Moving On A Budget With No Car? 7 Ways To Successfully Move With Limited Resources And No Ride

If times are tough and you need to move, it's very difficult when you don't have your own vehicle. Unfortunately, cars are expensive to buy, insure, and maintain, but that shouldn't leave you stranded wherever you live now, especially if you're really motivated to move. Despite the challenges you face, you can move, without a car and without having to pay a king's ransom.

1. Plan On Shipping Some Things

In some cases, shipping can be the cheapest way to transport items, especially if you don't own a lot of odds and ends. Basic items that you need for living and comfort, such as blankets, silverware and small appliances, might all tuck neatly into a few boxes that you can take to the post office for economical transport. Choose this option if the cost of your shipping will likely be less than the cost for labor for movers. While you're still probably going to need a moving service, if you keep what they have to handle scarce, you should be able to keep within your budget.

2. Sell Generic Items And Replace Them After The Move

One cool way to raise needed capital for your move is to sell things you have that are generic or lack personal meaning for you. As an example, a stark kitchen table with mismatched chairs could fetch you a few dollars on Craigslist, putting more money in your pocket now, whereas the cost of having a moving company handle that ensemble wouldn't even be worth it. When you arrive at your new home, you might choose to find another homely and uncoordinated kitchen set (perhaps on Craigslist or something comparable), or you could opt for milk crate dining until you've saved enough for something better.

Anything you own that you're not attached to and that is easily replaced could fall under this category, especially if you can get money for it before your move. The less "stuff" you have, the easier it will be to pack up and unpack anyway. Don't pay more than the value of an item to have it professionally moved, unless it holds sentimental value.

3. Obtain Cheap Or Free Moving Materials

While it's good to get your moving materials for free or really cheap, you need to be careful with this money-saving tactic. Cardboard boxes may abound in the back alleys of supermarkets and liquor stores; however, they may not be sanitary, or worse, they could harbor bugs. Put in a special request at a store for their empty boxes on shipping day so the supplies you reap aren't weather-worn or given time for creepy-crawlers to invade. Inspect them all, too, before placing any of your belongings inside. Buy tape in bulk to save more money, and wrap your furniture and breakables in the towels, blankets, and sheets you're moving with to avoid the added cost of packing materials.

4. Use A Moving Company For Your Furniture

If you hire a moving company for furniture only, the job should be shorter, which could save you considerably. Call different companies for estimates, telling them exactly what you have to move. Also, tell them you have plenty of blankets to cover your furniture, and if you're able, offer to be there and help haul things yourself, further expediting the process and keeping more money in your pocket.

5. Transport Yourself On The Cheap

If someone you know can drop you off at the new place, awesome, but if not, find ways to cut that cost, too. For example, a bus would be cheaper than a train, and both are cheaper than flying, unless you can find an exceptional sale price on a plane ticket. Flying is usually more affordable if you plan in advance, but be careful of added fees for carry-on bags.

6. Coordinate Your Arrival With The Movers

Because moving companies can't transport humans, you need to coordinate your arrival at your new home with that of your belongings. It would be helpful if you could get there a few minutes before the movers to unlock doors and clear a path for them. Call them a few days before your scheduled move to double-check the timing, and call them again right before you leave, just to make sure your move will go according to plan.

7. Wait A While Before Buying Anything For The New Place

Most especially with budgetary restrictions, you should hold off buying new things for your new abode until you're completely unpacked and have had time to get a feel for your new surroundings. You don't want to buy something new simply because you can't find your old one and you need a few days in the environment to make the best decisions regarding decor. Be happy that you successfully pulled off your low-budget, limited resources move and simply allow yourself the opportunity to relax!