Moving is stressful. It doesn’t matter if you’re packing up and heading across the country, the state, or just across town, it still is a pain and a time-consuming hassle. It would be hard to name something more daunting than dealing with packing tape nightmares and ceiling-high cardboard box mazes, but I think I can come up with one: money.

If you let it, moving can cost you your school tuition, the combined amount of coin you’ve purchased in coffee during your drinking lifetime, and quite possibly the dollars you’ve saved for that down payment. Exaggeration inserted here. But really, it can be ex-pen-sive! Take it from me, ‘cough’.

So today I’ve compiled a list of some budget items you might want to take a double look at if you’re planning to move or are already in the throes of the ugly process. Hey, it’s totally worth it in the end!

 

Moving Truck or Moving Company

You’re probably thinking, “Duh, how else are we going to get everything to our new crib?” Unless you’re planning on several back and forth trips with a minivan, a moving truck or company is the way to go.

Deciding between a truck you drive yourself and a company that does the work for you all depends on the size and nature of your move. If you’re going cross-country it’s probably worth it to hire professionals or get a pod. But if your new place is local, it might still be nice to have an extra pair of hands to pack, but it could be financially worth it to do it yourself.

Something we found out was that certain moving companies would charge us a minimum amount (a lot) because our move was over a certain number of hours and miles. For reference, we moved 4 hours away. The moving truck was the right decision for us solely based on the savings.

But that’s something to keep in mind and investigate. The rules may vary state to state or situation to situation.

 

Boxes/Packing Materials

You’re going to need to get your valuables to your new home safely somehow! It’s easy to underestimate (or overestimate!) how much stuff you’ll need to pack your belongings. Will one roll of 60 ft. bubble wrap be enough, or could you wrap the Eiffel Tower with your excess?

Packing tape, packing paper, bins, etc. are things to consider while working on your moving budget. Don’t be afraid to cushion that line item, you might need it.

 

 

Next Month’s Rent or Mortgage Payment

It depends on the residence and the date you take possession, but you might be responsible for the next month’s payment. Find out the cutoff date when the next billing cycle starts and prepare for a large payment if required.

     Prorated Rent

I’m sticking this sub-section here because you’ll most likely be responsible for the rent for the remainder of the month. They like to charge by the day, ya’ll!

 

 

Security Deposit

All my renting friends out there know you could be responsible for a security deposit, and it could be determined by your credit score.

 

 

Tip for Helpers

Something you definitely want to do is show your appreciation to the people who helped you through this grueling process by offering a tip. If they refuse, take them out for dinner, pay for their gas, or buy them a cake. Moving’s tough, and those who volunteer willingly to help you through it are real troopers and the best kind of people. Thank them.

 

Food

Everyone eats, but you might find yourself eating out way more than you originally intended during the moving phase. For those of you searching for a new place farther away, you’ll maybe (probably) find yourself at Arby’s between house or apartment showings. Once you’ve acquired the keys, you’ll need snacks and refreshments for the moving day crew, and dinner after your belongings are transported. Of course you can pack a cooler and cut some of the restaurant costs. But just make room in your plan for an increase in food of any kind.

 

 

Breaking the Lease Fee

Not everyone will experience this budget item, but it’s possible you might have to get out of a current living situation because of a family shift or expansion, an unexpected job transfer, or a job offer. Life happens and that’s great, but legally speaking, your unexpected departure is still under contract.

If you are in a lease and you get word you’ll be heading out of town or just out of that complex, then immediately look over your current lease’s regulations and sit down with someone in the leasing office to understand what’s expected of you if you choose to break the lease. Find out the costs associated with vacating, because it could be substantial or it could be as conceptually simple as finding someone to take over that lease for the remainder of the term. Know the fine print and plan accordingly.

 

 

New Insurance

Moving to a high traffic area or the boondocks could affect your new auto insurance. We experienced a hike in our premium when we moved to a crazy traffic area, and likewise it has since decreased after moving.

     Medical Insurance

If your move takes you to a different company, you might find yourself without medical insurance for a short period of time. If necessary, be on the hunt for temporary insurance, shop around and plan for that extra expense which could be useful in the event of an emergency. It’s not something you’d directly associate with moving, but it certainly is important during the transition.

 

 

Gas

It goes without saying that gas, whether you’re trekking far or a few blocks away, that you’re going to use gas in some capacity. If you end up with a moving truck, you’ll be on the hook, potentially, to fill it back up before you drop it off.

The amount fluctuates based on your own moving experience, but don’t forget to plan on spending a little more than usual.

 

 

Furniture

Moving anywhere may require purchasing new (to you) furniture. I’m not saying to use moving as an excuse to buy a new living room set if the old one still works fine, but if you have the money planned for doing just that, go for it!

You may find you need a furniture piece that has been a “need” for a while now and with the new living space, you finally have room for it. Recognize that this could be a possibility and plan accordingly.

A personal example from my own life was when my husband and I were moving our belongings into our first apartment a week before we got married. It had been a sunny morning as we loaded up the back of my Dad’s pickup truck with the larger items not able to fit in the van. One item was a bed, seemingly protected. During the drive, out of nowhere, a rainstorm hits, completely destroys the mattress and it had to be dumped.

The expense of a new mattress a week before we got married was heavy, but thankfully we had a little savings. More on that to come.

 

New Utilities

Be prepared to pay new utilities. Depending on the size of your new place you could be faced with a higher energy bill. When searching for your new apartment or home, ask what the average utility cost is, and hopefully they can offer a number that will help you plan.

 

What moving expenses have you encountered?

If you’ve moved before, you know that this phase of life is exhausting financially, physically, and sometimes emotionally. Taking the worry about the expenses out of the equation makes the whole process a little more bearable.

Understand that you might miss an expense that you totally forgot about and that’s okay. We can’t plan for absolutely everything, but we can do as much as possible.

And if you are moving, I hope your new house or apartment or condo or wherever you end up becomes a comfortable home, a safe haven, an anxiety reducing space, and the best decision you’ve made to date.

 

Cheers!