Even when you know you are coming to the end of your tenancy, or perhaps you have been looking for new houses – you might be focused on things like down payments and deposits – and forget that one of the most substantial costs when it comes to moving is transferring all of your items from one place to another.
It’s not just time you need to budget for either; it is finance too.
How can you make a budget that makes sense and ultimately helps you achieve your goal to move without running into credit cards or using other finance and needing to pay it back?
Photo by Théo Dorp on Unsplash
Inventory
Do you need to move everything you have right now? Most of us accumulate a lot of things we don’t need or use over the years. And when it comes to moving, it is time to ask yourself the tough questions.
Anything that doesn’t make the essentials list can be sold, and that money can go towards the move itself. You should take this step now if you have already started researching your lakefront dream or you have found a similar property that you want to purchase.
Quotes
Getting quotes from packing and moving companies are a must, but it is more than just the rate that you should be looking at. There are a lot of moving companies that offer better services, more options, international options, and other additions that might be more beneficial.
And for those who work from home, or have an office they are also moving to, look for a company that can handle both, like Allied Van Lines.
Ask if the quote includes insurance, packing, and gas.
Storage
If you are moving internationally, or you have a few days between the last day of your old home and the new one – storage is your best friend. In some cases, the moving company may have storage options which are great; if not, it is something that you should budget for.
You could also use storage to reduce the cost of the movers. For example, if you slowly load your items into the storage, and then the movers move everything from that location to the new place, it speeds up the process and reduces the costs.
Childcare
Moving is stressful enough without having your little ones running around. Many accidents do happen on a moving day. With multiple boxes stacked up, doors open, and people coming and going, children can get confused or try and unpack boxes to find their favorite toy.
It can be incredibly beneficial to factor in childcare for the day and even a short stay for any pets at a local pet sitter.
Food
While it is traditional for many people to get takeout on the first night, you’re going to want to stock up on food asap. Into your moving budget, put whatever it is you need for your groceries. You might choose to get the delivery so you can spend the day unpacking and not worrying about it, or you might be keen to explore the nearby grocery store.
Either way, make sure that you add a little extra on top so that you can stock your cupboards and fridge asap, as you can’t usually pack any perishables in the moving van.) Getting it right sometimes comes down to knowing what to avoid; start here: Moving Soon? 3 Major Mistakes To Avoid.
