Most people know the basic expenses of moving: hiring a truck, packing supplies, and movers. But several hidden costs can quickly eat into your moving budget. If you’re moving on a shoestring, any unexpected moving fees can be disastrous to your finances and your relocation plan. Here are seven of the most common budget-busting moving expenses.
Vehicle transportation – Hidden Expenses
While many people drive their cars to their new homes, it can be a disaster if faced with a sudden breakdown or flat tire. Towing and rental cars are expensive and can easily add hundreds of dollars to your moving budget.
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To avoid this fee, you should partner with an auto transport company experienced in the process of shipping a car to another state to ensure a smooth, stress-free move for you and your vehicle.
Professional house cleaning
You might think that a few hours with a vacuum and mop will be enough to clean your old place before handing over the keys. But unless you’re moving into a brand-new home, you’ll need to do a deep clean before going.
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When hiring professionals to clean your carpets, windows, and oven, prices vary depending on the size of your home and the level of cleaning required, but you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars.
Home inspection
If you’re selling a home, you’ll need to get it inspected before finalizing the sale to ensure that no hidden repairs need to be made, which can be costly. Inspections typically cost around $200-$300, so be sure to factor this price into your moving budget.
Lawn care – Moving expenses
If you’re moving into a home with a yard, you’ll need to factor in the cost of lawn care, including hiring someone to mow the lawn, trim the hedges, and fertilize the grass.
Depending on the size of your yard and how often you need it done, this expense can cost anywhere from $50-$100 per month.
Utilities
One of the hidden expenses of moving is setting up your utilities in your new home, including electricity, gas, water, trash, and sewer. The cost of these services varies depending on where you live, but you can expect to pay at least a few hundred dollars to get everything set up.
Storage
If you’re downsizing or need to store some of your belongings while in transit, you’ll need to factor in the storage cost, which can be short-term or long-term, and the price will depend on the size of the unit and the length of time you need. Expect to pay at least $50-$100 per month for a small storage unit.
Moving insurance
If you’re hiring professional movers, they will likely require you to purchase moving insurance, which protects your belongings if they’re damaged or lost during the move.
The cost of moving insurance depends on the value of your belongings, but you can expect to pay 1-2% of the total value of your belongings.
Conclusion
As you can see, several hidden expenses can quickly add up when you’re moving. By being aware of these costs, you can better prepare your budget and avoid unwanted surprises.