Creating a Budget for your Move
There’s no way to avoid the fact that moving is expensive. But forewarned is forearmed, so here are some of the things you should factor in when figuring out just what all of this is going to cost you.
Pre-Move
Packing Materials
You can get many packing materials for free or cheap when you go second hand, (check
out ourCutting Costs without Cutting Corners post for more tips on how to
do this) but for valuable or breakable objects, anything very bulky or heavy, or
simply huge, you’ll want to shell out for the best to avoid damage.
Utilities Termination
The fees for this will vary from province to province, so call your providers to
find out the costs. Once in a while this will work in your favour and you’ll get
some money back, so it’s well worth a phone call!
Mailing address and phone number changes.
Contact your local post office to find out the fees for a change of address, forwarding
services and mail holding during your move. Your phone company may also have fees.
Professional Cleaning / Repainting
Oftentimes in a lease or rental agreement there is a clause outlining that the apartment
must be fully cleaned and repainted back to white when you leave. Check your lease
or rental agreement to find out what your obligations are.
Repairs / Renovation / Landscaping
If you’re selling your home, you may want to set aside a generous portion of your
budget to make cosmetic and structural improvements to your home and yard that will
drastically increase the price you will get for it.
During your Move
Baby/pet sitting
If you can’t get a friend or relative to keep an eye on the tots, factor in hiring
a babysitter for the day so that things go smoothly.
Gas / Travel Tickets
If you’re driving to your new home, or taking the train, bus or a plane, you’ll
want to know how much it’s going to cost you.
Accommodations
For moves that span a few days, you may wind up in a motel for a few nights. To
be on the safe side, book for one more day than you think you’ll need – if you end
up not using it, hotels are generally willing to forgo extra charges.
Food
The kitchen may be the very first thing you unpack, but there are going to be at
least 3 meals that you’re not going to be able to eat in your house, so plan to
have those meals in a restaurant nearby.
Post - Move
Utilities connection
You remember those utilities cancellation fees you just paid? Get ready to pay some
more, because most companies will charge set up and connection fees as well.
Rent/Mortgage
This is an expensive time for you, so make sure you’ve got enough ready cash to
cover your first few months of expenses.
Deposits and Fees
If you’re moving to a new rental home, assume that there will be a damage deposit
or fee, as well as charges for parking and pets.
Paying your Movers
Generally, movers take payment immediately at the end of the move. Contact your
moving company to find out how they prefer to arrange payments.
Tipping your Movers
This is purely discretionary, but it’s a nice idea to budget 3-5 dollars per hour
per mover as a gratuity. They work hard!
When you’ve allocated the money for all of these items (or the ones that will apply
to you, anyway) make sure to tuck away a little extra (a few hundred is best) for
unplanned expenses like flat tires, lost or damaged items.
Happy Moving!