Planning ahead can save on move costs
Moving comes with a long, expensive to-do list.
The average cost for a local move from a two-bedroom apartment or three-bedroom house ranges from $400 to $1,000, according to HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide.
While you’re choosing a place to live and deciding what to pack, having a plan for expenses can ensure your budget doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.
“It’s very easy to overlook minor details, because when you’re moving you’re looking at getting your stuff from point A to point B,” said Jessica Nichols, a director at Avail Move Management, a relocation and transportation service in Evansville, Indiana.
Preparing for moving costs can help alleviate emotional and financial strain. Consider these less-obvious expenses.
- Peak surcharges
Many moving and truck rental companies raise rates during busy times like summer and weekends. If you have the flexibility, relocate in an off-peak period to save money.
- Packing materials
Buying items like boxes, bubble wrap and packing tape can add up. For example, U-Haul sells large moving boxes for $1.63 to $1.99 each, depending on how many you buy.
Be realistic about the number you need. Or seek free materials from friends or online.
Additionally, consider the items you’ll need to safely transport your belongings, including furniture covers, hand trucks and bungee cords. If your movers don’t provide them, or you aren’t hiring professionals, renting or borrowing is more affordable than buying.
- Excess cargo
The more stuff you schlep, the more you’ll pay. Movers usually factor the number and weight of items into the bill. Expect additional fees for valuable or large items like pianos that require extra time, space or labor.
Hauling everything yourself? A bigger load can require a larger vehicle or more gas-guzzling trips. To save money, donate or sell what you can before you move.
- Cleaning
You’ll likely need to tidy up your current place, especially if there’s a security deposit at stake.
Housecleaning services typically charge $200 to $300 for a one-time cleaning, according to HomeAdvisor. You’ll save money by doing some or all of the work yourself.
- Utilities
Watch for deposits, taxes and connection and installation fees when setting up utilities at your new address. These could range from $10 to $200 or more. Ask power, Internet and other service providers about charges in advance.
- Food
Food expenses can pop up, too. Think snacks for the road, restocking the refrigerator and pantry, and feeding friends who’ve helped. Shopping wholesale clubs could be a smart strategy to feed a crowd.
- Lost or damaged items
Some belongings might not survive the journey. Depending on what you’re transporting and how far, it may be worth purchasing insurance to repair or replace property.
“Nobody wants to think about their items getting broken. Ideally that would never happen, but in the real world that’s something you need to plan for,” said Nichols.
Most movers provide basic valuation coverage, which limits their liability to 60 cents per pound. For a 40-pound TV valued at $500, that’s $24.
Top-tier options and separate insurance plans offer higher or full values, but it will cost extra. If you have homeowners or renters insurance, you likely have some coverage. Check your policy.
- Tips
Movers appreciate tips after a long day of heavy lifting. Give tips based on your satisfaction level, but a good rule of thumb is 5 percent of the total bill.
- Storage
If you can’t immediately move your possessions into your new home, you might have to rent a self-storage unit. Costs vary by size and location. Public Storage units typically range from about $50 to $400 per month in this area. The less time and space you need, the less expensive the unit.
Get a handle on all costs
Mentally walk through your moving process from start to finish. Outline the potential items and services you’ll need at least a month ahead. Then, research prices and get multiple estimates for the best deals and service, Nichols suggested.
Leave wiggle room for unexpected costs, and take your time purchasing new home furnishings, said Daria Victorov, a certified financial planner at Abacus Wealth Partners in San Mateo, California. Remember, you don’t have to buy everything at once.
“When you move into an empty house it feels like you need everything right away,” Victorov said. “Before you move, figure out what those essential items are, the things that you use every day, and that’ll help you figure out your budget, too.”
—AP
