Budgeting For a Move: Commonly Overlooked Expenses

It's no secret that moving can be costly. When you think of moving expenses, you probably think of the big-ticket stuff, including hiring movers and renting a moving truck. However, some lesser-known moving expenses can add up quickly, so budget and prepare for your residential relocation.

Packing and Moving Supplies

Cardboard boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and other packing supplies are essential for getting your belongings from point A to point B. Buying these items new can be costly, but the good news is that you can offset these costs. Consider asking around to see if anybody in your neighborhood has moving boxes or other supplies that you could use to save a few dollars.

Professional Cleaning

You may need to hire a professional cleaner at your current place to ensure it's ready for its future owners (or renters). Likewise, if you want to avoid dealing with the hassle of deep cleaning your new place before moving in, you'll also want to hire cleaners for your new home ahead of your move. You can generally expect to spend between $175 and $300 per cleaning session, so factor this into your budget.

Pet Boarding

If you have pets, you'll probably want to board them during your move (if you're moving locally). Moves can be stressful for even the most mild-tempered of pets, so putting them in boarding can help to reduce stress and keep them safe. You may even want to board your pets for a few days until you have time to get their things unpacked and help them settle in, so this is another potential moving expense to consider.

New Furniture Expenses

There's a good chance that you'll need to buy some new furniture or other accessories for your new place. Maybe your current sofa won't fit well in your living room, or you'll have an extra bedroom that you need to furnish. Either way, consider which furniture pieces you'll need to buy beforehand to budget and plan accordingly.

Likewise, if this will be your first home, there are some essentials you may need to purchase to care for it. Some common things you may need to buy include a ladder, a lawn mower, a weed eater, and a tool set (for putting that new furniture together). With some foresight and planning, you may find deals on these essentials. Regardless, the costs can add up quickly.

Preparing for a Move?

As you can see, preparing to move involves spending a significant amount of money. These expenses go beyond hiring movers or paying for utility setup, as you'll need to think about things like packing supplies and professional cleaning. The good news? With a little planning, you can save a decent amount of money on these things to stay within your ideal moving budget.

Are you looking for more ways to make your move go more smoothly? A professional moving company can relieve the stress of moving day, so contact us to request a free quote today!