Budgeting Your Move

Budgeting for a move is a difficult task that requires careful planning. Researching and planning can help you minimize the expenses of your move and leave you with a little extra cash. Moving expenses can be divided into two main categories:
1) Expenses for the moving process, including packing supplies, truck/van rental, moving assistance and temporary or long-term storage of goods or
2) Expenses incurred while setting up your new home, including installing utilities, cleaning, minor or major repairs and possibly the cost of alternative lodging while your prepare your new home.

Hiring a moving company will take some of the hard work off your hands. We recommend finding a moving company that will help you estimate the cost of moving your property to your new home. When you submit an online proposal to our website, we can arrange for you to receive several competing estimates from moving companies in your area. Before attempting to evaluate estimates, be certain that each company offers comparable services. Take into account different methods of estimating cost, such as cubic footage, dimensional weight or flat rate shipping. Also, remember to ask about additional services such as hoisting, piano handling, labor and packing supplies. Although many moving companies will supply you with packing materials, you may also choose to purchase those materials yourself at a reduced cost. Ask specific questions, including whether the materials will be delivered to you or if the company offers short term storage until your new space is ready.

For those working with a limited budget, hiring a moving company may not be affordable. The cheapest option is to rent a truck or van and move your own goods. When you consider truck rental, pay close attention to the company’s estimate, comparing the rate per mile and per day. Another option is to hire a transportation company to move your goods, while you provide the labor of loading and unloading the truck. This option is only available to those who are moving out of state. Our web service can provide pricing information from several transportation companies within your area.
Don’t wait until you reach your new home to start thinking about utilities. Before you hit the road, prepare a list of cable, telephone, gas, electric, and internet companies and, if possible, try to get competing estimates for these services. Remember to ask for bundled deals, such as phone plus Internet, or gas plus electric, as package deals can save you a lot of money. If you are moving to an apartment building, include move-in fees, key and pet deposits and decorative estimates in your budget. It might be a good idea to take cleaning and repair supplies into account before you determine your costs as most new homes will need some minor repairs and cleaning before you start arranging furniture.

There are also many incidental expenses that occur when moving. Don’t forget to consider automobile storage, changing license plates and insurance and travel expenses to and from work or school. Before planning a move, it is a good idea to check tax and insurance rates, including homeowners or renters insurance and property taxes. The more details you cover, the fewer headaches you will suffer down the road. With careful planning, your move can be easy and successful.