I recently moved halfway across the country for a new job, and it has been fun, exciting, and stressful. As if moving weren’t challenging enough, moving a couple thousand miles away is an adventure. I’ve moved every year for the past eight years of my life, so it’s nothing new. However, there’s one thing that never ceases to amaze me — moving is really expensive.
In fact, some people are probably afraid to move, because they think it will cost too much. Relocation is expensive, but don’t let it keep you from going after your dream job or moving to your favorite city. I’ve learned a lot from my experiences, so here are a few tips on how to make it through a move without going broke.
Ask for help
A lot of employers cover all or at least a portion of relocation expenses. With that being said, the easiest way to move to a new city is to get a job with an employer who will help pay for your moving costs. If you get a job offer with no mention of relocation assistance, it doesn’t hurt to ask about it.
I was fortunate enough to get a job with an employer that helps with relocation, so I saved a huge chunk of money. Unfortunately, companies usually do this through reimbursements, which means you may have to pay a credit card bill for these expenses before you actually get reimbursed. Since you don’t want to pay extra money for leaving a balance on your credit card, it’s best to put your relocation expenses on a credit card with the farthest due date from the time of your move.
Prioritize
Money is usually really tight immediately after a move. If you’re renting a place, you probably have to pay a security deposit and the first month’s rent when you move in. In bigger cities, the security deposit is often one and half month’s rent or more. This may mean that you can’t afford everything you need to buy right away, so the best thing to do is prioritize.
Some items are essential, like a bed, towels, chairs, etc. However, some things can wait, like a flat-screen TV. The idea is to buy the things you really need first, and then gradually get the rest as you can afford them.
Make new friends
The easiest way to learn about a new place is to become friends with people who have lived there for awhile. Not only will you have people to hang out with, you can ask them for recommendations on where to eat, where to shop, etc. I know what you’re thinking, “How does this benefit me financially?”
Well, if your new friends have lived in the area for some time, chances are they have some stuff that they’re not using. Sweet! Free stuff.
Use hand-me-downs
As I just mentioned, free stuff rules, especially if you can’t afford to get everything you really want right away. Friends are a great resource, or if you’re renting a place, you could also ask your landlord if he/she has any spare furniture. I’m borrowing a bed and a dresser from my landlord right now, which has saved me at least a couple hundred dollars. It’s not exactly the most stylish bed, but it’s comfortable and functional. Best of all, it has helped me move without going broke.
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