Preparing for the Costs

We all know that moving is costly, with the hiring of movers, the security deposits, the cleaning fees and supplies - the list is endless. Unfortunately, though many people feel prepared for these expenses, the hidden (or forgotten) costs often creep up and bite them in the end. To avoid this scenario, you’ll need to do a bit of research to assess the true cost of your upcoming move.

Cost Checklist

Before you are sure your budget is complete, eyeball the following checklist to see if you’ve gotten everything:

Your Old House:

__ Home Repairs

__ Cleaning Service or Supplies

Your New House:

__ New furnishings – rugs, shelving, etc.

__ Damage/Security/Pet Deposits

__ First month’s rent/First mortgage payment

__ Utility Startup Fees

Moving Costs:

__ Professional Movers/ Rental Truck

__ Packing Supplies

__ Gas for travel

__ Storage Unit Rental

__ Airline ticket(s)

__ Motel/Hotel room (if traveling overnight)

__ Restaurants/Food along the way

Hidden Costs

If you’re hiring movers, be sure that you understand the full quote you’ve been given. Read your contract carefully and understand that there are certain situations that may incite extra costs. For example, movers may charge extra for unusually heavy items such as a piano or a particularly heavy stove. They may also charge extra if they have to walk a long distance from the moving van to the house, or climb a lot of stairs. Check with the moving company representative to find out what possible costs you may incur that are not included in your quote.

Likewise, if you are renting a truck and moving yourself, there are still possible additional costs. Don’t forget the extra insurance you may decide to purchase for your trip, gasoline for travel, motel rooms if traveling overnight, and food for the road.

The Budget Mover

If you are on a tight budget, you may consider the following to help you save some money.

Borrow moving supplies. Do you have a friend you recently moved? Moving boxes are expensive so see if you can find some free ones. You may even borrow a tape dispenser instead of buying one. If you don’t have a friend who has recently moved, it never hurts to try Craigslist.

Rent a truck and do it yourself or hire day laborers. Professional movers do a great job and they are very convenient, but they are expensive. Consider moving yourself or hiring day laborers to help you. Even if you only need help with two or three larger items, you can find someone who will help for an hour for a small fee. Look in the want ads or Craigslist to find decent people to work for a day’s pay (unless you have friends that owe you a favor!).

Stay with a friend. If you’re traveling overnight on your way to your new location, you may consider staying with a friend or family member along the way. This will save big bucks on a motel room.