This is a collaborative post.
If you’re planning a move, whether it be a stone’s throw away, or long distance, the first thing you need to do is prepare financially. Estimating the total costs will give you a clear idea of how to budget and plan in order to avoid unnecessary spending. You’ve probably considered whether to do it yourself or risk it with a moving company, and obviously there are pros and cons to both, but if you are thinking about financial implications only, you’d better consider how important it is to keep your mental health intact throughout the whole gruelling experience. The tips below may help you to make a more informed decision.
The average costs of moving
According to research the average cost of moving locally is in the range of $2000 – $2500, and moving long distance can reach up to over $4,500. Essentially, it’s expensive. The important things to consider are, firstly, will you even have the time to pack up your entire life? Chances are you lead a busy life, and finding time to pack, especially fragile items, knowing which size moving truck and how many containers you’ll need, are all things you won’t want to be dealing with when the time comes. Never mind the heavy lifting (literally) and driving to your new destination with a couple thousand pounds of precious cargo in your care.
Overall, if all of that sounds like an absolute nightmare (let’s be frank, it probably does) spending that extra cash on a professional cross country moving company to sort it all out for you pays for itself.
The next steps
Pricing will vary greatly depending on the distance between the origin and destination, volume of belongings, moving dates – for instance, if you move on weekends versus the week, etc. – and any additional services you might need, like packing and unpacking of your items. If you’re looking for the deluxe treatment, use a moving cost calculator to get a rough idea of price on a professional moving company. Many will offer a package which includes all the nitty-gritty work, the stuff you really don’t want to do, and of course, though that may be the costlier choice, it certainly is the most stress-free one.
Once you’ve chosen what kind of company you’re going for, compare some online moving quotes to make sure you’re getting the best deal, and make sure to read plenty of reviews so you know the company is trust-worthy and reliable. There’s so much that goes into moving already, dealing with a useless mover is the last thing you need. Be forthright about your expectations and don’t be shy to ask questions so you really understand everything.
In most cases, you’ll be given an estimate with all service details, including any additional charges for services you may not have thought of. If you’ve never done this before, you may find yourself dealing with two types of estimates: binding and non-binding. Make sure you’re comfortable before you select one, and don’t feel pressured to choose or sign documents before you’re ready.
Final tips
Another important consideration is an accurate weight of your belongings. If you don’t get this right, you may be in for a nasty surprise on the day when things stack up and you have to pay additional fees. Preparation is key, always. More than anything, do your research and due diligence, and trust your gut. If you’re unsure about a company, move on.
