Most people don’t look forward to moving. Sure, getting into a new place, meeting new neighbors, exploring the neighborhood; that is a lot of fun. The actual act of moving, though, can be a daunting, time consuming and expensive process. If you don’t know what you’re up against, you can end up spending a surprising amount of money. Having a running checklist will help you avoid this sticker shock. Here’s a basic list of moving expenses, though, your particular needs may vary depending on your circumstances.
Boxes/Packing Supplies
The first thing you’ll need when moving is something to pack all your stuff in. This includes boxes, tape, bubble wrap-all the gear you need to pack your items away securely. Boxes alone can be expensive; sometimes they’re more than$2 apiece. Bubble wrap and tape add up as well. Your best option here is to plan ahead and find boxes from retailers who are just going to throw them away. Liquor stores, shoe stores, grocery stores; they all receive merchandise in boxes and most of the time are happy to give them away. Bubble wrap and tape can be purchased in bulk at a lower cost than what you’ll find at your local department store or the moving company.
Insurance
If you’re using a moving company, insurance is a wise decision. Many times, movers are not responsible for your items unless the company packs them as well, so check that before deciding on a company. Insurance provides extra coverage, just in case.
Unusual Items
If you’re moving, that usually means that everything goes, stuff, boats, cars, pianos, whatever. Large items like cars usually incur much more cost. Shop around and find the best specialty movers for these.
The Moving Company
One area that demands specific attention is the moving company itself. If you’re going to use a moving company, do your homework on them. Make sure they have a quality reputation with few or no complaints. This will keep your experience as pleasant as possible and help you avoid being overcharged.
Interstate Moving
If you’re moving a long distance, you’ll have extra charges. You’ll have food, lodging, fuel and incidentals that wouldn’t crop up in a local move. Plan on these and you won’t be taken by surprise.
The New Place
Once in your new place, you’ll have a host of other charges and fees to worry about. You’ll have deposit fees, connection fees, new service fees and more. If your landlord hasn’t taken care of it for you, you may want to have your locks rekeyed. You’ll have disposal fees for all those boxes and packing supplies that you had to pay for in the first place. The refrigerator will need to be filled, the pantry and your supply of detergents and cleaning supplies, if you didn’t bring them with you.
There are a host of fees and charges associated with moving but by being informed, you can keep the surprises to a minimum.