Moving houses. This is an issue that can cost you a lot more than you would have ever expected if not done carefully and sometimes even if done carefully. This article will be focused on all the expenses connected with moving houses, so that you will know better what to expect, whether you are moving using your own resources, or hiring a professional company. So what’s the catch you might ask? In short, there are basically two problems: when moving on your own, people usually underestimate the price of additional tools, packaging material, transportation or even the real value of the time they spend moving. Also if you decided to move using professionals, there might be a problem because you chose the wrong company, or they calculated the wrong price, or undervalued any additional necessary expenses not included in the company’s bill. Basically, you have three main possibilities how to realize your relocation, as described in the first article of our series. What you have to think about is how much work you want or able to do yourself: all the packing, loading, transporting and unloading can either be done by the company, or by yourself. Or in case you want to have more control over the whole process, you may choose a company offering a hybrid service. Some companies might offer only the transportation; while other companies might offer loading, unloading and transportation of ready-packed possessions.
What are all the related costs? As the start of your relocation plans, we always suggest that you sit down and think about the budget. If you do this, you are on a good way to a well-planned relocation without any unpleasant surprises. Basically, the relocation expenses can be divided into four main categories: the transportation of your possessions, the packing of your possessions, the transportation of you and your family and the cost of starting up in your new home. The actual relocation. Firstly, the main price of moving your things has to be calculated. You’ve probably already decided whether you will move on your own or will hire a company. If you decided to use some professional help (more tips on how to determine which company is the right one for you will follow in one of the future articles), make sure you get a written price offer from them. The quote may present either a binding or a nonbinding price, meaning whether it is the final price, or some extra charges may occur later. This should be obvious from the price estimate in any case. Include the price of tips – it’s commonly around $25 per worker.
The labor and its price. Secondly, estimate the price of the manpower for packing and loading. It may be hired professionals or friends and family (in this case, at least pay them by buying a dinner!). In case you have to take some time off work for the moving, estimate the value of this too. You should also calculate with the price of any packaging material (boxes, bubble wrap, tapes etc.) and/or tools (i.e. dollies) you will use.
How much is the transportation?. Thirdly, you have to estimate the costs of the transport for you and your family - either flights, train or bus ride, or the price of petrol, if you are planning to travel by car. Don’t forget to add the price of potential lodging, food and any entertainment you might be planning while travelling.
After you have moved: a new start Finally, moving from one place to another creates a bunch of trouble and extra expenses most people don’t even think of when cluttered up with all the boxes. For example, you might have to pay a start-up fee for setting up utilities such as a cable or telephone. Another issue is groceries - you will have to do a lot of shopping to replace all the groceries you have probably emptied from the fridge and freezer before the relocation. Also think about the costs of any items you have left behind and you need to replace them now, such as various household items. Or you may wish to redecorate your new place first. Whatever the case is, think hard and jot down the price of anything that you’ll need to buy after you’ve moved, so that you’re prepared for it.
As a realtor in Vancouver, I have always tried to help my clients even with this issue, therefore I would like to share with you some useful tips & tricks: 1) Always compare the price of moving an item and replacing it at your new place. You may be surprised by the outcome. 2) If moving because of a new job, check with your new employer the chance of a relocation package. 3) Just to make sure, save all the receipts related to the moving, as it is possible to get a tax deduction in some cases.