Moving is expensive, no matter how carefully you plan for it. Whether relocating for a new job, escaping rising rent prices or downsizing, the costs of exiting one property and settling into a new home can accumulate quickly.
We asked some finance bloggers to share their budgeting advice on relocating, and here are their suggestions.
How do you prepare your finances for an upcoming move?
I recommend that you begin saving and planning for a move as soon as you know it’s coming. Calculate all of your anticipated costs and begin setting aside money each month. Remember that there may be a lag time on getting back your current security deposits, so don’t count on those being immediately available to spend. - Laura Adams of Quick and Dirty Tips
The best way I have found to budget is by little bits. Think of it like filling up a cookie jar, although I do it electronically with a separate savings account. When I was saving for a house I used to put $300 a month into the account automatically, just like a bill right along with the other normal budgeted expenses. Next, any extra income I could generate - I would always have some ideas brewing to create side income or side jobs - I would throw in on top. If I had a slower month where I couldn’t contribute extra, I still felt like I was progressing toward the goal. - Ryan of Spilling Buckets
What are the most surprisingly expensive costs of moving?
I am always surprised at the extra costs you wouldn’t normally consider like deposits on utilities and having to buy things like rugs or curtains. You can really bust up a budget buying all new rugs and bath mats for your new place! - Kim Parr of Eyes on the Dollar
Signing up for new services. There always seems to be a fee to connect or move services. - Ryan of Impersonal Finance
The costs that typically shocked me are the ones related to things at the place I’m moving out of - cleaning fees, other expenses that I didn't think I was going to get charged for, bills that were unpaid during the landlord's downtime. - Jeff of Sustainable Life Blog
There’s always something! An extra night in a hotel, new furniture or home supplies, cleaning products … packing material. Whatever cost you estimate for your move, just add 10 percent so you’re not completely shocked at the end. - Spencer of Military Money Manual
How far in advance should you begin saving for a move?
This depends entirely on budget and income, but I would say budget your costs in advance, and aim to save 20 percent above those costs. However long it will take you to comfortably save that amount, do it. - Ryan of Impersonal Finance
How do you offset the costs of moving when you haven't had much time to save?
One way to save money on your next move is to find your boxes for free. Check with some apartment communities in your area to see if you can collect boxes after someone moves in. This is a win-win for you and someone who needs to get rid of their boxes. - Laura Adams of Quick and Dirty Tips
It is best to identify things you don’t need or won’t need in the future. Moving should be the trigger point to get rid of things you don’t need so that you not only simplify your life but save a good deal of money on the move and storage expenses. - Shilpan Patel of Street Smart Finance
I love selling or giving away as much of my stuff as possible before I move: old furniture, clothes and sports equipment. Basically, if I haven’t touched it in the three years I’ve lived somewhere, I probably don’t need to lug it across the country! If you force yourself to give away or sell many of your things before you move, you’ll avoid the trap of having a storage unit or so many possessions that they begin to possess you! It’s liberating to have less things to worry about, care about and maintain. - Spencer of Military Money Manual
How do you prevent overspending on moving services?
To budget for a relocation it’s important to get multiple mover quotes and make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. For instance, get quotes that offer the same amount of damage insurance and provide the same amount of service and packing material. I found out the hard way how expensive boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap and tape can be. Even if you plan to move yourself, it’s still a good idea get a full service moving quote as a baseline. - Laura Adams of Quick and Dirty Tips
I’ve had my fair share of challenges during moves in the past several years. One of the challenges is to find the right mover at an affordable price. The lesson I learned from some of my mistakes is to do proper planning before hiring a mover and have all the terms and conditions properly documented so if disputes arise, then you have legal protection. Also, you should check references online and with the better business bureau before hiring a moving company. - Shilpan Patel of Street Smart Finance
Should you recruit friends to help?
We’ve always had help from friends and it’s worked great. Our last move was only a few miles, so we didn’t even rent a truck. Our friends all showed up in vans or their own trucks and we had a caravan. If you buy them all pizza afterward and return the favor when it’s their turn, it’s a win-win for everyone. - Kim Parr of Eyes on the Dollar
I have had friends help move in the past, and it has worked out great. To make it easy on your friends, please make sure that ALL of your things are packed before you start moving. - Jeff of Sustainable Life Blog
Do you have any tips for people considering moving?
Moving is hard and expensive. I am all in favor of moving for a better opportunity, but I would really consider the true costs and all the extras before pulling up stakes. - Kim Parr of Eyes on the Dollar
Remember, relocating is more expensive than the fees for boxes, movers and utility cancellations and reactivations. You'll have new bills and want funds to furnish your new home. The standard guideline is that monthly debts should not surpass 36 percent of your monthly income, including rent, car payments and other bills. Calculate home affordability before committing to the expensive process of moving, to ensure it's the best long-term fit.
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