Whether you’re moving to a new city or just down the street, it’s essential to have a budget in place. While most people account for the big-ticket items like real estate fees, hiring a professional moving company or renting a truck, there are several often-overlooked costs that can add up quickly. Here’s a breakdown of the various costs to consider while budgeting for your move:
Moving Supplies
It’s easy to underestimate the cost of moving supplies. Boxes, bubble wrap, tape, and other packing materials can quickly add up. Here’s a rough idea of what you might spend: – Moving Boxes -You might need anywhere from 20 to 50 boxes depending on the size of your home, costing around $1 to $5 each for gently used cartons from a professional mover.
Packing Tape – Expect to spend around $20 for a sufficient quantity.
Bubble Wrap/Filler – Depending on how many fragile items you have, this could range from $10 to $50.
Transportation Costs
If you’re moving yourself, be sure to factor in the costs for gas if you’re driving a rental truck or your own vehicle. Depending on the distance, this could turn into a significant expense.
Rental Truck – The base fee may seem reasonable, but don’t forget to account for mileage charges and gas.
Personal Vehicle – If you’re moving a long distance, consider wear and tear on your car, as well as gas prices.
Food Expenses
During a move, you’ll likely find yourself short on time and motivation to cook. This can lead to increased spending on takeout. Plan for a few meals that you’ll need to purchase while you’re packing and loading up your current place and settling into your new one. Budget around $10-$15 per meal for each family member.
Snacks and Drinks – Have a few ready-to-eat snacks and beverages on hand while you’re moving; budget around $40-$50.
Temporary Accommodations
If you’re moving to a new city and need a day or two to finalize everything, you may need to book a hotel. Depending on your destination, nightly rates can vary significantly. Budgeting $150 to $200 per night is a good starting point plus the cost of meals.
Pet Fees
If you have pets, don’t forget to include potential pet fees or boarding costs during the moving process.
Utility Setup and Installation Fees
Set up your utilities for your new home well in advance. Some utility companies will ask for deposit fees for new customers and this can add up. For services like internet and cable, installation fees can add up to $100 or more.
Change of Address Costs
Don’t forget about the costs related to changing your address. Putting a change of address in at the post office ranges between $50-$100, depending on the length of time you choose.
Insurance for Your Belongings
If you’re renting a truck or using a moving company, consider purchasing insurance for your belongings during transit. This could range from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on the value of your items and what protection option you choose. Check with your home insurer first to see if your are covered for a move under your home policy.
Unexpected Costs
It’s always wise to set aside a contingency fund for unexpected expenses that might arise during your move. A good rule of thumb is to reserve 10-15% of your overall moving budget for these surprises.
Conclusion
Budgeting for a move involves more than just planning for the obvious expenses. By considering overlooked costs, you can create a more accurate moving budget. For more information on costs to consider while budgeting for your move, and to get a moving quote, contact Premiere Van Lines toll-free at 1-877-671-6683.