Have you packed your boxes and said goodbye to your old home? If so, you must be excited to get on with your new life and settle in, in your new housing. But where to start? The whole moving process, especially long distance relocations,  can get very expensive. Therefore, it might be that you will need to adapt your lifestyle and get to know the ways of living on a tight budget after the move.

The most important thing you need to know when it comes to cost-cutting is that everything is about good prioritizing!

Things you need to know before you start packing

If you are still at the beginning of your relocation process there are few things you could do to save up for the move.  Having a moving plan will make your living on a tight budget after the move, much easier!

• Find an affordable moving company or plan a DIY relocation.
• Calculate the moving costs and plan your moving budget in advance.
• Try avoiding all of the necessary costs. Packing boxes can be found for free on websites like Craiglist. Also, you should visit your favorite local stores and ask your friends to help you with gathering the packing materials.

Prioritizing when living on a tight budget after the move

Even though it is easier to be said than done, prioritizing will get much easier if you have a personal timeline and a checklist.

• Make a calculation of monthly living costs, before you move.

It may be that you won’t have all of the information you need to do so, but an approximate cost calculation will help you plan your relocation budget.

Research the average utility and rent cost in your new neighborhood. This way you could get a better perspective on overall living expenses.

• Consider downsizing.

Planning a fresh start is fun and exciting, but don’t get carried away!

If you have planned to start your new life in a pricey neighborhood, look for a smaller apartment. This will help you with cutting down the costs.

Keep in mind that it all about the location! That being said, make sure you choose a safe neighborhood even though you are living on a tight budget after the move.

• DIY and reuse

There must be many things you can get done by yourself. Do a makeover of your old furniture and save tons of money by decorating by yourself!

• Rethink your everyday expenses.

Do you really need everything you are buying? Think about how much you spend on unnecessary items like beauty products, eating out or taxi rides. Also, those new shoes or cable upgrade can probably stay on a wish list for few months longer.

• Make a saving plan.

As you are already on a budget, savings are probably something you don’t want to think about at the moment. On the other hand, when you are living on a tight budget after the move, a detailed long-term savings plan should be one of your top priorities.

• Get familiar with local stores and usual discounts in your new city.

This is where being friendly to your new neighbors and coworkers will pay off.

Locals can usually provide you with valuable tips where to shop and which stores have regular monthly discounts. Put some thoughts into making your shopping lists in advance and plan your trips to the stores wisely!

Downsizing when living on a tight budget after the move

Living on a tight budget after the move usually means that you will need to make compromises with your living space.

As we have already mentioned, a safe neighborhood should be your top priority when choosing a new home. You might enjoy living in a small apartment downtown much more than finding a suburban house. This way you will save a lot of time in commuting.

Small apartments have a cozy charm. So the most important thing when settling in a small apartment is to think vertically! Use floating shelves as your storage space. You should also consider buying some decorative storage boxes for keeping your belongings.

Have you considered saving on rent by getting a roommate?

If you are not a recent college graduate you probably won’t be thrilled by the idea, but having a roommate can help you cut down the living costs. Also, networking in a new community is going to be much easier when you have a friend that already knows his way around the city.

Do It Yourself guide when living on a tight budget after the move

Living on a tight budget after the move doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to give up the interior design. It will only probably be that you will have to do it yourself! Give your new home a stylish look by doing a makeover of your old furniture.  Grab some paint, few stencils, and sticky tapes and decorate your walls with your own unique design.

Save on food by preparing your meals yourself

Besides saving on groceries by shopping wisely and following the discount dates you should consider avoiding the restaurants and eating out.

This change might be a healthier choice as well. By preparing your lunch and bringing it to work, you will have more control over your dietary plan. There are many great online recipes for preparing a healthy meal, that won’t take too much of your time. And who knows, maybe you will find your new passion!

Entertainment doesn’t have to be expensive

There are always many ways to have fun for free!

• Research which museums and galleries in your neighborhood offer free entrance and use the chance to mingle with the locals.
• Find out the schedule of local concerts and events.
• Having a new and healthy hobby like outdoor exercising is both good for your health and fun.
• Entertain! Rather than spending a lot of money for dining out, invite your new colleagues and neighbors to your new home for drinks, and get a chance to gain new friends.