When it comes to moving, the expenses can quickly add up. Whether it’s across town or across the country, moving can be a costly and stressful experience, especially on a tight budget. Moreover, if the last two years have taught us anything it’s that we’re living in an unpredictable world. Many people have faced financial challenges during and after the pandemic that have likely impacted their bank balance and credit scores. Here are 6 Strategies to Moving with Bad Credit:
Don’t be disheartened if your credit score isn’t where you want it to be. This doesn’t mean you won’t be able to move or rent; with a little effort, you can still find a great place to call home. And you can beat the consequences of bad credit while still keeping your costs (and your stress levels!) down.
Plan Ahead and Create a Budget
The earlier you start planning your move, the more time you’ll have to save up for it. Planning ahead also gives you time to research the best moving options and prices. Don’t forget to factor in extra expenses that may come up along the way. For example, you may need to pay for temporary housing while you’re in transition or for new furniture and appliances once you’ve moved into your new home. Additional charges you have to factor in if you’re renting include:
- Credit check fees
- Security deposit
- Non-refundable move-in fee
- Pet deposit
- Parking fee
- Renters insurance
Who you are renting from as well as your credit score will influence the security deposit and move-in fee.
Get Creative with Your Packing Strategy
Packing can be one of the most expensive aspects of moving, but it doesn’t have to be! You can take the financial stress out of packing by getting creative with your packing strategy. Try packing strategically by using packing materials you already have like towels and linens for delicate items or boxes for heavier items.
Another way to cut costs is to reuse old boxes and packing material from previous moves. A further option is to ask family and friends if they have any spare packing supplies that you could use. Finally, many grocery stores and liquor stores have surplus boxes that they are happy to give away for free.
Look at Different Options for Movers
When you’re already running on a tight budget, it can be tempting to try and do everything yourself. However, there are several good reasons to consider using a professional moving company. They can:
- save you a lot of time and effort
- help to protect your belongings from damage during the move
- save you money by making sure your belongings arrive in one piece
Remember, not all moving companies are created equal – make sure to compare prices between a few different companies to get the best deal. Don’t forget to ask about hidden fees, too, so you don’t end up with any surprises on moving day.
Sell Unused Items Before You Move
If you’re like most people, you probably have a lot of items that you no longer use or need. Why not sell them before you move? A great way to offset some of your moving costs or be able to offer a larger security deposit if you have bad credit is to sell any unused items before you move. This could include anything from furniture to clothes to appliances.
There are a few different ways to go about selling your unwanted items. You could have a garage sale, post items on classifieds websites or use Facebook Marketplace. Whatever method you choose, getting rid of your unwanted items before you move will make packing and moving much easier. Just be sure to factor in the time it will take to sell everything into your overall timeline.
Donate Good Items and Get Rid of the Junk
If you have a lot of junk lying around, now is the time to get rid of it! Not only will this declutter your home, but it will also help reduce the weight of your belongings, which can lead to reduced moving costs.
You can donate good items to charity instead of throwing them away – just be sure to get a receipt so you can claim the deduction on your taxes. You can also recycle it. This includes everything from clothes and electronics to packing materials. Finally, if an item is too old or damaged to be sold, donated, or recycled, then it’s time to trash it.
Improve Your Renting Options
Landlords and letting agents are often reluctant to accept tenants with bad credit, as they may be seen as a higher risk. There are a few things you can do to build your credit and improve your chances of getting approved for a new lease, even with bad credit.
- Get a free credit report and score to understand where you stand.
- Look for bad credit apartments that don’t require a credit check.
- Find a cosigner or guarantor if you can’t qualify on your own.
- Get a prepaid rent card to help build up your rental history.
- Consider looking for a roommate to split the cost of rent and utilities.
- Search for government housing assistance programs that can help you with your rent.
Are You Ready to Start Packing?
Moving can be challenging but it’s also an exciting new chapter in your life. Embrace the change and enjoy the process! Take a look below for a great list of tips that you can implement today to start building your financial self-care routine and make the moving process less daunting.
We hope you found this blog post 6 Strategies To Moving With Bad Credit useful. Be sure to check out our post 5 Must-Haves If You’re Looking To Purchase Your First Home for more great tips!
Have Experience in the Moving Industry? Want an Additional Income Stream? Work With All Around Moving!
Earn commissions with all the moving jobs you book with All Around Moving Services Company, Inc. Partner with us and we’ll help you profit. Profit as a moving consultant under our moving umbrella and earn 50/50 commission. Click here to learn more.
