Depending on the details of your relocation, you may reasonably expect to pay between $500 and $1,400 for your relocation, and the cost of a long-distance move may be on the higher end of these averages. Creating a moving budget can help you to identify ways to save and to prepare financially for this life-changing event, but this step requires time and an eye for detail. By walking through these steps, you can prepare a reasonable budget for your upcoming project.

 

1. Create a Moving Plan

Your relocation plans directly affect your moving budget. For example, if you rent a truck and move everything on your own, you may save hundreds of dollars or more compared to the cost of using professional moving services. If you plan to get rid of some of your personal items, appliances, and furniture before moving, your cost of supplies and overall relocation expenses may be reduced. Decluttering also cuts down on the time it will take to unpack. These are only a few of many ways that your unique moving plan will affect your budget.

2. Request Estimates

Regardless of whether you intend to hire a moving company or rent a truck, compare estimates from several reputable companies. Ensure that the estimates that you are receiving are as accurate as possible. These should be vetted companies with an excellent reputation. Keep in mind that a moving company that estimates the cost of your move over the phone may give you a less accurate quote than a moving company that visits your home before preparing a personalized estimate.

 

3. Pay Attention to Add-Ons

The last thing that you want is to be surprised by last-minute expenses. When you rent a truck and move on your own, you may need to pay for truck insurance, a dolly, moving pads, fuel for the truck and other expenses that are easy to overlook. Moving companies likewise may have hidden fees, such as the need to pay for extra insurance, to buy last-minute supplies that the movers need and to tip the movers.

 

4. Make Travel Plans

A long-distance move generally requires you to pay for numerous travel expenses. For example, you may fly to your new hometown if movers are driving the truck and hauling your personal vehicles. If you are driving to your new home, you may need to pay for food, gas, and hotel stays as you trek across the country.

 

5. Focus on Expenses for Your New Home

Expenses related to your new home should not be overlooked. These may include cleaning expenses, retail deposits, the cost for décor and furnishings, deposits for utilities, installation fees for Internet service and more.

Estimating costs for your move may lead to insufficient financial planning and a potential shortfall in your budget. For each line item in your moving budget, research costs to obtain concrete figures. While it is easy to overlook smaller items, keep in mind that smaller expenses can add up. Take time to create a thorough budget today, and revise your budget as needed throughout our relocation experience so that you can make proper financial arrangements.