By Relocation.com Staff
Moving often involves a lot of different out of pocket expenses, some of them planned and others that may surprise you.
So it's important that you put a good deal of effort into planning into your move, so that you stay on track both budgetwise and timewise.
We have included some of the things that you should consider when you are creating a budget for your move.
1. Even before we get to the move itself, make sure you think about the fixed costs in leaving your old residence, such as closing expenses or lease termination, final utility bills, and other expenses that you cannot change.
These costs cannot be avoided and are a good start for your entire moving budget.
2. Select how you plan to move your goods – will you hire a moving company or rent all the equipment yourself?
If you choose a professional mover, there are a number of things to consider. Depending on your budget you may want packing services. The mover can give you several options -- they can do a full pack, partial pack, or just provide packing material. When getting the estimate for your move be sure to research all of your options with the mover.
Check out three or four professional moving companies. This exercise will give you a good sense of the actual moving costs for your situation and let you really compare the costs and trade-offs of different levels of service and different types of companies. Additionally, by getting multiple moving quotes, you should have more bargaining power when you are making your final choice. (Check out this article for everything you need to know to choose a moving company.)
If you want to get a rough idea of how much you'll spend, check out the Relocation.com moving cost calculator.
3. Packing. If you're not hiring the moving company to help you pack (a good rule of thumb for packers is 25 percent of the moving costs), tally up the cost of boxes, tape and bubble wrap.
4. Once you're packed up and the items are on the moving van, how much will it cost you to get to your new place? Figure out the cost of gas and any lodging you might have to incur for a long-distance move.
5. Will you have any child or pet care expenses? Be sure to factor all of this in.
6. Before you get to your new place, what items do you want fixed up? Consider hiring a professional cleaning crew to come in, and consider undertaking any home improvement projects that will be tough to accomplish when you get moved in – painting, carpet cleaning and hardwood floors are the biggies.
7. What utility costs will you face at your new place? How much will Internet hookup cost you? Be sure to account for all these costs.
Wait, we said finally, but there's actually one more thing: add 10 percent. Things always come up, so give yourself peace of mind by having a buffer –if you budgeted properly, you most likely won't even need to touch it.
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