Common overlooked costs of moving

[bjl584]

Think of moving to a new home?
Here are a few commonly overlooked costs of doing so

Moving Truck Costs:
Renting a moving truck is a budget friendly way to move, but beware the fine print.
Costs can add up quick if you go over the mileage or time allowed

Packing Materials:
Moving will most likely require boxes, tape, etc.
This could run into the hundreds of dollars

Insurance
If you hire a moving company to handle the heavy lifting, they will often insure your move, but again, check the fine print.
There may be a cap that requires you to buy up if you want full coverage.

Storage Unit Fees
You may need to use a storage unit for a period of time, especially if you are downsizing or if renovations at your new home are required.
Shop around and try to find a facility that will store month to month without contract

Renovations and Household items
Your new home may not be turnkey. It may need carpet, paint, etc.
Now is also the time that many people opt for new furniture and appliances.
If this is your desire, be sure to budget this into your moving costs.

[ua_guy]

Don't forget the startup costs on the other end. Things like new account or service installation fees for utilities, cable/internet. Any deposits or setup fees utility companies might require. Or service / transfer fees and fuel costs for things like leased propane tanks on the property..

One in our local area which stuns is if you move from an area with low vehicle registration fees to an area which has high vehicle registration fees. When you change your address with the DMV (required) you might find your car registration goes from ~$80/year up to several thousand dollars per year depending on the car's value, as determined by the DMV...

[msomnipotent]

I was socked with several unexpected costs after our last move. The owner of the moving company tried to add expenses not included in the contract, like his employees decided to take an extra long lunch break and set us back 2 hours. There were also missing or damaged items that needed to be replaced or fixed. And long story short, I had to pay a lawyer $200 to send the owner a sternly worded letter.

That was the only time I hired movers in all the times I have moved. I think I will donate anything I can't move myself if I move again.