Moving overseas comes with its inevitable costs, but what if you are moving on a budget? In every step of the International moving process, there are small changes and tricks that can help you make the most out of your money.
Whether that means swooping up the best airfare deals or saving on your storage and shipping, here are some of our top tips on making sure your move is budget-friendly.
Save On Shipping:
Overseas Shipping doesn’t have to be a budget buster! There are many options you can choose from to cut down on the costs of shipping your goods overseas. One of the biggest is choosing between an air carrier or freight by sea. Though it may take a bit longer than the alternative, shipping via sea is a much more budget-friendly option between the two.
You will also get to have your say on the type of container used to carry your belongings, whether it is a full container load or a less than container load. Minimizing what items you bring in your move means you can choose the latter and share your container to drastically take away some of the costs associated with moving. Every small decision counts, even when it comes to sourcing your packing materials! Many international removalists will assist in finding boxes for next-to-nothing, saving both the environment and your wallet the trouble.
Keep Your Eye on the Sky:
Flight prices can change at the drop of a hat, so to get the best deal for your dollar, it serves to keep an eye on airlines and travel agent sites. Your best bet of securing a bargain is to book your flight well in advance, approximately a few months before your big move.
It also helps to shop around – look on travel agency sites that compare flights, and see what the market is doing. Another tip that can go towards you getting the cheapest flight tickets possible is to book in the off-peak season. Weekends and holidays typically see more air traffic and can have a dramatic impact on the price of tickets. Choosing to fly in quieter times of the year will help you save money that you can put towards other expenses.
Minimize Your Move Overseas Shipping:
Packing and shipping your belongings is an unavoidable part of the moving process, but doesn’t have to be the most expensive. By beginning to pack your items months before you move, you are giving yourself the best chance to declutter your belongings, taking the time to assess what items you really need overseas, what should stay in Australia, and what can be sold.
You will be surprised how much this step can help towards your savings. Not only are you cutting costs of shipping by reducing the number of items, if you go on to sell your unwanted things, you are also getting some extra cash in the process! Sell second-hand items on sites such as Facebook Marketplace and you will start to see some room opening up in your budget. Donating goods is also a good way to declutter and minimize your belongings when it comes time to move!
Choose Cheap Accommodation (Overseas Shipping):
Renting is an ongoing expense that you have to factor into your move. Prices can vary drastically depending on your destination, but there are some steps you can take to make sure you are choosing the best options for your budget. If you are looking for a temporary stay for you or your family before you can move into the housing of your choice, be sure to steer clear of commercial hotels and expensive short-term accommodation.
These bills can quickly add up – you are much better off renting a house or apartment or seeking share housing. There are many sites to help people find the perfect roommate – start checking these out well in advance of your move to try and secure your living situation before you even enter the country!
Sort Your Savings:
Budgeting all comes down to money, and this means sorting out your finances before your big move. You will need to notify your bank of your plans to move, and organize how you are going to access your savings overseas. Transfers and withdrawals come with heavy fees when processed internationally, and one way to save in this situation is to only ever do big transfers periodically, reducing fees and optimizing your budget. Another way to save big is to invest in a travel card.
Every small decision you make before Overseas Shipping can mean big savings for your budget, so you can put more money towards your time overseas and invest in yourself.
