The Obvious and Not-So-Obvious Costs of Moving
Moving into a new home or residence is an exciting time for everyone involved. Whether you want to create a modern, contemporary, French country, or any other style of décor, you’ll have a blank slate to work with. But moving can also place a heavy financial burden on individuals and families, with both obvious and not-so-obvious costs adding to the total bill.
Time Off Work
One rather obvious cost of moving is time off from work. Depending on how many belongings you own, and the distance to your new residence, you may need just one day off or several. Each day that you’re not working, however, is money lost, so try to consolidate your move into the fewest amount of days possible.
Boxes and Packing Supplies
This is a rather small expense, but it’s still worth noting that boxes and packing supplies are required when moving. You can usually pick up used boxes from liquor stores, gas stations and grocery stores for free. Alternatively, you can purchase boxes, tape, packing paper and other supplies form the local post office or other shipping stores.
New Utilities
Some people will luck out on their move, as their current utility companies offer service at their new residence. In this case, the only extra expense would be activation, which is usually around $20-$40 for each utility. In most cases, though, you’ll have to change at least some of your utilities to new companies.
Along with the activation fee, utility companies may also require a security deposit. Security deposits can range anywhere from $100-$500, the total of which is usually based on the resident’s credit score. Don’t be afraid to call multiple utility companies in your area to compare service price quotes.
DIY Moving Van Rental
If you plan on moving everything yourself, you’ll probably want to rent a DIY moving van. Companies advertise rentals at dirt-cheap prices, but this is somewhat misleading once you realize their true cost. Along with the actual rental fee (usually a flat fee per day), you’ll also have to pay for hard cart rentals, insurance, extra drivers, and most importantly, gas.
The cost of gas alone can quickly eat through your budget. Let’s say your DIY moving van gets 7-10 mpg, which is about standard for most. Assuming gas is priced at $3-$4 per gallon, it’s easy to see just how much a DIY moving van will cost. Making just a few round trips in the same city can cost over $100 in gas, and that’s not factoring in the other cost associated with a DIY moving van.
Our team of moving professionals are here to help. We specialize in making your move as stress-free as possible and we would love to help with your next move. Get a free online moving quote today.
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