How to Create a Moving Budget

Moving may not seem something you have to budget for, until you realize how expensive it is to have a reliable company take your possessions across the country. If you prepare in advance for the expenses of moving, you are more likely to find bargains and save yourself a lot of headaches when the day finally arrives.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Put down on paper the specifics of your move. You will need to note not only where you are moving to (and from), but also how much stuff you have, the size and weight of it and how fragile objects are.
2. Take a realistic look at how accessible your home is to the movers. If you live on the first floor, movers will only have to walk in and out of the apartment to get things into the truck. On the other hand, if you live on the third floor, with no elevator, movers will charge you more.
3. Decide how important the moving date is. If you can afford to be flexible, this will probably help you stay within budget. For example, it's cheaper to move in winter, mid-month or immediately following a holiday. Weekends are more expensive and so is the first week of each month, simply because it's the most convenient time to move and the busiest time for moving companies.
4. Don't forget extras when you create your moving budget. Aside from renting a van or hiring movers to take your belongings from one residency to the next, you also need to factor in things like gas (especially if you are driving to another state), hotel rooms (if it's a long trip and you will have to stop on your way there) and even tips (they are expected by most movers).
5. Get quotes from at least five different companies when you create your budget. While prices shouldn't vary too much from one company to the next, it's possible to find one that is running a special or offering a discount to certain clients.

Tips & Warnings

• You can save money by buying some supplies (like carton boxes and bubble wrap) yourself, rather than taking them directly from the moving company.
• If you have pets, you should include the cost of moving them in your budget. While pets should travel with you and not in the moving van, you may incur in additional expenses because of security deposits at hotels or other accommodations.
• If you don't have a lot of possessions to move and can be flexible about timing, look into sharing a van.
• Fragile objects may require an additional security or insurance fee before moving companies will accept them for transportation.