As you know, it’s pretty expensive to move. Not only do you have to hire movers to get you from Point A to Point B, you have to buy a new house in a new community, which may or may not have a higher cost of living than what you’re used to.
If you are moving to Plano soon, you may wonder just how much money you should save in advance. Here is a bit of guidance for you.
Know the Cost of Living
The cost of living in Plano is 21% higher than the average throughout Texas, and 12% higher than the average throughout the rest of the nation. In particular, the housing is 24% more expensive than the national average, with utilities being 13% pricier. The median home price here is $529,000 and the average rent is $1824.
Is There a “Right” Amount to Save?
In general, it’s good to have saved three months of living expenses before your move, but this will depend on your financial situation, the amount you have already saved, and the details of your move. Your new rent or mortgage is a fixed amount, so this will have to be included in your budget no matter what.
Other costs to plan for include:
- Furniture
- Food/drink
- Utilities
- Travel time
- Movers
- Gas
- Transportation (subways, buses, etc.)
- Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance
- Kennels for pets
Take What You Need
You will pay for your move by the truckload, so be sure to de-clutter and get rid of items you no longer need before you move. There is no need to shell out more money than you have to on things you don’t even want anymore. Plus, this will cut down on your packing time.
Hire Movers for the Heavy Stuff
Even if you don’t hire movers for the small things like boxes, you should hire them for the heavy stuff such as furniture and awkward items like pianos and pool tables. Don’t risk hurting your back by doing it all yourself.
Gather Free Moving Supplies
One big way to save money for your move is to use free moving supplies. You can ask friends, neighbors and family members if they have spare moving boxes, or head to your local grocery or liquor store for extra boxes they are just going to throw out anyway.
Compare Moving Companies
Moving rates can vary by hundreds of dollars, so it’s well worth it to shop around just like you would anything else. Don’t always go with the cheapest one, because their reputation may not be so great and they may not pay close attention to your stuff. Heck, they may not even be licensed. Go with middle-of-the-road pricing and choose a company with good reviews.
Contact Around the Clock Moving and Storage
Whether you have a tight budget or a generous one, it’s always helpful to save money ahead of your move. This will ensure you have enough in your savings in case of emergency. Here at Around the Clock, we help you stick to your budget with our affordable rates, so contact us today to help manage your Plano move.
