Moving Expenses You Need to Consider Before Moving

Moving can be exciting. It can also be expensive and stressful. Whether you're moving within the same town, across the country, or internationally, moving costs can quickly mount up if you don't fully plan a move and budget for them.

In our experience as professional movers, many people are caught off guard by unexpected costs and expenses they fail to plan for or anticipate. Items that are commonly overlooked when estimating moving costs include packing supplies, fuel and tolls, storage fees, cleaning services, and utility setup fees.

A good understanding of these expenses, along with a realistic moving checklist and budget, will ensure a smoother and less stressful move. This article will detail some essential moving expenses, lesser-known and potentially hidden costs.

Major Moving Expenses

Some moving expenses are the most evident and significant. These costs will vary depending on the distances, the volume of belongings to be transported, and whether moving is done DIY or using professional movers. These expenses tend to be the costs everyone thinks of when they are contemplating a move and include:

1. Professional moving services

The average cost of a move within the NYC area is $1,400. Long-distance moves of a 2- or 3-bedroom home can range from around $4,000.

2. Moving truck rental (for DIY moves)

For DIY moves, a moving truck rental typically costs between $20 and $100 per day (not including gas, tolls, etc.), considering local moves. For longer distances, additional expenses such as mileage fees, accommodations, food and gas can add up quickly.

3. Packing supplies

Cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, tape, moving blankets, and markers (this applies to DIY and professional moves that do not include a full packing service).

4. Packing services

If you decide to hire professionals just for packing, it can cost you anywhere from $300 to $1,500 depending on the size of your home.

5. Unpacking services

Professional unpacking might add an extra $100 to $500 to your moving expenses. If you're planning to hire a professional moving company, think about going for a full-service option that includes packing and unpacking.

Often Overlooked Moving Expenses

According to our customers, these additional costs are frequently overlooked when budgeting, but when added up, they can become a substantial part of the total moving expenses:

• Childcare: If parents are involved in packing and moving belongings, they may need a childminder.

• Pet boarding or transportation: Some pets can find moving a traumatic experience and may require boarding for a short time to keep them safe. Professional pet transportation services are recommended for long-distance moves involving air travel.

• Cleaning services: To get the deposit returned on the old property, it will need to be thoroughly cleaned after you move out.

• Painting or repairs: Any damage, stains, or marks to old property will involve repairs or redecoration.

• Food and accommodation costs: For long distance moves, you need to allocate funds for gas, food, and accommodation.

• Insurance: Most moving companies typically provide basic coverage for your belongings. However, this may not fully compensate you if your items are lost or damaged. Consider purchasing additional moving insurance, which usually costs between 1% and 5% of the total estimated value of your items.

• Junk removal or disposal fees: Anything you leave behind must be removed and disposed of.

• Tips for your moving team: It’s common in the industry to tip movers 10-20% of the total moving costs, which is divided amongst the movers.

• Storage unit: Renting a storage facility for temporary furniture storage can cost between $40 and $250 per month.

• Utility setup: Getting utilities like electricity, water, and internet set up might involve some initial costs. Usually, you can expect to pay setup fees and deposits totalling around $100 to $200.

Hidden Moving Costs

These expenses are often not immediately apparent when creating a moving budget but can cause significant financial strain if not anticipated. In addition, some moving companies charge additional fees, which may not be included in their estimate. Examples of extra charges from moving companies include:

• Furniture disassembly and reassembly fees: Some oversized furniture items may need to be partially disassembled to fit through doorways.

• Bulky or heavy items surcharges: These items typically require more manpower and take more time.

• Elevator fees or flight charges for stairs: Extra time and labor required to move items upstairs.

• Parking: There will be long-carry fees if they can't park close to the new property entrance. Carrying items over longer distances is more physically demanding and takes more time.

• Fuel surcharges: Due to fluctuating fuel prices, surcharges may be added. These can be substantial for long-distance moves.

• Security deposit: If you are renting, a landlord will probably ask for a security deposit to cover any damages to the property.

• Homeowners insurance for your new home if purchasing rather than renting.

Oz Moving and Storage is known for providing fully transparent moving estimates and a guaranteed flat rate moving cost for all local, long-distance, and international moves. So, you always know exactly where you stand, and the small print has no hidden surprises.

Tips for Managing Moving Expenses

Create a moving budget

The best way to keep track of moving expenses is to create and stick to a moving budget. A realistic budget will help you avoid overspending and identify areas where you can save money. Planning your moving budget as early as possible leaves plenty of time to research costs and make changes as required.

Begin by taking an inventory of all your belongings room by room to determine precisely what you'll be moving and estimate moving costs. Using a spreadsheet or template with columns for estimated and actual costs can be helpful in tracking expenses during the move. Always add a contingency fund as a buffer for any unexpected expenses. This contingency fund should be at least 10% of your total moving budget.

Declutter before starting the move

One of the best ways to keep moving costs down is to declutter. Begin decluttering well before your planned moving date and remove any items you feel you no longer need. We recommend clients to begin decluttering at least 6 weeks prior to moving date, this means you will have three weeks to sell or discard unwanted items before you start packing.

Many of our customers have used the four-box method: Sort items into four categories, each with their box – keep, donate, sell, and trash. This method helps to adopt a mindset of letting go of items so that you only transport what you truly need or that have some sentimental value.

Source free packing materials

Another effective way to reduce moving costs is to source free packaging materials. Instead of purchasing brand new boxes, you can pick up boxes from local stores they plan to recycle and ask your friends and neighbors to donate any boxes for your move. You can also use towels and clothes to wrap fragile items when packing rather than buying bubble wrap.

Consider selling unwanted items on popular websites such as Gumtree and Facebook marketplace. This can offset some moving costs while reducing the volume of the belongings to move

Final Thoughts

All the moving process involves many potential costs, from obvious expenses like professional moving services and packing supplies to often overlooked fees such as childcare, cleaning services, and utility setup.

At Oz Moving, we understand that unexpected expenses can add significant stress to an already challenging process. That’s why we are committed to providing transparent pricing and a guaranteed flat rate, ensuring there are no hidden surprises.

By meticulously planning your budget, decluttering beforehand, and sourcing free packing materials, you can significantly reduce moving costs. Choosing the right moving partner is also crucial to ensure a move with no unexpected expenses and as stress-free as possible. Get a customized and free quote today, and let us help you get there!