Moving to a new state is a monumental undertaking. It involves much planning and preparation that can be quite stressful but for many, the financial implications can be quite surprising. If you are planning to relocate to a new city or state, the following budget-friendly tips can help you protect your pocket.
Moving to a new neighborhood can be a pretty penny but when you move to a new city or state and you haven’t prepared for all the costs involved, you could be facing a hefty bill! Some moves can go from $400 to $5000 when you least expect it…
When you plan a move, you want to know how much each part of your journey is going to cost you before you actually relocate. And one major mistake to avoid is to take a moving company’s word for it! Always get upfront quotes and don’t agree to any changes in your contract unless it’s written in black and white.
With relocations on the rise since March 2021 owing to the pandemic, there has also been a rise in unscrupulous moving companies. Many people have experienced significant financial losses because movers don’t pitch or hold their goods hostage after collecting the valuables. Your budget can help you stay on top of every cost and protect against unnecessary expenses.
Start with a Moving Checklist
The purpose of a moving checklist is to compare the costs involved. Contact at least 3 movers and get a quotation from each. Compare the quotes and determine which offers the best value.
Some of the costs you can expect in your quotation include:
Insurance
Packing
Moving and hauling fees
Travel (according to distance covered)
Gas
A simple way to save on the cost of a professional moving company is to pack the goods prior to collection and to unbox your belongings upon arrival. Movers charge for every service so the more you can do, the less you will pay. Also, be realistic about what you can and can’t do. Moving large furniture is best left to the professionals who have the right equipment and team support.
Once you have calculated the average costs for a professional move to your new home, create a self-move list. What would it cost if you performed the move yourself? Renting a moving truck for relocation, packing, and offloading with the help of friends and family could cut your costs in half.
You’ll need the support of others to help you move which is not always easy. You’re also going to need to rent the necessary equipment such as a trolley and packing materials.
What About Pets?
Depending on how far you will be traveling, you will need to consider overnight stays along your trip and the safety of your valuables in a rental truck. What about pets? How will you be taking care of them during the move? Perhaps it would be better to ask family to take care of them or place them in a pet daycare while you get everything relocated. Pet care is another cost to factor in during your move.
Will You Be Using Storage?
Many people who are moving across the country will use storage at some point. Depending on your trip and the furniture you are relocating, contact a few storage facilities and ask them whether they charge per day, week, or month. This can help you choose the most suitable package and without spending unnecessarily on storage.
Compare Costs and Think About Where You Can Save
Whether you are moving to a new apartment in Memphis or a family home in Florida, plan for every stage of your move.
If you are going to hire a moving company, consider their reputation and always sign a contract before depositing any money. Should you plan the move yourself, prepare every aspect of it from the packing and the size of the rental truck you will need to the cost for gas and insurance.
Planning your relocation can help you make the best choices while ensuring that you receive the best value to make your move that much easier and economical.
