The Movers.com Blog

If you budget your move, you'll know exactly where your money goes

No matter how you go about it, moving is an expensive endeavor. With all the costs involved in relocating, it may be cheaper to just stay put. Of course, this isn’t always an option. As long as you know in advance how much you can afford to spend and how much you need to spend, you won’t be shocked with the final tally of your moving expenses.

The best way to go about budgeting your move is to create a spreadsheet. This way, you can easily record and keep track of everything you will spend money on. It can also be easily updated and changed as appropriate. Just make sure you print a couple copies before you pack up your computer for the move.

The first step in creating a budget is to figure out how much you will be spending as you leave your old home. Estimate what your final utility bills will be and factor in lease termination costs or any other fees involved.

You should then find out how much it will cost to actually move your belongings. It is recommended that you get estimates from three moving companies. Until you decide which company you will use, include the highest estimate in your budget. You should also factor in the cost of insurance and any other expenses, as well as a tip for your movers.

If you are moving a shorter distance, you may want to transport your items yourself. Renting a van, though cheaper than using a moving truck, comes with its share of extra costs. You will have to factor in the cost of fuel, and you may also need to rent other tools, such as a loading ramp or a handcart.

Whether you hire a moving truck or rent a cargo van, you will need to buy all of the appropriate packing supplies. Although the moving supplies may be one of the cheapest costs of your move, especially if you can get some second-hand boxes or other supplies, they still should be included in your budget.

Once you know how much you will be spending on the packing and shipping of your items, you can figure out the costs of getting yourself to your new home. Factor in how much you plan to spend on gas, food, and hotels during your drive. If you are flying to your new location, record the cost of plane tickets and all associated fees. Don’t forget to include the costs of babysitters for children or any pet care as you get ready to move.

The next section of your budget should consist of the costs you will face upon moving into your new home. Factor in rent, security deposits, mortgage payments, and other costs involved in relocating. Also, find out in advance the prices for starting various utility services. You should also determine any other services you will need to pay for, such as parking permits or pet fees for apartments.

Though this next suggestion might not be the first thing to come to mind when planning a moving budget, it is important nonetheless. You will definitely want to include the cost of groceries after you move in. Since you probably won’t want to go grocery shopping or cook on your move-in day, also factor in the price of take-out food. Furthermore, it is a good idea to provide food and drinks for anyone helping you move, professional movers included.

Once all of these costs are added to your spreadsheet, get the total.

Pack those questions away by staying informed

Unfortunately, your budget isn’t yet finalized. The next thing you want to do is add 5-10% of the final cost to your tally. This extra amount will cover any unexpected fees that you encounter during the move.

Regardless of how expensive you move turns out to be, if you plan your budget in advance, you won’t be floored when you discover the final cost. If your planned expenses fall outside of what you can afford, you can easily review your budget and find areas where you can cut corners. Either way, if you know the costs involved in moving beforehand, you will have one less thing to worry about during your move.