There’s no arguing the fact that moving can get expensive in a hurry. The average local household move costs well over $1,000, while the average long-distance relocation costs nearly $5,000. And those figures don’t generally include unexpected expenses that can pop up during the course of a household move.
Fortunately, it’s pretty simple to avoid paying more than necessary to relocate: simply establish a moving budget. A well-defined budget will help you determine all of the potential costs associated with your relocation, so have a solid idea of what to expect. This allows you to better plan your finances around a move, so unexpected costs aren’t major sources of relocation-related stress.
Curious about what you need to do to build a moving budget that works for your unique needs? The experts at Ace Moving & Warehousing share helpful tips below.
Determine the Projected Cost of Moving Materials
If you’re planning to conduct a DIY move, there are several costs you’ll need to consider that typically won’t be a part of your budget if you hire professional movers and packers. When you plan to pack and transport your belongings without professional assistance, you’ll need to estimate the quantity of moving supplies you need. This estimation will help you project the cost of those materials, so you can build that expense into your moving budget.
To determine the number of boxes, quantity of packing supplies, and other moving materials you need, you’ll need to take stock of everything you own. But before you do that, it’s best to sort through your things and figure out what you plan to take with you and what you want to get rid of. There’s no sense in taking an inventory of items you don’t plan to bring since you won’t need to pack them anyway.
Do Your Research on Moving Companies
If you’re planning to hire professional movers and packers, start researching companies as early as possible. If you have large or awkwardly shaped items — like a piano, a harp, unique works of art, etc. — you’ll need to find a company that knows how to handle them.
As you research moving companies, keep in mind that professional movers typically determine the overall cost of services based on several factors, including:
● Base moving fee. Most moving companies charge a flat base rate that’s standard for all relocations. This fee usually doesn’t factor in the weight of the goods you plan to move or the distance of your relocation.
● Specialty items moving fees. If you need to move specialty items like those mentioned above, most moving companies will consider that a special service which incurs additional costs.
● Distance fees. If you’re just moving across town, chances are you won’t need to worry about additional distance fees. But if you’re moving to a new city, a new state, or a new country, most moving companies have different pricing tiers based on various mileage ranges
● Moving insurance. When you hire a moving company, liability coverage comes standard. But for most people, liability insurance alone doesn’t provide enough coverage in the event of item damage or loss. You always have the option to purchase additional moving insurance, and if you plan to do so, you’ll need to factor that into your budget too.
● Seasonal fee fluctuations. Since summer relocations are in high demand, most moving companies charge a premium for summer moves. Relocating during winter, on the other hand, will typically cost you less than moving during any other time of year. Keep seasonal costs in mind as you plan the best time for your relocation and build your moving budget.
As part of your research process, be sure to get quotes from at least three moving companies. Don’t automatically go with the cheapest one without doing your due diligence. When it comes to hiring professional movers, you usually get what you pay for.
Plan for Additional Expenses
Remember when we mentioned that establishing a moving budget can help you avoid unexpected expenses? That doesn’t necessarily mean a budget will prevent unexpected issues from occurring; it just means that a well-designed budget accounts for those potential expenses. So what kinds of costs should you plan for? Start with these:
● A temporary reduction in income if you must take time off for your move
● If you have kids, plan to pay for childcare on your moving day
● If you have pets, plan to pay for a kennel or petsitting on your moving day
● Professional cleaning after you vacate your current home
● Additional transportation costs for moving houseplants and other non-allowables
If you can think of anything else that might pop up, build those expenses into your budget. Even if you don’t end up with additional expenses, planning them into your budget will help reduce financial stress associated with your move.
Getting Ready to Move? Contact Ace Moving & Warehousing
If you’re planning a move, no matter how far, let our team at Ace Moving & Warehousing help you out. We specialize in local, intrastate, interstate, and long-distance moves and can help you plan your relocation and your moving expenses around your unique needs. Since 1958, we’ve proudly helped Twin Cities residents with all of their moving and storage solution needs, and our number one goal is your complete satisfaction. To learn more or request a fast moving quote, call us today at 763-755-2045 or send us a message.