Unexpected Costs: How to Estimate and Plan Your Moving Budget
Wednesday, July 19, 2017, 6:00 AM | Leave Comment
Like any other large undertaking, moving involves a wide variety of expenses. You might not have realized that you have to buy or rent dollies and furniture pads for a move.
Utility deposits and heavy freight fees might also apply.
Use these tips to plan your moving budget and avoid unpleasant surprises when it comes time to pay for the move.
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Investigate Moving Boxes and Packing Material Costs
If you will need to buy your own packing materials and moving boxes, find out how much they cost.
Determine the cubic capacity of each box and how many you will need based on how much stuff you have.
Consider specialty boxes for fragile dishes and glassware. You may also need to buy tape and labels for the boxes.
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Get a Quote from a Moving Company
Get a quote from a moving company. Some companies, like Bekins Van Lines Inc., know that you should find out if there are packaged deals on multiple services.
For example, if you want the movers to do the packing for you, they might offer a better deal if you also have them supply the boxes and tape.
Ask about insurance, overtime fees, and charges if your belongings weigh a lot more than expected.
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Research Utility and Rent Security Deposits
Another unexpected expense is the security deposit that the utility companies and landlords might require you to pay.
You might need to pay the first and last month’s rent at your new place.
If you have a pet, a separate pet deposit might be required.
Some utility companies require a credit check and deposit on your account before they will connect your services.
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Estimate the Weight of Your Belongings
Some movers charge by the size of the house or the number of boxes.
Other movers charge based on the weight of your belongings. See if you can estimate the weight of your belongings, including furniture and electronics.
If you have a lot more things than you thought, consider having a moving sale before your move. This could reduce the amount of time it takes to pack and lower your moving expenses.
Use the proceeds of your sale to pay for the movers.
Having a good idea of the costs of moving will help you to plan out your budget. From getting quotes from movers to researching security deposits, planning ahead also gives you the freedom to make more choices.
Reducing the amount of your stuff will also help to lower the moving costs.
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Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on twitter and Facebook.
