How To Figure Your Moving Costs
Though you may be excited to move, it’s not a lot of fun getting where you’re going. Not only can it be a lot of work if you’re going to do it on your own, it can be costly also. When you know you must move to establish a new residence for whatever reason you have, you will have to estimate your moving costs so that you are not caught unaware when it’s time to go. A few people have to put off moving for a couple of weeks or even a month because they fall short on the money they need for moving expenses.
The obvious expenses or moving costs are that which you need to rent your new home or apartment. If you have bought a house, you don’t have to worry about these two things, though you may have a first mortgage payment due immediately. For renters, moving costs usually include the first month of rent and a security deposit, usually of equal value. Some landlords require that new tenants pay the first and last month of rent along with a security deposit. If you have a pet that is permitted to move with you, make sure you read the lease to check if you need to make a security deposit for them as well, or pay a bit more for your rent.
You also have to think about how you’re going to go from residence to residence. This category of moving costs includes your van or truck rental, gas to fill the van, boxes and whatever you may be paying somebody to help you move. If you have movers coming, you should have a final estimate of these moving costs, and then they should do all the work for you. When hiring, make sure you know what is included and what might be extra so that you are not surprised on moving day. Don’t forget to put money aside for a tip, if that is what you plan to do.
Some hidden moving costs might be what falls out when you call to get utilities turned on.
If by some chance you have an old bill that you did not pay in the past, that utility may demand payment in full and a deposit in order to get service. Some companies will ask for a deposit even if you have never used them before or owe them any money. These are all things that you should know in front you start to move, so call these companies early so you know what money you need to have for moving costs for heat, light, and cable in your new residence.
Finally, while small, these moving costs should be factored in as well. You’ll have to clean your new place before you put your stuff into it, and you’ll have to do a final clean of your old place also. This means more cleaning supplies than you probably currently have. Getting rid of trash is also a part of moving costs. Most people end up tossing things they don’t need when they move, which can add up to a hefty pile of trash that needs to be picked up and removed. Typically, people have a bigger grocery bill when they move as well, so keep that in mind as your budget.
