Keeping moving expenses to a minimum is one of the best ways to reduce stress during relocation. Whether hiring professional or handling the move on your own, there are many things to consider when creating a budget. Other costs to consider include the cost of temporary lodging and meal expenses. In addition, rented trucks can be expensive to operate because of fuel expenses.
Make a List
One of the most important things to do when moving is to make a list of all the expenses you will incur. This will help you set a budget for the move and prevent unexpected costs from popping up. There are many different kinds of expenses associated with a move, so it is important to consider all of them when making your list.
The first step in preparing a moving budget is to create a spreadsheet and fill in each expense category. Write down each cost, including moving company fees, packing materials, transportation costs, and storage expenses. You will also want to include travel expenses, if applicable. This may include gas, airfare, hotel accommodations, and meals.
Once you have a list of all the expected expenses, it is time to start researching moving companies. You will want to compare quotes from several companies to find the best deal. Make sure to ask for an on-site estimate before hiring a moving company. This will ensure that you are getting the most accurate estimate possible.
You should also include the cost of any supplies that will be needed for the move, such as cardboard boxes, packing tape, and bubble wrap. You may be able to cut some of these costs by asking friends and family for boxes, or by using linens and clothing as packing materials. It is also a good idea to purchase moving insurance, as this will protect your belongings in case of any damage during the move.
Lastly, don’t forget about miscellaneous costs, such as cleaning the home you are leaving and preparing it for the next tenants or for a home inspection. You will also need to pay for new utilities, garden maintenance, a security deposit on your new home, and pet deposits, if applicable.
In addition to these expenses, you will likely need to take a day off of work for the move. If you are moving far away, this could be a costly expense. If you can, try to save money by taking a few extra days off of work or using vacation days.
Estimate the Costs
Professional movers often break their quotes into three different components: hourly labor, travel fees, and materials/miscellaneous. The first of these is probably the easiest to understand, but even here there are ways that moving companies can hide costs or overcharge for things you could do yourself (buying boxes and tape, for example).
Depending on the type of move, many factors can impact your final cost. For example, a long distance move will incur higher costs than a local move due to the increased mileage and logistical challenges that come with it. The size of your home also plays a role, as larger homes require more time and labor to move than smaller homes. And finally, the location of your new home is an important factor because movers charge more to move items from less accessible locations.
The best way to get an accurate estimate of your moving costs is to have a team member make a visual inspection at your home. This allows them to see your items and provide you with an exact breakdown of how much the move will cost including all charges. It’s important to be as accurate as possible when describing your items and how many rooms you have, as well as the types of items that need special care or packing.
When reviewing your move quote, pay attention to the travel fees component. This is where moving companies can hide expensive miscellaneous fees, which typically include one-time charges for covering their vehicle/liability insurance, fuel, and equipment maintenance. Look hard at this part of the quote and ask plenty of questions to make sure you understand exactly what you’re paying for.
Other hidden costs to watch for are restocking charges and delivery/pickup charges. Restocking charges can add up quickly if you’re moving large quantities of bulky or awkward items that require additional handling. You can reduce these charges by selling, donating, or trashing any items that aren’t worth moving. Additionally, you can save by choosing to move during the middle of the week rather than on a Friday or Sunday. And finally, you can save by moving in the winter instead of summer when movers are in high demand.
Hire a Mover
The decision to hire a moving company is an important one. Whether you’re a homeowner who needs to move within the same town or a renter moving cross-country, a professional moving company will make your transition much less stressful. It will also save you time, help protect your possessions and mean you owe fewer favors to your friends. However, hiring movers will still be a significant expense and you want to ensure that you’re getting value for money.
Before making a final decision, talk to several companies about their services and cost. Ask each to provide a written quote. Read the quote carefully to see what is and isn’t included. Make sure you understand how the company charges for its services, including if there are any extra fees or costs you might not expect (fuel surcharges, for example). Ask each mover whether it offers a binding or non-binding estimate and what the process is for disputing charges. Ask about their memberships in moving associations and ask for their tariff list, which lists all of their rates and fees. Compare the list to other providers’ tariff lists to see how each company stacks up.
If you’re worried about cost, consider a partial service company. They’ll pack your belongings for you, which will save you time and effort. They’ll also handle heavy lifting and take care of transporting large items. However, you’ll be responsible for purging clutter and preparing the rest of your things for moving. They can even assist with disassembly of your furniture, which will allow the pieces to fit through narrow spaces and avoid damage during transit.
Other options for reducing costs are to pay only for the moving services you need. Alternatively, you could hire a mover to load your belongings into their truck and then drive them yourself to your new location, which will be less expensive than full service moving.
Make the Final Decision
Once you have done the research and made a list, it’s time to choose a mover. It’s important to compare quotes from several companies before making a decision. Also, pay close attention to the company’s customer service policies and how they handle disputes. These are good indicators of how the company will perform during your move.
Remember to factor in additional expenses, such as the cost of travel to your new home, if applicable. This could include the price of airfare, car rental or a train ticket, depending on the distance of your relocation. Also, include the costs of any temporary lodging that may be necessary, such as hotels or extended-stay facilities. Finally, consider meal expenses during your move, as these can add up quickly.
Other important factors to account for include the cost of packing and moving supplies, such as boxes, bubble wrap and tape. You’ll also need to consider the cost of obtaining a new driver’s license and changing your address on important documents like bank accounts, credit cards, vehicle registration and utility deposits.
When budgeting for your move, it is always a good idea to plan ahead and create an emergency fund to cover any unexpected expenses. There’s nothing worse than having to stress about money during a stressful move, so it’s best to prepare in advance for the unexpected.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure a successful and stress-free move without breaking the bank. While it’s important to stay within your budget, don’t forget to take advantage of special deals or discounts offered by movers and other companies. And most importantly, be sure to make a checklist and shop around for the best deals on moving services. If you have questions about how to budget for your next move, contact a professional moving company for guidance. They can provide you with a free quote and help you save money while moving. The key is to plan ahead and understand what to expect, so you can make the right choice for your budget and lifestyle. Good luck!