How many times have you moved so far? Out of those times, has it all gone according to plan every time? If it has, you’re probably one of the few lucky ones. More often than not when people embark on a journey to change their address, they fail to take into account all aspects of the move. Sometimes, time management fails. Other times, people underestimate the load they need to fit in the moving truck. This happens especially when it’s a DIY type of move. Here, we’ll try to offer you a few moving tips that should help you minimize unplanned moving expenses. To make it as easy as possible, we’d like to suggest you begin your research on the Verified Movers website. We have many companies in our database and we’re sure you’d be able to find the right team for you.
Learning about possible unexpected moving expenses saves you money
There are several common unexpected moving costs that can arise during the moving process. These include:
- Packing materials: Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and other packing materials can add up quickly.
- Insurance: It is often a good idea to purchase insurance to cover any damage or loss of items during the move.
- Storage fees: If you need to store items before or after the move, storage fees can be an additional cost.
- Fuel and transportation expenses: The cost of gas, rental trucks, and other transportation expenses can add up.
- Labor costs: Hiring movers or additional help can be an unexpected cost, especially if you have more items than you initially estimated.
- Travel expenses: If you are moving a long distance, expenses such as lodging and food can be significant.
- Cleaning fees: You may be required to pay a cleaning fee for your old or new residence.
- Late payment fees: If you don’t pay bills on time, late payment fees can add up quickly.
It’s important to keep these potential costs in mind when planning your move and to budget accordingly. That way, you’ll have a solid moving budget and ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
Tips to avoid unplanned moving expenses
Our list includes the following:
- Hire professionals
- Find quality packing materials
- Pack efficiently
- Make a checklist
- Check prices of self-storage
Hire professional moving services in order to evade unplanned moving expenses
It is important that, whatever you do, you have professionals by your side who are ready to help you. Before you contract a company, make sure they are knowledgeable enough to address your needs. There are hundreds of moving companies out there. Some of them are very good at what they do, others less so. At the very beginning, find out what field of moving services they specialize in. Then, go through their credentials and read customer experience reviews. Once you’ve done that, make a shortlist of companies that you liked. Contact them and ask for a price estimate. Then you should be able to come to a well-thought decision.
Pack your items in the most efficient way possible
The easiest way to misjudge the amount of money you’ll need for the move is to underestimate the load of stuff that you will be taking with you to your new crib. What you need to do in order not to fall into a trap such as this one, is to learn some packing secrets to make your move easier.
Apart from starting packing with the items you use the least, you should try to make a plan of items that you can put into another. Saving space this way means that you’d have the possibility of renting a smaller moving truck, thus cutting moving costs. Even if after having packed all of your stuff you’re stuck with a larger truck, look at it from the bright side: you’ve probably saved yourself an extra trip and will be able to relocate all of your stuff at once.
Make a checklist to avoid unplanned moving expenses
Making a checklist will give you some breathing room over what you still have to do and let you think about other aspects of the move. Your checklist should be divided into segments. Also, it should contain a time frame in which segment of the list should be ticked off. It will probably prove to be difficult to complete all the tasks on time. Still, creating a time frame will enable you to make a quantitative assessment of your performance. As the time until the move winds down, your list should be as ticked off as possible.
Self-storage won’t be money-draining if you learn about the right companies and their fees
It’s well-known that self-storage units are revolutionizing the use of our basements. They let us free our house of the stuff we don’t need on a daily basis and turn our basements into more useful spaces in our homes. What’s more, when moving places, storage units can come in very handy. You can use them particularly well when the move is long-distance or when you’re waiting for renovations to be finished in your new home, but have to let the new owners into your old one.
However, be careful about the type of lease you sign when you rent storage space. The biggest impact on unplanned moving expenses will have its unplanned renting. The best way to prevent this from happening is by correctly planning ahead and being mindful of the time needed to execute the relocation.
Ask for a price estimate
It would be a good idea to ask around for storage unit quotas before the relocation is in full swing. It would be also great to visit a few places that offer self-storage and check their offer. Explain to them what kind of storage you need and for how long you plan to rent it. Then, ask them to give you a written price estimate just in case you might need it. This way, should you end up needing a self-storage unit, you’ll know where to go and what to expect price-wise.
Asking for a price estimate of a storage unit is important because it helps you budget for the cost of storing your belongings. Furthermore, this allows you to compare the cost of different storage facilities to ensure that you get the best value for your money. Additionally, having a clear understanding of the cost upfront can prevent you from encountering hidden fees, as well as unexpected charges that can increase the total cost of using a storage unit.
Packing material can occupy a great chunk of your moving budget
Moving is like going on a vacation without rest multiplied by a lot. All you need to do to move is pack your stuff, load them into your car or a truck, arrive at a destination, and then unpack it all. That being said, you’ll need a lot of bags to pack your stuff. Plus, you surely won’t have enough big or, plain and simple, enough bags for all that you’re taking with you on this trip.
This means you’ll have to invest in cardboard boxes in order to pack your stuff. Add to that the duct tape that you’ll need in immeasurable amounts. Then, you’ll surely need some permanent markers to mark your boxes and some plastic bags for the bigger and fluffy stuff. Make sure you consider packing supplies in a total moving cost. Among the mentioned, cardboard boxes can end up being the most expensive thing on the list. Luckily, there is a way that you can obtain boxes for free and save some bucks.
Where to find quality moving boxes?
Quality cardboard or plastic moving boxes can be found at local moving supply stores, big box retailers, and online e-commerce websites. Make sure to look for boxes that are made from sturdy and durable materials, with reinforced corners and double-walled construction. It may also be helpful to consider purchasing boxes of various sizes to accommodate different items during the moving process. It is recommended to purchase new boxes rather than used ones, as they may be weakened from previous use and unable to properly protect your belongings during the move.
Good organization is the key to avoiding unplanned moving expenses
There are some things that can pop up that you cannot avoid. Still, there’s a lot you can do to prevent unplanned moving expenses from happening if you organize them correctly. The key is to try to think of all possible outcomes and setbacks and prepare for them. In case you chose reliable professionals to help you move, try talking to them. Show them the list that you’ve written down and ask them for a heads-up. If they’re true to their business, they’ll help you out.
Don’t forget about utility transfer. By transferring or setting up utilities beforehand, you can avoid any disruptions in services such as electricity, water, and internet, and ensure they are active on the day you move in. This will save you time and avoid potential stress and inconvenience, allowing you to focus on unpacking and settling into your new home. Furthermore, failing to transfer utilities can result in late activation fees or temporary lapses in service, so by setting them up on time, you can actually save money when moving, which is very handy.
Rely on companies that connect customers with the right movers
Companies that connect customers with moving companies offer several key benefits to individuals and businesses looking to relocate.
- Firstly, these companies provide a convenient and efficient way to find and compare multiple moving companies, saving you time and effort in the moving process. They can help you find a mover that fits your specific needs and budget, whether you’re looking for a local, long-distance, or international move.
- Secondly, these companies often have a thorough screening process for the moving companies they work with, so you can feel confident that you’re hiring a reliable and trustworthy mover.
- Thirdly, these companies include extensive databases with companies that offer additional services such as packing, storage solutions, and insurance, making your move even more seamless and stress-free.
- Lastly, these companies can negotiate competitive rates on your behalf, helping you save money on your move. In summary, connecting with a company that matches customers with moving companies can provide convenience and peace of mind.
How to find a company that recommends efficient, budget-friendly movers?
By following these steps, you can find a reputable company that will connect you with reliable and trustworthy moving companies:
- Research: Start by doing research online, reading reviews, and asking for recommendations from friends and family. Look for a company that has a proven track record of providing high-quality services.
- Compare services: Once you have a list of potential companies, compare their services and see which ones best match your needs and budget.
- Compare reviews: Through online reviews on various platforms, you can gain a better insight into
- Check credentials: Make sure the company you choose is licensed and insured.
- Get free quotes: Contact the companies you’re interested in and ask for quotes. This will give you a good idea of the cost of the services they offer and help you compare prices.
Also, don’t hesitate to ask the company representative any questions you may have about their services, such as the moving companies they work with, the quality of their services, and their policies regarding cancellation and refunds.
With a good plan, it’s easy to avoid unplanned moving expenses
Avoiding unplanned moving expenses requires careful planning and preparation. By being aware of common unexpected costs and budgeting accordingly, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free moving experience. Taking the time to consider all potential costs ahead of time (packing materials, insurance, transportation expenses, late payment fees, etc.) can help you avoid surprises and stay within budget. With a well-planned approach, you can minimize unplanned expenses and make the moving process as seamless and affordable as possible.