The cost of moving can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand depending on your situation and the distance of your move. And many of these costs can be a surprise.
So how can you plan on the real cost of moving? Read on for a few unexpected costs that you may need to consider.
1. Moving Insurance
Most moving companies provide some level of basic moving insurance that’s included in the overall cost. But that insurance may only cover their employees. You may need to purchase additional insurance if you want to cover the cost of repair or replacement if any of your possessions are damaged.
Be sure to get a thorough understanding of the different levels of insurance provided by your moving company and choose the one that suits your needs best.
2. Extra Moving Company Fees
If one of the moving locations has a few flights of stairs and no elevator then you could be charged an additional “stair fee”. To avoid any surprises, be sure to tell your moving company if your current or the new home has more than one flight of stairs.
Most moving companies expect to move a few heavy items, but some will charge a “heavy items” fee if there are more than what they consider to be normal. The best way to prevent unexpected costs is to ask when hiring a moving company if they have this fee.
3. The Extra Cost of Moving Long Distance
If a long-distance move is in your future then there are a few additional costs to consider.
If you plan on hiring a full-service company to pack, transport, and unpack your possessions there are still a few additional costs to consider. If you have cars that you’re moving with you, you’ll either need to drive them yourself or pay for vehicle transportation. If you intend on flying to your new home, then travel costs should be considered. Hotels are also commonly used during long-distance moves.
If you plan on driving your own moving truck to your new home, you should plan on additional expenses like gasoline, food, and hotels while you’re en route.
4. Storage Unit Costs
Many homeowners choose to rent storage space so that they can move over a period of time instead of doing all the labor at once. If you fall into this category, you should plan on including the cost of your storage unit in your moving budget projections.
5. Tip Your Movers
Many people don’t consider tipping their movers because they’ve already paid the moving company. Consider a situation where your movers are early, polite, careful, and do a good job of moving your belongings without damage. It’s absolutely appropriate to tip your movers for their labor.
This cost is a variable, but if you plan for it then you won’t feel uncomfortable offering this gesture when your moving company goes above and beyond.
Remember This!
The way to avoid surprises in the cost of moving is to plan ahead, find a reputable moving company, and be thorough when signing contracts.
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