The Only Moving Expenses Checklist You’ll Ever Need

What Costs Are Commonly Associated With Moving?

Unless you’re doing a last-minute relocation, this is quite a time-consuming process that could last for months. The costs that can be associated with it are numerous and can quickly pile up if you don’t pay attention to them. You’ll certainly need plenty of moving hacks, and having a checklist with all your expenses is one of them. The main costs depend on these major factors:

• Whether it is a long-distance moving or local moving
• If you’re doing it on your own or hiring professional movers
• Time – Is it summer or you’re moving in winter? Workdays or weekends?

How Much Money Do I Need to Move Between States?

If you’re looking for the cheapest way to move out of state, you have to know your budget. There is not a single list that could help you if you don’t have a clue about what you can afford. The cost of interstate relocation, as well as the price of a local move, depends mainly on the distance between your old and new home and the amount of stuff you’re shipping. Of course, going from east to west coast is not the same as relocating to a state in your neighborhood. Request a few quotes to get an estimate and an idea of how much you’ll have to save up.

What Additional Expenses Should I Consider When Moving Out?

The unexpected ones, especially. Besides those obvious and basic expenses, leave some space within your budget for the unexpected ones, because there will certainly be some. Maybe the truck you rented cancels last minute, and you have to find another truck. Perhaps you don’t have enough packing supplies, or you forgot what items movers won’t move; you never know.

Now, let’s take a closer look at what your list should look like.

How to Make Your Moving Expenses Checklist

If you’ve ever tried to make a college packing list or any other list, you know that there is a big reason why checklists are among the most useful moving tips. Not only will they help you avoid forgetting some of the most commonly forgotten things to pack, but they’ll keep you organized and help you avoid moving stress. This list is a bit different, but it will keep you on track with your expenses and help you set up a budget.

Costs You Can Count On When Hiring a Moving and Transportation Company

Aside from the basic moving service, the price can increase if you add some of these services:

• Packing or unpacking service
• Moving insurance
• Auto-shipping services
• Storage services

Extra Services and Expenses

Some companies also provide these additional services that their movers will gladly perform at an additional cost, so don’t forget to check if they are included or not. These are:

• Custom crating
• Hoisting
• Disassembling and reassembling of furniture
• Long carry and stairs
• Multiple pick-ups

Packing Supplies

If you aren’t hiring movers to pack your belongings, then you have to make sure you get enough supplies you may need, including:

• Bubble wrap
• Boxes
• Packing paper
• Plastic wrap
• Sticker labels
• Tape
• Color markers

Fees That Might Affect Your Budget

Every company has its rules, and if you don’t respect them, you may expect to pay some of these fees:

• Cancellation fee
• Shuttle service
• Extra stops fee
• Bulky items fee

The Cost of Personal Traveling

Don’t forget that, once you ship your belongings, you too have to reach your new home somehow. Whether you’re driving or taking a plane, make sure to count in those costs as well:

• Fuel
• Transportation to and from the airport
• Plane tickets
• Meals
• Baggage fee

Cleaning Services

Before you start unloading all the stuff from the truck, your new home should be all ready and clean. All the cleaning, painting, and remodeling work should already be done before you start unpacking. If you don’t have the time to do it yourself, hire a professional cleaning company so that your home is sparkling clean once you arrive.

New Home Costs

From extra furniture and carpets to various fees and deposits, there are so many other expenses that are waiting for you even when the hard part of relocating is done:

• Security deposit
• Pet deposit
• Renters or homeowners insurance
• Real estate agency fees
• Additional furniture and appliances
• Small reparations around the house

The Cost of Relocating to a New Home On Your Own

If you already have the experience, you’ve moved long-distance or locally with various companies, and you’re tired of moving scams, you might want to try to do it all by yourself. In terms of money, this isn’t always necessarily a cheaper option. Just because you know how to pack books for moving it doesn’t mean that you know how to move a gun safe. However, if it is something you want to try, here are some expenses you should consider:

• Truck rental (including insurance and deposit)
• Workforce
• Packing supplies
• Road tolls
• Plane tickets
• Time

How Do You Budget for a Big Move? Old Tips That Still Work

When you take a look at this checklist, it seems that there is one fee after another, almost like there is no end to it. If you want to move on a budget and save some money, follow these tips:

• Donate the stuff you no longer use
• Sell some items, especially bulky ones
• Schedule your relocation on a workday if possible
• Use linens, socks, and blankets for cushioning instead of bubble wrap
• Find free boxes and other supplies through friends or web pages such as Freecycle
• Get several quotes from different companies and see which one pays off
• Check online reviews before you hire movers

Customize Your Checklist

Every relocation is specific. If you’re moving with pets, you have different concerns than someone who’s relocating alone or with kids. Don’t forget to include those factors into your checklist as well, and feel free to customize it and adjust to your own situation. Once you notice all the benefits of such lists, you can start making them on a monthly level to track and control your personal finances and spending as well.