Are you planning to move to a new home? Moving can be an exciting experience, but it can also be expensive. To make sure you don't get caught off guard by unexpected costs, it's important to create a moving expense checklist. Here are some of the costs you should consider when budgeting for your move.
Rental Truck or Moving Company
- Depending on the size of your move, you may need to rent a truck or hire a moving company. If you're moving a long distance, it may be more cost-effective to hire a professional moving company.Be sure to get quotes from several companies and compare prices.
Packing Supplies
- You'll need boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and other packing supplies to safely transport your belongings. You can often find free boxes at grocery stores and other retailers, but you'll still need to purchase packing tape and other supplies.Utilities
- You'll need to transfer or set up new utility services at your new home. This may include electricity, water, gas, internet, cable, and phone services. Be sure to contact your current providers to cancel services at your old home.Cleaning Services - You may need to hire a professional cleaning service for your old home before you move out.This is especially important if you're renting and want to get your security deposit back. You may also want to hire a cleaning service for your new home before you move in.Lawn Care - If you're moving into a home with a yard, make sure you factor in lawn care costs. You may need to spray the lawn for weeds and fungi, as well as apply fertilizer or worm treatments. In homeowner's association (HOA) communities, the cost of lawn care may or may not be included in the HOA fees, so be sure to check before budgeting for it.