6 financial planning tips for your next move – and when getting a small loan might be a good idea

Editor’s Note: This is a guest post by Jessica from the MoneyLion team.

There’s a lot to be excited about when you’re planning a move, but before you start spending money willy-nilly, make sure you know ALL your options. Here are some tips to make it go smoothly (and cheaply).

First things first: are you moving for a new job?

If yes, you should consider negotiating with your new employer about them helping you pick up the tab. Moving can be very costly and while employers often don’t mention the possibility of a relocation package upfront, many will reimburse you for a part of, or even a large chunk, of your move. It’s in your best interest to at least ask – you may be pleasantly surprised by what they may offer you.

How far are you moving?

If you’re only moving to the next town over or within reasonable driving distance, consider renting a truck and doing it all yourself. While the idea of professional packers and movers doing it for you can sound like sweet relief, doing it yourself doesn’t have to be that hard. It just takes some planning.

Hit the liquor store!

For FREE BOXES, of course! (And other supplies as needed!) Both your local grocery markets and liquor stores are great places to get free boxes, particularly after a big shipment. Another plus: these types of boxes are ideal because they’re not too big and are also sturdy. Check your local Craigslist for listings of free boxes, also. People are moving all the time, there are plenty of boxes to be found if you give yourself enough time.

Label smart.

The very first day of your move you’ll want to know where your kitchen and bathroom things are, for example. Label those boxes ‘Kitchen – OPEN FIRST’ so you know exactly what’s in them.

Get rid of old junk.

Most movers charge by the pound – so the lighter the load, the less expensive it will be. It might be time-consuming and the last thing you want to do right now but a garage or yard sale can actually be pretty fun. You get to meet quirky people and you’ll be shocked at the stuff that people really want! As the old saying goes, ‘One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.’ Make a weekend of it and your move will be that much easier.

Be honest with yourself.

Moving is commonly accepted as one of life’s biggest stressors. When our routine and our familiar surroundings suddenly need to change, it can disrupt our lives pretty significantly. It’s normal to feel uncomfortable about a move – on many levels. So if it’s too much for you to do this all on your own – if your job is taking too much time or you have to take care of your kids, for example, perhaps you might need the help of moving professionals. Or, you may just need a small loan to tide you over so you can focus on the other important parts of your life right now. That’s understandable.

One of the best ways to get a small loan these days is online. You don’t have to go to a bank, stand in line and wait indefinitely. You can get a loan from the privacy of your home, on your own time. One option is MoneyLion, an online lender that’s focused on making money more approachable for people, especially when they need money quickly. MoneyLion also offers more flexibility around credit scores and more focus on your overall financial history than other lenders.

With MoneyLion’s free app, you can see if you’re pre-qualified for a loan in less than a minute by just scanning your driver’s license (doesn’t affect your credit score). If you decide to apply for a loan you can also get funds deposited right into your account as soon as next business day.

Finally, take care of yourself. Rest, don’t stress. Moving is hard but the more prepared you are, the more smoothly – and less expensive – it will go.