Whether you’re Umzugsskosten across town or across the country, there are lots of little
expenses that can add up. These often include things like movers, truck rental fees,
packing materials, gas and airline tickets. They may not seem like big expenses at
first, but the total can quickly add up and make your move feel more stressful than
necessary.
It’s always a good idea to budget for a move, but especially when hiring
professionals. You should get estimates from several companies before making a
decision to ensure you’re getting the best price. Moving companies charge based on
the size of your home and how much stuff you have. For example, a local move is
under 100 miles and costs $800-$2,500 while a long-distance move can cost
$2,200-$5,700 or more.
The more stuff you have to move, the more it will cost. This is why it’s important to
declutter before your move. Donating or selling items you no longer need can help
offset some of the expense of moving them. You may even be able to use the
donations as a tax deduction for your move.
A lot of people underestimate the cost of moving supplies and the number of boxes
they will need. One way to save money on these is to check out local grocery,
warehouse or recycling stores for unused boxes. You can also ask friends and family
if they have any to spare. Then there’s the cost of tape, markers and labeling that
can add up as well.
If you have the flexibility, try to move on a weekday rather than a weekend. Prices
for truck rentals and full-service movers tend to be higher on weekends. Plus, if you
can move during the off-season (the months between fall and spring) you might be
able to save more.
When it comes to DIY moves, the most significant expense is the cost of a truck. This
can be a huge amount of money and the reason why we recommend getting
estimates from multiple companies to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Another
expense to consider is the cost of gasoline and tolls. For a long distance move, you’ll
also need to factor in airline tickets and hotel stays, or a car rental and driving
expenses if moving by air.
When creating your budget, think about each line item and the trade-off between
price and convenience. For example, if you hire movers to pack for you, it will reduce
your overall cost but will lengthen your to-do list. Only you can decide what’s worth
the extra work.