Moving is an expensive process. Determining your moving budget will help you control your costs and make it easier to deal with any hidden fees. Some expenses like moving boxes are necessary, but it’s easy to forget incidentals that can overwhelm a budget. It’s much easier to manage a budget by creating an outline with software that can automatically perform necessary calculations.
First and foremost, start planning your move well in advance. Decide up-front what your budget will be and make every effort to stick to that budget. If you are traveling by airplane, book your flight and hotel accommodations as soon as possible to get the best fares. If you plan to travel by car, be sure to plan your route wisely and don’t forget about the cost of fuel, tolls, meals, and hotels on the road. Some moving expenses that people often forget include home repairs, rental expenses, pet deposits, storage fees, and tips for moving crews. Create a “moving file” and keep records of all your expenses and receipts. Many moving expenses are tax deductible, so keep good records and check with your accountant to see what can and cannot be deducted.
The first big decision you will need to make when moving on a budget is to decide whether you will hire a Los Angeles moving company, rent a moving truck, or hire a self-service moving company. If you don’t want to drive a rental truck, self- service moving companies or containerized moving companies offer a cost-effective alternative to higher-priced movers. Regardless of how you plan to move, be sure to request multiple quotes and schedule on-site estimates whenever possible as they are the most accurate. Be suspicious of low-ball estimates and be sure to ask for references from the movers.
A budget can help you determine what’s the most convenient and economical way to get your belongings from the old house to your new home. The bottom line can help you decide between doing it yourself or hiring a professional moving company. If you’re moving yourself, shop for a rental truck and rental quotes. You can calculate the overall mileage and gas needed for your move. Unloading and loading might require the rental of extra moving equipment, like dollies. It’s also essential to check with your insurance provider to see if you’re covered during the move, because your budget may require additional insurance. Don’t forget to take care of anyone who’s helping you by offering refreshments. These are additional costs you’ll want to include.
If you’re hiring a California moving company, get estimates from several companies. With the initial moving fee, extra services, like moving heavy duty appliances or professional packing, may arise. If the insurance provided by the moving company isn’t satisfactory, additional coverage will be another cost to include in the budget. Finally, give your budget some breathing room for claims or damage costs. If your move covers a vast distance, transportation will be a very important area of your budget. If you’ve hired professional movers, find out the easiest way for you to get to your new place. If your vehicles are being moved professionally, but you’re making a separate drive, you’ll need to get moving quotes for rental cars. In addition to mileage and gas, include hotel rates, meals, and any special needs like pet care or medical restrictions.
