ACCC provides five financial tips to help consumers move out of their current living situation
Boston, MA – July 23, 2018
Moving can be an overwhelming process. No matter if it’s someone’s first time or fifth time moving, it takes countless hours of preparation. Even after the rental or purchase of a new apartment, condo, or home, packing up years of belongings and saving the proper amount of money to transition into a new area smoothly can overshadow the excitement of moving. To help consumers, national nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) provides five tips on how individuals can comfortably and confidently move without finding themselves financially unstable afterward.
“Moving out takes a lot of mental and physical energy, and it requires a lot of preparation,” said Steve Trumble, President, and CEO of American Consumer Credit Counseling. “Many people forget to save for things such as hiring movers, getting storage units, or renting a moving truck. There are a variety of obstacles and circumstances that can arise, so it’s essential to plan ahead, stay organized, and save.”
A study by Move.org found that only 11 percent of American consumers moved in 2017. The study also found that consumers, whether they rent or own, are moving less frequently. Only 22 percent of renters and 6 percent of owners moved in 2017. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, the average cost of an interstate move is $4,300, and an in-state move averages $2,300.
ACCC provides savings tips for consumers looking to save and plan for their move efficiently.
- Get finances in order. Many people are excited about the thought of moving, and sometimes don’t adequately consider the financial burden moving can have. It is crucial to check if one’s financial standing is good enough to not only be able to make this rental or purchase, but also to cover the costs of the move itself. These costs can include hiring a trustworthy moving company, buying moving supplies such as boxes and tape, travel costs such as gas, paying for the bills at one’s old and new home, and putting some money aside for an emergency fund.
- Calculate moving costs. Calculate what you are willing to spend before starting your moving preparation. Whether you hire a moving company or do it on your own, some expenses need to be factored in.
- Have a steady job lined up. Having a regular job before the move can help pay for any future expenses and provide comfort in this high-stress situation. Waiting to find a job once one has moved adds another chore to the countless list of to-do items.
- Know your new living expenses. Whether moving alone or with a group of people, it is essential to understand all of the expenses so you are prepared to make these payments at their due date. Keep a list of expenses, such as the monthly mortgage or rent, oil, gas, food, and electricity. Not only is this a great organizational tool, but it is also a nice reminder of how much money should be saved before moving.
- Plan Rooms and Schedule Unpacking Chores. More often than not, people spent extra money on new items that they already have but forgot they packed. Plan out each room before packing so items are not misplaced and purchased again. Along with this, many people put off unpacking for months after moving. By creating an unpacking schedule, one will tackle a few boxes per day, and unpacking can feel like a breeze.
ACCC is a 501(c)3 organization that provides free credit counseling, bankruptcy counseling, and housing counseling to consumers nationwide in need of financial literacy education and money management. For more information, contact ACCC:
- For credit counseling, and student loan counseling call 800-769-3571
- For bankruptcy counseling, call 866-826-6924
- For housing counseling, call 866-826-7180
- Or visit us online at ConsumerCredit.com
About American Consumer Credit Counseling
American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) is a nonprofit credit counseling 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering consumers to achieve financial management through credit counseling, debt management, bankruptcy counseling, housing counseling, student loan counseling and financial education concerning debt solutions. To help consumers reach their goal of debt relief, ACCC provides a range of free consumer personal finan ce resources on a variety of topics including budgeting, credit and debt management, student loan assistance, youth and money, homeownership, identity theft, senior living, and retirement. Consumers can use ACCC’s worksheets, videos, calculators, and blog articles to make the best possible decisions regarding their financial future. ACCC holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®). For more information or to access free financial education resources, log on to ConsumerCredit.com or visit https://www.consumercredit.com/debt-resources-tools/
