Moving is expensive; there’s no arguing that fact. That said, relocating doesn’t have to break the bank—if you take the time to plan accordingly. At Ace Moving & Warehousing, we know a long-distance move can cause your finances to take a hit, but we also know there are several things you can do to help mitigate your moving costs and still have change to spare when you settle into your new home.
If you’re struggling to plan your move and adjust your finances to accommodate the impending changes, our team is here to help! Below, we’ve compiled a few helpful tips on how to structure your moving budget, so you can enjoy your relocation with as little financial stress as possible.
Tip #1: Decide What Goes & What Stays
Before you do anything else, take stock of your possessions and determine what you plan to move, and what you plan to get rid of. If you have a storage unit, make sure you take a full inventory of its contents, too. The same idea applies to the contents of your garage and, if you have one, your backyard storage shed.
Taking a full household inventory helps you plan for the number of boxes and the types of packing materials you’ll need to purchase for your move. Moreover, when the time comes to begin pricing professional moving companies, you’ll know exactly the quantity of stuff you plan to move. Since the contents of your move factor into the moving company’s overall price estimate, you’ll need to have a solid idea of how much you plan to pack into the truck, as well as the type of contents you’re moving.
Tip #2: Research Your Moving Company Options
Once you have a concrete idea of which possessions you’ll be taking along for the ride, begin researching moving companies that work with the types of items you plan to move. For example, if you plan to transport your grand piano safely, you’ll need to hire a piano moving company, and you’ll need to be prepared to pay additional transport fees.
Not every moving service offers assistance with large, fragile, expensive items, so you’ll need to call around until you locate the companies that best fit your needs. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect as far as pricing goes:
● Base fee. The majority of moving companies have a standard, base rate that applies to all moves, regardless of the quantity and type of the items being moved.
● Specialty items fees. Specialty items typically include objects like pianos, pool tables, expensive artwork, and safes, among others. Most moving companies tack on additional charges when you plan to transport these types of items.
● Moving insurance. In most cases, a reputable, professional moving company should provide basic insurance coverage for your possessions. That said, in most cases, basic coverage won’t provide full compensation for expensive items. It’s always a smart choice to pay for additional protection, just in case.
● Distance fees. In most cases, the distance of your move helps determine the cost of transport. Usually, moving companies charge a standard fee for predetermined distance ranges, which are typically denoted by local, intrastate, interstate, and international moves.
Tip #3: Determine When & Where
Did you know the time of year you plan to relocate almost always has an effect on the cost of your move? It’s true—since summer is the busiest season for relocations, you should expect to pay more for a professional moving service during the warmest months of the year.
Conversely, some moving companies charge more for winter moving services simply because facilitating a move during the cold, snowy months is no easy task. To set up your moving budget properly, factor in additional seasonal costs that may apply to your move.
Beyond the time of year, you’ll also need a solid idea of the cost of living in your new location. If you’re moving from a rural area to a metropolitan hub, your living expenses will naturally rise. Depending on your particular location, you may also be required to purchase a moving permit to park your transport truck outside your new home.
Research your intended city thoroughly to learn about moving-related expenses and any additional costs specific to the area.
Tip #4: Sock Away Emergency Cash
If you’re in a financial position to create an emergency fund, make sure you include that money in your moving budget. Relocating always comes with its fair share of unforeseen circumstances, whether that means during transport or when you arrive at your new home. Experts always recommend creating an emergency fund to cover three months' worth of living expenses, so before you plan your move, be certain you have that money set aside.
Tip #5: Account for Additional Expenses
Speaking of unforeseen moving-related expenses, here are a few of the most common ones:
● Professional house cleaning when you vacate your property
● Childcare for the day of the move
● Pet care for moving day
● Transporting house plants and related costs
● Temporary income reduction as a result of taking personal days for the move
If any of the above apply to you and your family, you’ll also need to factor those costs into your moving budget. Additionally, take some time to ponder potential expenses that may arise as a result of packing, loading, transporting, unpacking, and settling into your new abode. Moving is a huge endeavor, and even when you think you have every cost nailed down, there’s usually one or two that escape your attention until the moment they pop up.
That said, if you account for unexpected expenses by adding an additional cushion to your moving budget, those tiny surprises will be far less impactful. And, if you think you’ll have any cash to play around with once you settle into your new home, consider budgeting in a relaxing massage for all your hard work!
Planning Your Move? Let Ace Moving & Warehousing Take Care of the Details
At Ace Moving & Warehousing, it’s our goal to help you make your move as smooth and stressless as possible. Whether you’re moving your home, your business, or your office, our team offers comprehensive moving and storage services to fit virtually any need and budget. To learn more about how we can facilitate your relocation, give our team a call at 763-755-2045. You can also feel free to reach out to us on our contact page or request your quick moving quote online.