People decide to move from one home or apartment to another for many reasons: buying instead of renting, marriage or divorce, new job assignment, downsizing, etc. Whatever the reason, moving can be stressful and usually ends up being more expensive than you expected. If you're considering a move, make sure to avoid some common mistakes that can cost you both stress and money.
1. Assuming DIY is the way to go
Many people assume that a do-it-yourself (DIY) move will save them a great deal of money. While it's true that hiring movers can get pricey, moving yourself can also get quite expensive, and it also comes with other burdens and hassles.
"Consider what a reputable moving company offers that you can’t provide if you’re doing all the work yourself," says Mental Floss.1 "Depending on your contract with the moving company, you may receive valuation protection, liability coverage, or some form of insurance, so you’ll be covered (at least partially) if your items get damaged or lost in transit. Moving companies may also provide packing services for delicate items or disassembly of large furniture. Moving across state lines also means that gas and parking costs will add up, and imagine the aches, muscle strains, and injuries that you can prevent by leaving the heavy lifting to the professionals."
2. Not shopping around for movers
If you do decide to hire movers rather than attempt a DIY move with your own friends and/or family, shop around and get quotes. Don't just call up one service and be done with it. Prices and offerings vary, so you can potentially save money or get services or protections that better suit your needs if you find the right movers.
3. Moving things you don't intend to keep
As you plan your move, spend time determining which items you own that you no longer wish to keep. It may be tempting to put it off until after the move since you have so many other things to worry about, but you can save a great deal of time, effort, and possibly money, by ridding yourself of things instead of moving them. Moving is a great way to start fresh, so consider that as you're taking inventory of your personal items. It may even be a good time to have a moving sale, which would not only clear out unwanted items, but also raise some funds.
4. Moving at the wrong time
One thing that can really increase the money you spend on a move is choosing to do it at the wrong time. It doesn't occur to many people that prices will vary depending on when you actually move, but the reality is that picking the wrong time can really cost you.
According to Jessica Ryan at MyMovingReviews.com, moving costs will be "sky high" if you move during peak moving season (between May and September), during the weekends, at the end or beginning of a month, or on holidays.2 "You will not only have to pay extra for moving during peak periods, but will also need to put up with hasty moving procedures, inexperienced moving crews, overloaded moving trucks, inadequate moving equipment, delivery delays, etc.," Ryan says.
5. Not budgeting for the move
Perhaps the biggest mistake you can make when it comes to moving is failing to budget for everything that goes into a move. Movers' fees will be a substantial portion of it unless you choose to do the moving on your own. In that case, you'll need to factor in a truck, gas, packing supplies, feeding those helping you, airfare and hotel if moving long distance, a storage unit, etc. You may also need to pay for insurance if you hire movers, as well as tips for the movers themselves. If you're taking time off work, that may also cost you money depending on your arrangement with your employer.
Moving can get quite expensive, so it pays to look for ways to save and certainly to plan ahead. Put together a budget and pick a time that won't cost you extra. Shop around for a good moving deal from a qualified service and unload unwanted items before the move.
1. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/85046/8-common-moving-mistakes-and-how-avoid-them
2. https://www.mymovingreviews.com/move/costly-moving-mistakes/
The information provided is presented for general informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal or business advice. Any views expressed in this article may not necessarily be those of Nevada State Bank. Nevada State Bank is a division of Zions Bancorporation, N.A. Member FDIC