So, you're moving house, and now it's time to work out the costs. Unfortunately for you, if you get this wrong, you're in for an unpleasant experience. One of the biggest generators of stress when moving is not correctly budgeting for moving costs.
Whether you like it or not, moving is expensive. The costs stack up. But if you plan ahead and stick to your plan, you'll find your move less stressful and more affordable.
Cleaning Expenses
This comes first. Whether you hire a professional cleaner to do it for you or not is your choice. Doing it yourself is a great way to save money, but can also cost you time you may not have.
Packing
Don't discount the cost of packing when moving. Unless you're going to hire a furniture mover to do it for you, both the time and costs can be significant. You'll need boxes, bubble wrap, tape and scissors. One way of lowering your costs is to ask supermarkets and liquor stores for their empty boxes.
Moving Your Goods Yourself
If you choose this option, you could face a ton of costs and stress that quickly eat away any savings you (might) make by not hiring a mover. At the very least, you'll need to hire a moving van, pay for petrol or diesel, and of course you'll need friends to help which will cost you a few boxes of beers and some pizza.
Hiring Furniture Movers
If you need to hire furniture movers, this will probably be one of your biggest moving costs. But don't make the mistake of hiring the cheapest mover you come across. They offer lower insurance protection, generally rude customer service and could turn your move into a nightmare. Instead, spend a little bit extra to hire quality, professional removalists Melbourne. It will make the experience a lot more hassle free and could save you thousands.
Removal Insurance
When obtaining quotes from moving companies you should always ask whether or not they provide transit (removal) insurance. This covers your goods in case they're damaged in transit. Obviously this happens all the time and the costs of the premium could very easily pay for itself.
Changes To Your Insurance Premiums
Always check with your insurance company to see what changes to expect in your home and contents premiums.
Moving Large Or Expensive Items
If you need a piano or expensive painting moved, standard furniture movers generally do not offer this service. You may need a specialist mover who will not come cheap.
Travel And Transport Costs
If you're moving long distance, you'll need to set aside money for petrol, motels, food, flights and so forth. These costs can stack up quickly so remember to plan as far ahead in advance as possible.
Deposits And Connection Or Reconnection Fees
Generally speaking, unless you take over existing connections, even if you're moving locally your phone and power company will require a connection or reconnection fee. If you're a first time customer you'll also need a deposit. If you're strapped for cash, just get the most essentials connected first and wait until you have more cash for the more non-essentials like SKY TV.
Security
Depending on where you're moving to, you'll need to take into account the cost of installing an alarm and changing the locks. If you've just bought a house this is especially important. There may be people out there you don't even know with keys to your house.
Adler Conway is a journalist and former social worker who is specializing in teen behavioral health. He believes that, in our digital age, it's time for parents and educators to make sure parents and students alike are educated about technology and social media use.