February 17, 2021

Hidden Expenses of Moving

Moving costs add up – don’t forget these often-overlooked expenses

Moving supplies

Moving supplies are one of the most basic moving costs. You will need an arsenal of boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts depending on how much and what kinds of items you plan to move. These costs can add up quickly. To save money, reach out to friends and family to see if they have leftover supplies from a recent move or head to a local grocery store to ask for leftover boxes.

Storing your belongings (and yourself)

During a move it’s rare for everything to go as planned; house deals can be delayed, apartments might not be move-in ready, or the moving company may be late. In these cases, you might need a place to store your belongings or a place to stay while you wait for your furniture. Sometimes it can be necessary to find a hotel or Airbnb to crash at until everything is sorted.

Utility and housing deposits

Before you move into your new home, plan to set up your utilities. Utilities like gas, electricity, cable, and internet often have start-up costs and, potentially, deposits. You may also be required to pay a fee to terminate your contract in your previous home. If you are renting a home, anticipate more costs you might have missed. Other than a security deposit, most renters expect you to pay the first and last month’s rent, an application fee, and a pet deposit (if you have a pet).

Moving insurance

A cross-country move typically means hiring a professional moving company to haul the majority of your furniture and belongings. While movers will try to be as careful as possible, accidents can happen. Make sure your movers have or offer insurance that covers the repair or replacement of your treasured items and furniture. Most moving companies offer basic insurance coverage, but if you are moving items on the more expensive side, you might have to find additional insurance.

Restocking your pantry

When packing to move, you might wind up throwing out food items that may not survive the moving process. This includes perishable food from your refrigerator and freezer, or items from your pantry that would be a pain to move or potentially leak or cause a mess. Remember to budget for replacing and restocking your pantry. Even if you are planning to eat out for the few first days of settling down without groceries, takeout and fast food bills can start piling up.

If you need to move for work or because you need more space, these costs are often justifiable. Make sure to leave extra room in your budget for unexpected costs like these. Moving can be a stressful experience, but with a little planning, you can be prepared.