The average cost of moving in the USA varies widely according to your particular circumstances. Employers and government agencies pay for over half of all the moves that take place every year.
If you’re one of the unlucky half paying their relocating costs themselves, it’s important that you’re aware of these unexpected expenses when planning your budget.
1. Packing Supplies
Things like boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and wrapping paper are essentials for any move. Make sure you budget for extra packing supplies, you’re bound to need more than you think you do.
2. Specialized Moving Services
Do you own valuable artworks or priceless antiques? You’ll increase your peace of mind if you hire specialized moving services for these irreplaceable items.
3. Storage Fees
If you’re downsizing to a smaller apartment, you might want to place some of your items in storage facilities.
Or if your new house isn’t ready yet, but you need to move out of your current home — storing your belongings is the logical option. Keep this in mind when planning your budget.
4. Parking Fees or Tickets
Íf you’re moving to a city location, there’s a good chance you’ll have to pay street parking fees for your movers while they’re unpacking.
Should the movers unwittingly park in an illegal spot, or overstay their time in a particular place, they could get a ticket. It’s your responsibility to pay for the ticket in these cases.
5. Charges for Extra Large Items
Large pieces of furniture like pianos usually cost extra to move. Ask your movers to send a moving estimator around to your house to set up a detailed moving quote that includes these items.
6. Stair Fees
Most movers charge extra for carrying your household items upstairs. If you’re moving into an apartment with no elevator, find out what these charges are beforehand.
7. Pet-Related Relocating Costs
If you need to board your pets during the move, be sure to include these costs in your budget. Moving large pets on the day will most likely cost an extra trip’s worth of fuel too.
8. Hotel and Fees
If your new home is a long distance from your current one, you might need to stop and spend the night at a hotel on your way — factor in hotel and meal expenses as you budget for your trip.
9. Other Transportation Costs
Remember to add in additional fuel costs for items you might transport yourself. You’re almost sure to make a few extra trips to your new home during the move.
10. The Little Extras
Moving into a new home almost always requires a purchase of some sort. Perhaps it’s new appliances like a washer and dryer or a refrigerator because your new home doesn’t have these. Or maybe you need a lawnmower to take care of the grass in your new place. Or perhaps that carpet you thought would be okay looks a little worn now that the previous homeowners have moved their furniture.
Start Working on Your Moving Budget Today
The sooner you begin planning your move, the more opportunities you’ll have to find the best prices on these necessary relocating costs.
Get in touch right away, and one of our representatives will be in touch to discuss your relocation costs in more detail.
