House shifting is tedious, expensive and involves a host of work like decluttering, sorting, packing, choosing a packer and mover, shipping out, and re-settling. While most of us plan the overall time and cost of moving, we usually miss out on other substantial relocation costs, which can potentially add up to a lot.
Top 10 Unexpected Costs of Moving
In our years of experience, we have seen our customers hit a snag on some unforeseen costs that they’ve not budgeted. So, we’ve decided to enumerate a few hidden costs of moving a house across the city, state or country so that you can be well informed and prepared for your move.
1. On-site estimate
Every Professional Packer & Mover ensures that you get a quote after accurately estimating the household goods quantity that needs to be relocated. The top-notch professional service providers take inventory details online and give a free on-site estimate. Cost additions may occur due to unusual circumstances, mileage fees, distance from the door, elevator fees, storage, and difference in prices for moving specialised furniture and fragile items in boxes. The cost add-up will also be there if you need extra help with packing. You should be clear with all these estimates beforehand to avoid any surprises on the hectic moving day.
2. Settling in expenses
Once you start to move, you will require carpenters, plumbers, electricians, etc., to uninstall and reinstall appliances like TV, washing machines to make your move easier. You can also check with the packing and moving company to provide these services. You may also require deep cleaning and pest control services at your new place. Make sure these expenses are accounted for when you plan your budget.
3. Insurance expenses
If you have many antiques or fragile items in your shipment, covering them with additional insurance should be on your priority list. Not every moving company has insurance policies covering the customer’s articles from any damage during the move, which is one of the additional costs. So, it’s wise to keep this premium cost added to your shifting budget so that it comes in handy if something goes wrong in the transit.
Pro Tip - Choose Professional Packers & Movers if you want to be stress-free from any damages or the costs incurred with it. Many professional moving companies offer the damage cover option at a competitive price, making it economical and trouble-free.
4. Disposal expenses
When you move to a new home, you may have old stuff you are not planning to take with you. This may include old usable furniture, clothes, and various other items that may or may not be used. Try to donate the usable ones to the needy. Ensure that you dispose of the other stuff properly without causing any environmental hazards. You should dispose of damaged electronics appliances, computer peripherals, batteries, etc., with proper recyclers to avoid risks.
5. Purchasing a road/moving permit
Depending on where your destination is, the cost of moving may vary. If you are moving inter-city, be ready to pay the road permit and entry taxes applicable in that city. So assign some cost for these too in your budget.
6. Rigging/ hoisting charges
The rigging cost involves moving your bulky furniture and household appliances that may require rigging equipment like ropes and pulleys for lifting through narrow staircases or hallways. All these accrue additional hoisting costs, and you must ration it for in your budget.
7. Cost of cheaper moves
The cost of your move will depend on various factors spanning from a distance, size of the load, availability of lift, packing required, etc. Several unprofessional moving companies reveal these costs halfway through the process when you will have no other choice but to pay them and end up paying more than what you would have if you hired a professional packer. Also, using substandard packing materials and inadequate packing to lower costs will raise the risk of damage.
8. Storage
Your relocation might take longer than expected if your new house doesn’t get handed over to you in time for some reason and you have to vacate your current accommodation. Here, the storage facilities are essential to keep your goods safe in the warehouses. The cost of a storage unit further stretches your budget depending on the location of the repository and facilities you’re making use of.
9. Utilities
Some utility companies insist on deposits or connection fees for their services. So before you decide to move out, make sure you clear any accruing bills and expenses or clear them in advance for any last-minute hassle. It’s essential to keep some budget for electric, cable, water, and other utilities aside.
10. Unexpected additional time
Even though time is not the only factor affecting your move, it is still a critical factor. Allow yourself sufficient time to prepare for the relocation. Otherwise, you risk the unexpected additional time, which will amount to extra cost and add to your relocation budget. Not hiring a professional packer may drag your move unnecessarily, ending in additional cost. Fix your move date and finalise on the mover well in advance to avoid higher charges for a rush job.
