Relocating isn’t at all a fun exercise, whether it’s moving between student flats or away from home for the first time.

Even with the prospects of moving into a new, (hopefully) beautiful home, the planning, packing, transporting and unpacking of goods and, more importantly, the costs can drive any sane person up the wall.

However, it can be less strenuous when you’ve walked away from the move with some cash still in your wallet, and this is how you can do that.

1. Get Rid of Unwanted Belongings

Living in one place for too long comes with literal baggage. You purchase belongings and receive some gifts, many of which end up in the storage. Those items count towards much of the excessive costs experienced when moving. Therefore, before relocating you should consider offloading those items. An option would be to arrange a garage sale, which is quite a lucrative option. Alternatively, you can give those items away as gifts. However, remember that most of these items might also be gifts you received, so try to avoid giving them back to the person who got them for you.

2. Get multiple quotes from moving companies

Moving companies like man and vans services vary in the quality of service and costs. You might want to do a lot of research before choosing a specific mover to help you. You can do so by visiting their respective sites that will have calculators readily available or at least an option to request a quote. Acquire at least 5 quotes, read up on the reviews left by other customers, take into consideration their services and balance the three aspects in accordance to what you’re willing to spend.

3. Save money on gas and electricity

In your first month you might be tight with money, which will make the power bills even worse to bare. If this is the case, try purchase energy saving electronics or just lightbulbs and follow other energy saving tips. This will reduce the bill enough to make you breathe easy for the coming month. Moving house is also a great time to compare suppliers and check if you’re getting the best deal.

READ MORE: > How to reduce energy bills in a student flat

4. Cut out any leisurely spending

A month or two before and after you move, you might want to cut out any unnecessary spending. This might include denying yourself the wine you enjoy with dinner or your nights out. It might feel like your social life has died in a fiery blaze of cardboard boxes, but this will help you save. It will also give you an opportunity to learn about cost saving activities that you might enjoy even after you’ve rebounded from the move.

5. Get second hand packaging

Buying new boxes and bubble wrap is a good idea, but secondhand packaging works just as well. What’s more, you might not even have to spend a dime for them. Simply visit your grocery store or a wholesaler close by and kindly request for boxes and bubble wrap they might not be using. You’ll be surprised just how much they’re willing to give these things to you as it helps them managing waste.

About the author: Tendai

Tendai is a writer for Man & Vans who is obsessed about travelling, coffee and, did we mention, coffee.