Don’t Break the Budget: Costs That Are Often Overlooked When Moving

Moving can be both a stressful and exciting time. Before you complete the move, it’s possible that there are some expenses that you have overlooked. Some of these might be fairly pricey, but if you plan ahead, you can set money aside for these moving costs. Below are just a few costs that are often overlooked when moving, but if planned for, can actually save you money.

Insurance Rates

Whether it’s car insurance or coverage for your health, you might find that your rates will change depending on where you move. Some auto insurance companies will increase your rates if you move to an area that’s more populated because of the higher risk of getting hit by another car. Health insurance providers might lower your rates if you move to an area that is not in the city because you won’t be around all of the smog. Be sure to look into this before you move so you don’t find yourself paying unexpected long-term extra expenses.

Moving Truck

If you only have a small car and no help to move your furniture, then you might want to consider renting a truck so that you can get everything from one home to another in only one trip. This will save on gas that you would use for your car, and you won’t have to spend as much time loading a car and unloading then loading it again. Renting a truck will also save you on the wear on tear that you would put on your car, especially if you are moving a long distance away.

Cable Fees

Before you have cable service connected at your new home, see if you can simply transfer your existing service. Some companies will charge a penalty for not completing your contract, and this fee could be pretty expensive, especially if you have only been with the company for a short time. Whether you have cable, internet, phone contracts or all of the above, call well before the to move to find out what you can do about your contract. Often times, they will be willing to work with you if you give them enough notice.

Deposits

When you moved into your previous home, you probably had to pay a security deposit. If you’re like most people, you forget that you paid this deposit, so it’s like letting your former landlord keep a good bit of money that you spent when you moved into the home. In most states, the landlord is required to give back your deposit within a certain time frame if there is nothing wrong with the home when you move. Be sure to follow up with a landlord if you were renting before you moved. On the same note, you may have to pay a new security deposit on your new home or apartment you are renting, and this is often forgotten about until right before you pay or move. Be sure to plan for this, as it can set you back financially if you are not prepared.

Packing Supplies

When you realize that you don’t have enough boxes for all of your belongings, you might find that you will spend more money on tape and other supplies just to get everything to your new home. Don’t spend a lot of money on these items as they will likely get thrown away after you unpack. You can find free boxes at many businesses to pack your belongings as well. You can use old newspapers to protect your glass and other fragile items. Bubble wrap is not always necessary. Instead of labels, use different colored pens or old stickers mark one room each box belongs in.

Bank Fees

Cancel all of your memberships because if they try to deduct money from your bank account, you might be stuck with an overdraft fee. These can be costly if you have several places that automatically take out your fees each month.

There are a few things to keep in mind when you move. Set aside a little extra money for all of those unexpected expenses like fees and supplies. If you think ahead, you won’t have to pay as much out of your pocket as you think.

Informational credit to Jamieson Car and Truck Rental.