Moving is expensive! You have to pay for the moving truck, gas, and packing supplies, and then there are all the hidden costs that you don’t think about until it’s too late.
It’s hard enough to move without having to worry about extra expenses, but they can really add up if you’re not careful.
We’ve put together a list of the five most common hidden moving costs so that you can be prepared. By knowing what to expect, you can avoid any surprises and keep your budget on track.
Professional House Cleaning
While most people focus on the cost of hiring a moving company, they often forget that they will also need to clean their old home before they move out. This is especially true if you are moving out of a rental property. In addition, many people hire professional cleaners to clean their new home before they move in.
Whether you’re hiring a cleaner to clean your old home or your new one, it’s important to factor this cost into your budget. Professional house cleaners can be a significant expense, but they are worth it if you want to make sure your home is clean and welcoming when you move in.
Moving Insurance
While your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance might cover some damages that occur during a move, it’s important to remember that these policies typically have limits on what they will pay for.
Moving insurance can help to fill in the gaps and protect your belongings in the event of loss or damage. Whether you are hiring a moving company or doing it yourself, be sure to ask about insurance options and compare rates before making a final decision. A little research now could save you a lot of heartache later.
Pet and Child Care
As any parent knows, children can be a handful – especially when there’s a lot of commotion going on. That’s why, when you’re moving to a new home, it’s important to make arrangements for childcare in advance. The last thing you want is for your kids to be running around underfoot while the movers are trying to do their job.
Likewise, if you have pets, it’s best to find somewhere for them to stay during the move.
Not only will this help to keep them out of harm’s way, but it will also prevent them from getting lost in the shuffle. So, before you start packing up your belongings, be sure to make arrangements for your children and pets. It’ll make the whole process a lot smoother – and a lot less stressful.
Restocking Your Pantry
When you’re moving, it’s easy to forget some of the smaller details – like budgeting for food.
If you’re used to cooking most of your meals at home, you may not realize how expensive it can be to restock your pantry after a move.
Not only do you have to buy all new groceries, but you may also end up eating out more often than usual while you’re unpacking and getting settled into your new place.
For this reason, it’s important to be a little generous with your food budget when you’re planning a move. That way, you won’t be caught off guard by hidden expenses later.
Utility Deposits
A utility deposit is a hidden moving expense that’s often overlooked. This is money that you’ll need to pay upfront in order to have your utilities turned on at your new home.
The amount of the deposit can vary greatly, depending on the utility company and the type of service being provided. As a result, it’s important to be aware of this hidden expense when budgeting for your move.
Because utility deposits can end up costing hundreds of dollars, it’s important to factor them into your overall moving budget.
Don’t Get Caught Off Guard
Now that you’re aware of some of the hidden moving expenses, it’s time to get started on finding your new dream home. Contact me today, and let’s get started! I would be happy to help you every step of the way.
Have you started packing yet?