Tips for a cost-effective moving day
Buyers and tenants are encouraged to avoid having to take on extra debt to help cover the costs.
Purchasing a new home comes with so many expenses that it is not uncommon for buyers to search for ways to cut back on costs.
While hiring a professional moving company can be helpful, it is also often one of the first expenses buyers tend to work around.
According to regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, Adrian Goslett, there may be upfront costs involved when moving into a new property that many forget to budget for.
“Tenants will need to pay a sizeable deposit and buyers will need to cover transfer fees and bond registration costs. This often leaves very little money for things such as the moving day or furniture purchased for the new home,” he notes.
To help those who want to cut down the costs of moving home, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares a few tips for a cost-effective moving day.
• Shop around for quotes
For those who choose to use professional movers, take time to shop around. Get quotes from at least three different companies to see which offers the fairest quote. Doing this in advance will also help you budget more accurately and allow you time to save up the amount.
• Hire a trailer
For those with a tow bar and an appropriate vehicle, can it be more cost-effective to hire a trailer for a day to do the move yourself. Better still, if a friend or family member could lend you a trailer or vehicle for the day, it could help you save much-needed cash.
• Declutter before the move
The less you have to move to the new home, the cheaper the moving will become. Before the move, get rid of the items you no longer need. Donate or sell the items still in good condition. Resist the urge to purchase new items until after you have moved into the new home.
Whether you choose to move on your own or hire professional movers, Goslett encourages buyers and tenants to avoid having to take on extra debt to help cover the costs. “To protect your credit score and to minimise the impact of interest rate hikes, try to keep credit card debt as minimal as possible. As difficult as it may be, it is far better to be patient and build up savings to cover the associated costs of moving in cash rather than on credit,” he advises.
To do this, it is useful to be fully aware of all the costs you can expect to cover when moving.
“Before committing to a purchase or a lease agreement, speak to a trusted real estate advisor to get a better idea of all the associated costs. As experienced professionals, they could offer advice about the most common expenses that have tripped clients up in the past. Being better informed will help to avoid surprise expenses and make the moving process more enjoyable,” Goslett concludes.
To get in touch with a real estate professional, visit www.remax.co.za.
