The Hidden Costs of a Move
By Alice Knotting, Finance Consultant, Truck rental.com Staff
Moving may seem pretty straightforward, but you should realize before you move that it is not. There are many costs that can crop up along the way, and you should always be prepared to adjust your budget to meet them. In order to help you prepare, this guild will outline some of the most common costs that are associated, but not stated as part of a move.
Special Charges
Before you sign any contract, you should always read the fine print. While all moving companies are regulated as to how much they can charge, they are not regulated as to additional charges that they can impose. You should always be up front with your mover in regards to your building layout and how much stuff you have. You should also be prepared to weather any special charges that can come from special circumstances such as the following.
Stairs – Most moving companies charge something extra for moving something up or down stairs. Be sure to mention any stairs that may be encountered to the moving representative when you are requesting a quote.
Long Walks – Some moving companies will impose extra charges if the workers have to walk more than a specified number of feet from the house to the truck.
Packing Supplies – If you are using a professional packing service, you can expect to be charged for any supplies that they use.
Area Charges – Some companies will charge extra for work in cities where the general pay rates are higher. This is used to compensate the workers who are moving your goods.
The Cost of Damage
Any damage will end up costing you money whether you replace the item or simply get rid of it. The fact is, you purchase the item to begin with. If it arrives damaged, then money has been lost. You should always be aware of the moving company’s insurance coverage as well as your own. Make sure that you have enough coverage to insure the total loss of your goods.
Rental Trucks
There are many hidden costs to renting a truck that you should be aware of. Most truck rental companies require that you pay for fuel and any charges that come from repairs that may become needed on the road. While you may get reimbursed for some of this cost, you will still be responsible for it up front, so be prepared at all times. Remember to get extra insurance as well to cover any accidents that you may have while driving the rental truck.
Living Expenses
Many people simply do not see this as part of their move. They may realize that they will need to eat or get a place to stay the night, but it is often overlooked when a moving budget is concerned. You should always factor in hotel money as well as food, gas, and any tolls that you might encounter. If this is budgeted in, you will not be under a huge strain at a later date. Emergencies It is vital to budget is emergency money for your move. This should be in the form of cash and it should be kept with you at all times. In the event that something goes wrong, or you simply end up in a place that will not take your credit card, you are prepared.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is quite simple; moving expenses are not ever up front and straightforward. There are many different things that you need to remember and budget for when you are moving. It will not matter how you intend on moving, there are special costs that are associated with each one. Keep in mind that the best way to be prepared is to be prepared for anything that may happen.
