Moving out is an exhausting process and it can be overwhelming to organize the logistics that go into a move. Whether you live in a one-bedroom apartment or a house with multiple rooms, there are many aspects of your move that will need careful planning.
You may be wondering what you need to know when estimating moving costs. If you are still unsure about how much you should be budgeting for your next relocation project, look no further. Here are the main factors to take note of when calculating the cost of your move.
To Hire a Moving Company or Not
The most crucial part of a move is how you plan to transport your household items. Your priority when calculating the overall cost is to decide whether you will be doing it independently or hire professional movers. Moving alone will cut costs, but it can take a toll on you, both physically and mentally. If you have time before your move and realize that you might need help with your belongings, start saving up and consider looking for a reliable moving company to help you relocate.
Moving companies have their advantages. You will be fully taken care of, from packing to transporting, and even storing, if necessary. A quote will be sent to you by the company to give you a clear idea of the cost of their services. Make sure you do your research by checking the company’s website for their hourly rates to give you an approximation of how much you will need to budget.
Distance
Many local moving companies charge by the hour, so the farther your new address is, the more costly it will become to move your belongings from point A to point B. Look at your moving company’s rates and do a simple Google map search to check the distance and time it will take from your current address to your new address.
Inventory
Do you see yourself as a minimalist or a collector? The number of things in your house can play a determining factor in the cost of your move too. Most moving companies will use a formula that takes the weight of your belongings into account to calculate the cost. More items require more packing materials, longer hours, a larger truck, more fuel, and possibly more movers. Therefore, the more items you plan to move, the higher the cost will be.
Start a moving inventory to get a rough estimate of your moving expenses. Making a detailed list can give you a representation of the number of items you will be moving, how to estimate their weight, and the amount and kind of supplies that are necessary to transport them. Pro tip: start this inventory as far in advance as you can and use it as a packing list once moving day comes.
Additional Costs
While planning a move, it is always important to factor in anything that can affect how much you will be charged during the whole process.
To get an idea of any additional costs you may encounter, make a list of items in your house that require special instructions. Some examples of items that will need to be handled differently are large flat-screen TVs, pianos, billiard tables, antiques, works of art, and delicate porcelainware. List down any items that you want special attention to given to and find out how much will be required for special packing materials and the services you will need to acquire.
Consider how the pick-up and delivery locations can affect your move as well. It will be more costly if there are obstacles that make it difficult to move some of your larger or uniquely shaped items. You may need to hire extra services to disassemble furniture or hoist bigger pieces up to another floor of a building or home, for example.
The time of your move can also shift the total cost of your move up or down. Many people choose to move in the summer months because children are out of school, the weather is more pleasant, and people have more free time. These months, however, are known as peak season, which moving companies try to capitalize on. Holidays and weekends are treated the same, so take that into account when deciding on the optimal time to move.
By considering these factors, you can get a ballpark figure of how much you might need to set aside before starting a major project like your move. When in doubt, there are cost calculators available online to give you reliable estimates based on multiple factors and help you budget effectively. The best advice is to always plan in advance, so get cracking.