It doesn’t matter whether you’re relocating to the other side of the Seattle-Tacoma metro or across the country — moving can get expensive in a hurry. But when you understand how to anticipate your move-related costs and even better, how to control them, you can keep your relocation expenses in a reasonable range.
Below, our team at Ed’s Moving & Storage shares what you need to do to create a moving budget that works for your needs.
Research Moving Companies at Least 90 Days Out
Are you planning to hire professional movers and packers to help with your relocation? Then you’ll want to start vetting companies at least three months in advance of your move date. If you’re moving during summer, professional moving companies can book up quickly since the summer months are the most popular time to relocate.
If you don’t start your research early, you might not be able to book your preferred moving company, and you probably won’t get the best rate. As you research professional movers, keep a tally of the following expenses you’ll likely incur no matter which company you choose:
● Base moving fee. Most professional movers charge a base rate for relocations. This flat-rate fee is usually standard for all types of relocations and doesn’t include the weight of the goods you plan to move. If you’re only moving a short distance, you might only need to pay the base rate, but that really depends on the moving company. When you call around for quotes, make sure to ask for this figure.
● Distance fees. If you’re moving outside town, you’ll likely need to pay a distance fee on top of the base moving fee. Usually, the distance fee encompasses a range of mileages, and there are different tiers based on how far you want to go. When you call for quotes, get an estimate of this fee from each company.
● Specialty items fees. If you need to move highly fragile, awkwardly shaped, or other types of specialty items, most moving companies charge an additional fee to load and transport these types of things. Make sure to ask each mover about specialty add-on fees when you call around for quotes.
● Weight fees. Generally, moving companies use the weight of your goods to help determine the overall cost of your move. They’ll need to perform a more in-depth estimate (usually an in-home appointment) to get an accurate figure.
● Additional moving insurance. Every moving company must offer basic liability protection, which will pay out $0.60 per pound per item for damaged or lost goods. If that’s not enough coverage for you (hint: it’s probably not), you’ll want to purchase a higher level of protection. Better coverage is more expensive, but it’s 100% worth it for the additional peace of mind you’ll enjoy.
Figure Out How Much Your Moving Materials Will Cost
If you’re planning to opt for full packing services, your moving company will factor the cost of your moving materials into your overall estimate. But if you’re planning to pack by yourself, you’ll need to estimate the cost of purchasing or renting:
● Standard moving boxes
● Wardrobe boxes
● Protective packing materials
● Packing tape, markers, and other labeling materials
● Furniture and appliance dollies
● Moving blankets
● Floor protection
If you’re going the DIY route, you’ll also need to estimate the cost of renting a moving truck, which includes mileage, fuel, and a base rental fee. You may want to factor in a sum for potential truck damages, too, just in case anything goes wrong and it’s your fault.
Determine If Downsizing Will Decrease Costs
Whether you’re hiring a full-service moving company or planning to DIY your move, chances are you have more stuff than you really need. Could downsizing help reduce your costs? If you know you’ll be paying a fee based on the weight of your goods, then the answer is a definite yes. And even if you’re handling the moving whole process on your own, getting rid of some stuff will help reduce the number of boxes and other moving materials you’ll need to buy.
Set Aside Funds for Unexpected Expenses
When it comes to moving, it’s in your best interest to plan and budget for the unexpected. A well-structured budget takes into account all potential expenses, so some things you’ll definitely want to plan for include:
● Taking time off to complete your move and associated loss of income
● Additional expenses to transport non-allowables like pets and live plants
● Paying for childcare on moving day (if you have kids)
● Paying for pet care on moving day (if you have dogs or cats that might get in the way)
● Hiring a cleaning team to clean your house after you vacate the property
● Renting a storage unit if you end up leaving things behind
Can you think of anything else that might pop up unexpectedly? Factor those things into your budget. Even if you don’t end up shelling out for anything unexpected, having room for random expenses in your budget can seriously decrease move-related financial stress.
Need a Moving Company in Seattle or Tacoma? Ed’s Moving & Storage Is at Your Service
Whether you’re planning a move somewhere in Washington or you’re relocating across the United States, our team at Ed’s Moving & Storage is here for you! Since 1965, we’ve proudly served the moving needs of residents throughout the Seattle-Tacoma area, and when you need movers and packers you can trust, we’re here for you too. From full packing services and custom move plans to storage solutions and more, we offer a wide variety of professional moving services to meet any need.
To get started, give us a call today at 253-581-2446 or request a quick quote online. You can also message us with any questions or concerns, and we’ll get in touch promptly!