Moving Expenses You Should Plan For

Moving isn’t cheap. Whether you’re renting or buying, you’ll have hefty expenses like down payments, closing costs, and/or deposits. On top of that, you may have to purchase moving supplies, rent a truck or trailer, and pay a company (or friends) to help you with the heavy lifting.

Here is a list of expenses that you need to consider when planning your next move:
 

Moving Supplies:

You will need boxes, bubble wrap, tape, specialty boxes for dishes and mirrors, bungee cords, and moving pads. Luckily, Citywide offers a collection of great moving supply packs that are designed for any size home!
 

Labor:

If you’re planning on hiring a moving company, you don’t have to worry about renting a truck. However, don’t forget to tip the movers for a job well done. If you’re doing it yourself, you’ll definitely need to pay for food and beverages for anyone helping you.

 

Truck/Trailer Rental:

If you’re doing the heavy lifting, you’ll have to rent a dolly and a truck or trailer to move large items. On top of truck rental, you need to be aware of the mileage you’ll use. Each mile adds cost to your rental. You’ll also need to fill the gas tank to where it was when your rental began, so don’t forget to budget for gas!

 

Utilities

If you’re just transferring services, you probably won’t have any unexpected expenses. However, if you’re starting a new service, you may be required to put down a security deposit. Internet and cable companies especially are prone to asking for a deposit, especially if you have issues on your credit.

 

Food

It’s likely you used up, donated, or threw away most of the food in your fridge beforehand so you’d have less to pack/deal with during the move. However, once you’re settled into your new place, you’re probably pretty tired of eating out all the time (which adds expense itself). Pizza’s fine the first night, but after that, you’ll want to restock your fridge which can take some investment.

 

Household Items

If you already own a home, you may not have many expenses in this category. However, if you’re moving from a small apartment, you may need to invest in household essentials: cleaning supplies, paper towels, toilet paper, etc. If you’re moving into a larger place you may need to buy curtains, decorations, and furniture to create a robust living space.