it the old-fashioned way, with a notebook and a pen.
After a month or two, you should be able to see what the approximate amount you spend is. Compare that number with the calculated cost of living on your own, and you’ll know if you have enough. If you spend more than you need to live independently (which you probably do), it’s time to start saving. So let’s see how we can make sure your wallet becomes heavy enough to get you through the complicated process of relocating to a new home.
Try to Improve Your Credit Rating
Okay, we know that this is hard to pull off, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. You could be filling out your San Francisco rental application sooner if your credit rating becomes better. Recent college graduates have a lot of debt that can’t be paid off quickly, and we wouldn’t suggest you try to get rid of it all – but even paying a little bit can boost your credit score. What’s more realistic is paying off credit card debt. Not only will this make it easier to find a landlord who would be willing to rent you a place, but it will also lift a significant burden off your back and make you feel free. After your move, having less debt means you will be planning a staycation in San Francisco pretty soon. Check out the video below for some tips on eliminating credit card debt.
Saving Money to Move – Don’t Overspend on Unnecessary Items
Getting in the habit of saving can be tricky, but that is something that will be great for you in the long run. If you can continue to put aside cash every month even after you move, you will always have an emergency fund. That can do a lot for your peace of mind, especially in the periods of economic crisis that we have all experienced. Now, when we say that you shouldn’t spend cash on unnecessary things, you will probably think – yes, that is logical, but what does that mean? Which costs should I cut?
Tips That Will Save You a Lot of Cash
Saving means you will have to sacrifice some stuff you do for fun. Honestly, it will be a bit tough, but remember that you won’t be able to enjoy a luxury lifestyle in the months following your move until you genuinely settle in and figure out what living on your own means. We have a few suggestions for cutting costs. Try to avoid spending on the following:
- Going to the movies,
- Restaurants and bars,
- Takeout food,
- Uber,
- Buying coffee,
- Streaming services.
When you list things like this, it sounds like you won’t be living at all. We know it will be difficult, but you wouldn’t believe how much you spend on fancy macchiatos and cappuccinos or cocktails with your friends. Try to cut back on this stuff, and you will have an extra few hundred bucks at the end of the month. Here are a few more tips for saving cash for relocating to a new home – check out this video below.
Sell Items You No Longer Use
Decluttering is an unavoidable part of preparing for a move. In most cases, people have a lot of items that are of no use to them. You can earn quite a bit of cash if you sell some of that stuff – after all, it’s just sitting in your house, and you wouldn’t even miss it. The cash you get will come in handy for buying boxes for a move or new furniture and dishes for your new place since your parents probably won’t let you pack dishes from their kitchen or take their furniture. On the plus side, you won’t have to bother with packing furniture. Since you’re decluttering, get rid of your items movers won’t move, and note which of the most commonly forgotten things to pack you want to take with you.
A Garage Sale Is a Smart Way to Earn Cash on the Items You Don’t Need
Organizing a garage sale is one of the best ways to sell your belongings. If you advertise it well, it can be a huge success – post an ad on websites such as Garage Sale Finder, and remember to promote on social media as well. Also, you won’t have to worry about any permits – in San Francisco, you need no license if you throw less than three sales per year. Neatly lay out the stuff for sale, and make sure not to overprice anything. The standard price for clothing is around $0,5 – $3, and most of the small stuff should be priced in this range. Start the sale bright and early on a Saturday morning and be ready to earn enough cash for boxes and other supplies.
How to Save Money on Moving and Packing?
Besides affordable moving options, you will need a lot of supplies to pack up your belongings. So, what is the least expensive way to move? You probably think that a DIY move is the cheapest option, but you shouldn’t jump to conclusions quickly. Suppose you find an excellent relocation company that you can afford (spoiler alert – we mean us). In that case, it’s better to spend a bit for an effortless move than to pay later for the mistakes from the relocation. You won’t have to worry about anything if you hire pros.
Ask Friends to Help You Out With Packing and Moving
One of the tasks on your relocation to-do list should be organizing an epic going-away party. This is a great chance to call your friends and ask them to assist you with wrapping up your belongings. The packing theme is pretty popular for going-away parties because it’s equally fun and helpful for you. Put on some music, remember to bring pizza and beer, and start to pack books in boxes. Also, you shouldn’t be shy – ask your friends to be there for you on the relocation day if you decide to go for the DIY move. Even though it’s called DIY, you can’t do everything on your own. It’s better to have a few sets of hands to move boxes with you to the new apartment.
Don’t Pack All of Your Belongings – Only Take What You Use
You may be tempted to pack everything you own, but that’s a bit irrational. First, that would take a lot of boxes. And second, the stuff you leave behind stays in your childhood house, and you can get it whenever you need it. Try to pack clothes and other belongings that you really need. This will lower the relocation costs and the number of supplies you have to buy. If you wish to take all of your stuff with you, but there’s not enough space in your apartment for all of that, renting a storage unit is another excellent solution.
Hiring Professional Bay Area Movers Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
Even though it may seem counterproductive to hire San Francisco movers when you are tight with cash, in some cases, that could be a brilliant idea. You can gain more than you lose if you decide to go with the right moving company in the Bay Area – that is, our company. We offer a more than affordable price for a local relocation, and if you are inexperienced when it comes to relocations, having professionals by your side can mean a lot. Apartment relocations can be more tricky than they seem, and our best movers in San Francisco can solve all the unexpected problems that come your way.
Our Local Movers in the Bay Area Can Help You Move for an Affordable Price
Whether you decide to go with packers and movers, or you feel that it’s best to hire us for labor-only service, you can be sure that your move will go smoothly. Our Bay Area moving company has been in business for a long time, and we’ve seen it all. There’s no problem too big for our movers in San Francisco, from relocating a piano to carrying bulky furniture and relocating large items. Our team will use all the best relocating hacks and make sure that your belongings get to their new home in one of the best places to live in the Bay Area without even the tiniest damage. With us by your side, you have no reason to worry about any moving scams. Check out our free quote, and you will see for yourself that our high-quality services come at an excellent cost – why not contact us today and solve a large part of your relocation struggles?