No matter how well you plan your budget, unexpected costs of moving to a new home can happen and mess up your plans. However, there are ways to prepare in a way that will keep your move cheap and within your budget. To help you, we’ve composed a list of the most common costs people don’t expect. By knowing what you can expect, you can set funds aside to complete your move without feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
Unexpected Costs of Moving to a New Home
Moving can be costly, especially if you just went through the process of purchasing your first home. As you’re probably too overwhelmed thinking about a host of new costs such as a mortgage, homeowners insurance, property taxes, repairs, and maintenance, moving costs are the last thing on your mind.
However, if you ignore moving costs and fail to prepare, they might come as an unpleasant surprise. To help you avoid this, here are several moving costs you should consider.
#1 Moving Supplies
Even though it’s always better to let the movers do the packing for you, you might be moving on a budget and have to do this yourself. As you’ll want to safely transport your belongings, you’ll need different packing supplies such as boxes, packing tape, moving blankets, and packing papers.
The least expensive way to go is to get in touch with your family and friends and ask them if they have moving supplies you can borrow. You can also ask your nearby stores if they have extra boxes to give to you. Some localities have a “box exchange” where you can get used “moving boxes” which are uniformly sized so they stack easier in the moving van.
#2 Different Fees Associated with Movers
Hiring movers is the easiest way to have a stress-free relocation. However, the costs associated with hiring movers are not always as straightforward as you would like. Many hidden expenses might surprise you. Therefore, it’s crucial to get an accurate quote and know what services you are getting.
Here are some of the fees associated with hiring movers you should be aware of:
- Stair fees
- Fees for moving large items
- Fees for moving valuable decorative or art pieces
- Renting storage
- Overnight fees for keeping your things
- Tips for movers
#3 Professional Cleaners
When you’re both moving in and moving out, a deep clean is a must. Sure, this is something you can do on your own, but it will take you a lot of time and energy. So, it’s easier to hire professionals to handle this. Not only will they save you time, but they’ll also make sure that the job is done properly.
Usually, cleaning companies charge by the hour. Alternatively, they might base their cost on the amount of square footage. If you are a tenant, it’s that much more important to leave your old place clean and in good condition. Otherwise, you’re risking not getting your security deposit back.
#4 Hotel Room
In some cases, it’s impossible to complete a move within a day. So even though you might be relocating to a cheaper city, if your move is delayed, you’ll have to spend a night at a hotel.
To avoid unpleasant surprises, talk to your movers and check if there is a possibility for your move to last longer than a day. That will give you enough time to prepare. You can research cheaper accommodation or even get in touch with friends and family and ask to spend the night.
#5 Food
We know what you must be thinking – as you have to eat anyway, why is this on the list? It might come as a surprise, but your relocation can massively increase your grocery bill (of course, temporarily). Most people spend the first week or two ordering food as they’re still in the process of unpacking and settling into their new home.
If you want to avoid ordering food, make sure to dedicate a moving box to packing essential kitchen items. You can even put that box in your car and take it with you. This way, you won’t have to waste time searching for it after moving in. You’ll have everything you need to prepare a quick meal as soon as you move into your new home.
#6 Utilities, Internet, and Cable
Nowadays, most of us can’t imagine our everyday lives without conveniences such as running water, electricity, or gas. As you want to have everything ready when you move into your new home, you need to make sure to have those services hooked up before your move-in day. You don’t want to be left in a lurch, especially if you know that the previous occupants disconnected the utilities.
Internet and cable might not be as essential as water and electricity, but they are still necessary, especially if you work from home full-time. Make sure to get in touch with the service provider you’ve chosen a couple of days before and ensure you have internet and cable waiting for you up and running when you move in.
#7 Not Getting Your Security Deposit Back
Lastly, remember that getting your security deposit back isn’t always guaranteed. Even if you made sure to leave the place clean and tidy, your landlord might still not be happy with the state of the premises. For instance, you might have drilled holes into a wall to hang art or floating shelves. Sometimes they just make excuses to keep your deposit so you might have to fight for it.
The best way to go is not to count on your security deposit to be returned to you. You should set aside the funds you need for your move regardless. If your landlord gives you your security deposit back, it will be a bonus.
Final Thoughts
Moving to a new place will inevitably generate more expenses for you. However, we hope our list of the seven most common unexpected costs of moving to a new home helped you prepare for your relocation and stay within your budget. We wish you the best of luck with your move and many happy memories in your new home!
You might also like:
