A major change in your life, like moving, can be expensive. If you’re hiring movers,
you’ll have to pay their wages as well as the costs of a truck and other packing
supplies. You may also owe a security deposit or first month’s rent to your new
landlord. And if you’re moving across the state or country, there’s the cost of your
car plus tolls and fuel.
Whether you’re hiring professionals or taking the DIY route, it’s always best to pad
your move budget with at least 10%-20%. That way, you can cover the unexpected
expenses and still end up with a decent amount in your bank account to start your
life in a new place.
Your move’s final costs will depend on a variety of factors, such as how large your
home is and the distance you’re moving. The size of the load will impact how long it
takes movers to complete the job, which in turn affects their hourly rates. And if you
need specialty services such as disassembly and reassembly, crate packing, or the
movement of large items such as pianos or pool tables, those are additional fees
that can add up.
Many movers offer storage in transit, a service that will keep your belongings safe
until you’re ready to receive them at your new location. The fee for this is based on
how long you need the storage and will vary between movers.
If your old or new apartment isn’t ready for you to move in on the day that your
movers arrive, they’ll likely charge you for the storage time. This cost can be as low
as $10 per box or as high as $600, depending on the company and how much space
you need.
You’ll need a lot of packing materials, including boxes, tape, bubble wrap, labels,
and protective blankets for furniture. You’ll also need a dolly or cart to transport
heavier items. If you’re going the DIY route, ask your friends and family to borrow
any packing supplies they have. You can even get free cardboard boxes from local
grocery stores or use recycled newspaper to save money on packaging materials.
The best way to keep your move budget in check is to sort through your possessions
and only take with you the things you need. This will reduce the weight of your load
and lower your move costs. And if you’re planning to hire movers, be sure to tip
them after the move is complete to show your appreciation for their hard work.
There are many other hidden costs associated with moving, including access fees,
packing fees, and extra charges for stairs or elevators. To minimize these costs,
compare quotes with a few movers using a site such as iMoving. These sites are
transparent about these extra fees so you have a clear understanding of your final
moving cost. That way, you won’t be surprised when it comes time to sign the bill. Umzugsskosten