The Hidden Costs of Moving

We all know that moving can be an expensive undertaking, and the further you move, the more likely it is to cost. Between renting a truck or hiring movers, the cost can range from “not cheap” to “expensive” in a heartbeat, not to mention the time and mental energy that goes into a move. Besides the more obvious expenses of moving to a new home, there are a number of secondary costs that you should consider as well, otherwise known as the hidden costs of moving. Here are the most common moving costs that may have escaped your attention.

Hidden Costs of Moving - Moving Surcharges

If you choose to hire a moving company to help you move, they’ll give you an estimate of what you can expect to pay. They try to be as accurate as possible with these quotes so that you don’t get any unexpected surprises, but there are sometimes additional fees, known as surcharges, that can apply to the total. Generally, these additional charges are for additional services that weren’t expected at the time you got the moving quote. Any white glove services, such as moving fine art or delicate antiques fall into this category, as does the need for any additional equipment that’s required to move particularly heavy or bulky items. If you’re unable to move into your home when expected and the movers have to store your belongings for a night or two, that typically comes with a surcharge as well.

Hidden Costs of Moving - Fuel Costs

The cost of gas is hopefully something you’ve planned for if you’re moving, but make sure you’re accurate with your estimate. If you’re moving locally and plan to take over a few items in your own car before the moving truck arrives, remember that you will very likely be making several trips. If you’re renting a moving truck, you’ll need to refill the tank to where it was when you picked up the truck, as well as account for any gas required for additional miles if you’re moving long distance.

Three Movers is a licensed and certified moving company with years of experience and all the expertise that comes with it. We consistently provide some of the most affordable moving services you’ll find anywhere, without sacrificing the quality of our service. To learn more about our many affordable moving solutions, or if you’d like a FREE price quote, call us today at 1-888-202-0036! All cost estimates are always 100% FREE of charge, no matter the size or distance of your move!

Hidden Costs of Moving - Packing Supplies

Packing supplies aren’t terribly expensive, but they are a cost you should keep in mind. It’s not uncommon for people to underestimate the amount of boxes, tape, and packing materials needed when moving. It’s often not until you start getting boxes packed up that you realize you’ll need a lot more supplies than you anticipated so be sure to be liberal in your estimate of how many boxes and supplies are needed.

Hidden Costs of Moving - Damaged Furniture

Furniture and other belongings can be damaged when moving—it’s just a fact. When you’re lifting and hauling heavy items on and off a truck, or up and down stairs, any little slip or problem with the grip can cause damage. Even items that aren’t heavy like lamps and mirrors can easily break since they’re so fragile. Ideally, you won’t have to budget for broken or damaged items, but it’s a consideration to keep in mind. If you’re working with professional movers, odds are you won’t have that problem, but it does sometimes happen even with the pros, which brings us to the next potential hidden costs of moving.

Hidden Costs of Moving - Moving Insurance

Insurance is included as part of any moving job that you hire a professional to do, in fact, it’s required by law. The company itself must be properly insured and they also have to provide what’s called valuation in the event that something is damaged. Valuation does reimburse you for anything that’s damaged at the fault of the moving company, but it’s at a specified and pretty low rate, usually less than a dollar per pound. Basic valuation coverage doesn’t cost anything beyond the price of your move, but you can get a higher level of valuation if you’re worried about damages or you’re moving something that’s expensive, rare, or one-of-a-kind.

Hidden Costs of Moving - Security Deposit

If you’re renting, you’ll have to pay a security deposit to move into your new place, and you should also receive your deposit back from your current home. Keep in mind that the amount you have to pay for a security deposit can vary so don’t automatically assume it’s the same as one month’s rent. Likewise, if you’re anticipating that you’ll receive your entire security deposit back, remember that landlords can reduce the amount given back based on any number of minor damages, or even normal wear and tear.

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