If you’re preparing for a long-distance relocation, you’ll have to figure out your moving budget in advance. Doing so might turn out to be much harder than it seems at first glance. After all, there are so many costs and fees you should consider that it’s way too easy to lose track and spend more money than you actually need. That is why we have put together this handy guide on how to make a moving budget.
There are many factors to consider when preparing a budget for moving out. The final expense will mostly depend on whether you’re relocating long-distance or locally. They also depend on the size of your home, and whether you’re doing it by yourself or with the help of professional cross-country movers.
If you’re hiring professional movers, know that the average price for a long-distance relocation can be up to a couple of thousand dollars per load, depending on the services you book. Remember that these are just average prices.
Whatever your reasons for moving are, know that every relocation is unique, and the final price can be lower or much higher than the average. Keep reading and see what you should include in your budget plan.
Before we delve deeper into the costs and expenses you should cover, let’s emphasize the importance of setting a strict and reasonable moving-out budget you can stick to. Running out of money in the middle of the move is something you don’t want to go through. In such a case, not only will you have to borrow money to finalize your relocation, but it will also set you back financially for the first few months in your new place. If you don’t know how to cope with moving stress, all this could lead to relocation depression.
What is the 50-20-30 budget rule? If you don’t know where to start when budgeting for your long-distance relocation, you can use this rule. You need to divide your after-tax income into three categories: needs, wants, and savings. Allocate 50% on needs, 30% on wants, and the rest 20% on savings. This way you will have enough funds for different aspects of this process.
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Cross Country Moving Company is the most trusted name in the relocation industry in the country.
The first two steps to creating a budget for relocation are making a household inventory list and forming a financial plan template. Start at least 8 weeks ahead of the big date. However, before you start anything, one of the best long-distance relocation tips is to determine which items you’ll be relocating to your new location. Long-distance moving companies charge by weight, so move only the things you’ll use. The next step is to use software programs to make a budgeting template. The most convenient ones are Microsoft Word and Excel.
One of the most important and most tiring tasks in the relocation process is packing. How much this is going to cost you depends on several factors. If you get professional packing services and let experts who know all packing tips and tricks do it, the cost will be calculated into the final bill. Thus, you won’t have to do calculations by yourself. Depending on the mover you choose, they might also provide you with the best boxes and packing supplies.
On the other hand, if you decide to do it yourself, a chunk of your relocation fees will go towards buying different types of packing materials. Finding the best-sized boxes for moving might take some time, and you’ll have to learn how to use bubble wrap and also packing paper for moving. Also, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll end up spending less nor does it mean you’ll be able to pack knives on your own with ease.
If you pack things and do all the work on your own, you won’t have insurance for the shipment. The costs of damaged or broken items could easily add up, especially if you’re not too experienced. It couldn’t hurt to invest in insurance. Don’t be shy to ask friends for help if you are moving to another state alone. With their help, you’ll relieve anxiety about moving out, and everything will be done in no time.
Transportation is a crucial aspect of your budgeting plan and moving-out list. The total amount of money you’ll spend on it will depend on several factors, the most obvious one being the distance between your old and new location. Whether you are moving to the suburbs or the city center, you should include the rental truck expenses, insurance for the rental truck, and gas.
We would advise getting a professional long-distance moving company because the cost of rental truck transport, workforce, and insurance will be included in the final fee. Also, take into consideration the distance you will travel. The pricing won’t be the same if you are moving out of San Francisco to a nearby place or if the search for the answer to where to move from Los Angeles has led you to the East Coast.
Synchronizing everything in a relocation process can be quite challenging, especially when it comes to move-out and move-in dates. Your future place might just not be move-in ready once the truck has reached the destination. That is why you should contact Cross Country Movers Company and our clean and climate-controlled storage unit.
Also, if you are moving to a smaller home, having the space to store some stuff that doesn’t fit can be very convenient. Furthermore, if you are moving in with a boyfriend or girlfriend, you are bound to have extra stuff. Place it in a unit and avoid cluttering your new place.
You were given great recommendations for moving companies and have decided to hire one. This is great news because calculating your relocation fees will be easier. You’ll be given a quote for their moving services long before the relocation date. This means that most of the math will be done by someone who is experienced. Take a look at all the factors that determine the overall fee of hiring professional long-distance movers:
How to move on a budget is a question that concerns most people. Yet, you don’t have to get anxious, because there are moving hacks and tips that will decrease relocation expenses. There’s more than one cheapest way to move out of state.
The most common relocation mistake is last-minute moving. Apart from causing anxiety, it can lead to higher expenses. In other words, the earlier you schedule your chosen mover, the less you’ll have to pay for their services. Also, you’ll have more time to save up. Ideally, start a whole year ahead with planning everything.
Some cross-country moving companies provide free storage to their customers during relocation. Reduce costs when moving by contacting such a company and using their completely secure and climate-controlled storage units. Of course, if you need to store your belongings for longer, you can always do so for an additional fee. The costs will differ depending on your chosen mover, but having complimentary storage for a month can be convenient when relocating your entire life.
Relocation is a perfect opportunity to declutter your place and donate unwanted items. Your move will be much cheaper if you decide to relocate only the necessary things. Wondering where to donate furniture before you move? The search should be easy because there are many organizations and charities that will accept your furniture or any other unused item. Just remember to save those receipts because donating to a charity will lead to tax deductions.
Are you wondering what the best time of year to move is? The most cost-effective? The cheapest time of the year to move is during the winter months. Try avoiding moving during the holidays, weekends, and summer. It’s the peak relocation season because of the school break and vacations. That’s the busiest period for relocation companies, and that’s why their rates get more expensive.
You can save up on packing materials for moving significantly. Free cardboard boxes can be found in your local liquor store, supermarkets, office depots, bookstores, local Facebook groups, Craigslist, and Freecycle. Remember that you can save some cash by packing certain belongings yourself while leaving packaging fragile items to your chosen mover.
And that’s all there is to know about the budget plan for moving out. Hopefully, this detailed guideline will come in handy when you begin planning your long-distance move and start budgeting. Remember to always count on some extra costs and fees. It’s always better to be prepared in advance than being unpleasantly surprised on the relocation day.
However, with professional assistance, this process will be a breeze. All you have to do is find a reliable partner, like Cross Country Moving Company, and hire them for the job. Simply contact us and book our long-distance moving services on time. We will handle the rest.
