If you're getting ready to move, one of the first things to tackle is your moving budget. Even though you may feel like you are being pulled in a million different directions with all the tasks you have to do before your move, your budget is a top priority. Creating a sound and realistic financial plan can help you anticipate and cover all moving costs with no unpleasant surprises. At Affordable Quality Moving and Storage, we know you've got a lot to deal with. That's why our Southern California movers have compiled a few helpful tips to financially plan for your move.
Create a Moving Budget
Budgeting your finances will help your wallet stay happy! The concept is simple. You'll need to sit down and make a list of everything you anticipate needing for your move. Boxes, packing materials, and furniture moving blankets are the most common expenses. Consider how your family will be eating during the moving process, too—most people pack their kitchen last, but they still don't like making a mess of the kitchen the week before the move. Based on those numbers, you can set aside a certain amount for rent and utilities and keep track to ensure you don’t run out of funds.
It is also helpful to observe your spending habits for a month. If you see yourself spending over $50 on coffee each month or $200 on clothes, maybe you can limit yourself in certain areas to save on items for your home or other important expenses. By doing so, you will be able to monitor your expenses and know exactly where your money is going.
Budgeting Tools
There are many great apps that can help you keep track of your spending habits. Budgeting apps, like Mint, automatically import and categorize your expenses. If apps are not for you, creating an Excel spreadsheet or writing it down in a notebook will also do the trick, but you will need to keep yourself accountable for your budget upkeep.
Common Moving Expenses You Should Consider
One of the biggest mistakes people make is failing to add common expenses to their moving budget. We have compiled a list of some of the most common moving expenses to consider and add to your list.
- Moving Company Expenses: This fee should include moving company and labor expenses. You should add more to your budget in case you have extra charges for moving items like a piano or appliances. If you don’t want to deal with packing, Affordable Quality Moving & Storage can help you pack and unpack.
- DIY Moving Expenses: If you plan on moving on your own, there are a few changes you should include in your budget. Some of these expenses include truck rentals, mileage and gas, and extra rental equipment. You will most likely need moving materials such as a dolly and furniture covers for the moving day. If you have children or pets, you should include any additional services to care for your family during the moving process.
- Packing & Storage Fees: Although it may be difficult to determine how many packing supplies you will need for your move, it is important to estimate how much you will spend on your budget. In your budget, you should consider the costs for boxes, wrapping materials, storage fees, and moving insurance.
- Transportation: If you are moving to your new home in your car, you will need to add the costs of fuel, calculate an average price per meal per person, and any temporary housing you will need during the road trip.
- Cleaning Costs: Whether you choose to hire a professional cleaning service or decide to purchase cleaning supplies and handle it yourself, you’ll need to consider the cost of cleaning and preparing your home for its new owners or tenants. You may also want to clean your new home before you move in.
- Child Care or Pet Care: If you have kids and/or pets, you can make things much easier by arranging alternate care for them on moving day. If you don’t have friends or family who can take care of them for free, you’ll need to add the cost of childcare or pet care to your moving budget.
- Missed Work: Most people need to take a day or two off work while moving. If you don’t have paid time off available, you may need to consider the loss of income while you’re moving and unable to work.
- Getting Settled: Getting settled in your new home can also cost money, whether it’s from setting up utilities (some utility companies require a fee or deposit to set up service) or buying new furniture and decorations, you should think about any of the expenses that come with settling in.
Every moving budget is different, and we all have varying priorities and costs to consider. Setting aside some time to financially plan for your move can save you a great deal of stress in the long run.
If you need moving assistance, the team at Affordable Quality Moving and Storage is ready to help you. We offer a variety of moving services including packing, unpacking, and transportation. Contact us today for a free in-home estimate at (661) 622-2636!
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