Are you planning to move cross-country soon? And are you scared to even think about how high the relocation costs can get? Don’t worry. If you create a moving expenses checklist, there won’t be any unpredictable costs and you will be able to figure out how much money you should save to move out of state. Check out our tips on how to organize your relocation budget without any stress.
Moving Expenses Checklist – a Great Way to Determine All Costs Ahead
Relocation is a time-consuming and demanding process and you can easily get stuck in the chaos of belongings and packing materials without thorough planning. That’s why a relocation expenses checklist should be your first step in keeping up with the general checklist for moving to a new state. With proper planning, you will save time and money.
Want to Move? Know What Factors Affect the Cost of Moving
Whether you’re planning to hire a relocation firm or do it yourself, relocation costs can be rather high. It is important to prepare your budget carefully and reduce expenses as much as possible. There are a few important factors that determine how much your move will cost you.
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Time of Year
Summer is the peak season for relocation, which is why it is also the most expensive period to do it. That means you will pay more to rent a truck or hire movers during the summer months. If you can’t avoid moving in the summer, be prepared to spend a larger portion of your budget.
It has its upsides, too. Summer relocation means better weather conditions, which will shorten freight time. And you have to admit that it’s much better to carry boxes and make last-minute preparations on a sunny day than in the drenching rain or blizzard.
In addition to this, last-minute booking is always more expensive, so do your best to schedule a move with a company as soon as you decide to do it.
The More Belongings You Move, the More You Pay
Professional relocation companies charge depending on the weight and size of the items they need to ship. To reduce your cargo, think about throwing a garage sale or donating old appliances, clothes, or other items that you don’t use anymore if they are in good condition. For better or worse, you can’t carry your entire home with you. So decide what you need and whatnot. The mentioned idea of garage or yard sale would contribute to your moving budget and alleviate some portion of the cost. Truck rental is not cheap, no matter if the company is more affordable than others.
You can get rid of any unwanted appliances instead of taking them with you.
Distance Matters Too
The longer the distance between your old and a home you’ll settle in, the higher the price. If you are relocating out of state on your own, count on having to pay for:
- Gas
- Lodging
- Meals
- Truck rental
- Packing supplies
If you decide to hire professional movers, all of the above mentioned items will be included in the final price.
Don’t Be Surprised by Additional Expenses and Fees
When hiring a licensed mover, there are certain additional fees you should look out for. They are there to cover the labor costs and expenses of handling unexpected situations. Some of the most crucial fees to expect are:
- Fees for distant freight. If the movers need to take boxes farther than a certain distance, you can be charged an additional fee.
- Relocation delay fee. If you postpone the relocation date unexpectedly, that could come at a price.
- Storage fee. Most movers offer storage units. If you decide to use one, you could be charged additionally.
- Express delivery fee. When working on a tight deadline, most movers offer express delivery options are an additional cost.
Keep in mind that different companies have different policies regarding additional charges, so contact your movers and ask about them before booking the relocation.
If you’re planning a DIY move, you could also come across some hidden costs:
- Truck rental fees
- Truck rental insurance
- Packing supplies
- Equipment
- Possible property damage
- Potential personal injuries
- Car servicing
- Road taxes and tolls
- Food and lodging on the road
After you compare both lists, you can estimate what option best suits your budget.
Make sure you plan your relocation carefully, especially if you're moving in winter.
Your Moving Expenses Checklist and Hidden Transportation Fees
You will be probably prepared for higher expenses related to long-distance moves before hiring a mover. But there is a chance that you’ll be charged a somewhat hidden relocation cost. This travel fee covers the distance between the movers’ office and your home. Be sure to ask your movers whether they have included this in the estimate.
Budget for Moving Supplies
When you pack for moving, packing materials might be the last item on your checklist, but if you don’t prepare everything in advance, you may find yourself in a bit of a problem. Depending on the size of your home, buying moving supplies can add up to quite a bit of money. Fortunately, solutions for free packing materials are all around you. You can find free boxes in retail stores and use old clothes and newspapers instead of cushioning and padding material.
Cleaning Service – How Much Does It Cost?
Before you bring all the items into your next home, don’t forget about the cleaning process. You can save money by doing this yourself, but keep in mind that it could take you a lot of time, perhaps even several days if you’re cleaning a large house. In the middle of relocation, you’ll probably have more urgent things to think about. That’s why a cleaning service is perhaps the best option, but be ready to splash a good few bucks, depending on the size of your house or condo.
Service of a professional cleaning company is usually expensive, but stains on the windows or dust that the previous owner left behind shouldn’t top your list of worries when it comes to your new apartment.
Professional cleaning company can help you get everything cleaned.
General House or Apartment Costs
After you have relocated your belongings, paid the mover and cleaned the place, there will be some other expenses to think of. Costs related to finding a new house or a condo can be higher than you’d expected. To prevent that, include these factors on your budget file:
- Apartment application fees
- Real estate agency fees
- Security deposit
- Pet deposit
- First month’s rent
- Utility deposit (not obligatory everywhere)
- Apartment essentials you’ll need
Get ready in advance by asking your chosen real estate agent how much each of these is going to cost you on average.
Make sure you create a new apartment shopping list before you move in.
A Good Additional Tip on How to Save Some Money
Even if your move is a long-distance one, there are still ways in which you can save up on your relocation.
Short Stay at the Hotel
Long-distance relocation usually means you will be driving for several days. The best thing to do when taking breaks during the night is to book a room at a hotel or motel. If you start planning this trip a few weeks in advance, you can save up by finding cheaper lodging options along the way.
Hire an Affordable Moving Company with a Great Service
To choose the most suitable relocation business, make sure to compare at least three different price quotes. However, hiring the cheapest mover often means you’ll receive poor moving service. Try to find a balance between service quality and price if you want to hire hassle-free movers. You’ll be doing yourself a favor and avoid potential damage and fraud. Before accepting the final deal, you should take into account these factors:
- Moving quotes
- What is included in the quote, such as packing and unpacking service and auto transport
- Additional expenses
- Terms and conditions
So there you have it, our guide and tips for making an effective moving budget. Keep in mind that booking your relocation as early as possible can significantly cut down your total costs and you will also have enough time to plan everything without having to rush.
