The process of moving to a new home in a new city is always a stressful experience. Fortunately, if you are about to relocate, you can hire a relocation specialist to take care of all the details for you so you can preserve your peace of mind during this challenging life event.
Hiring a corporate relocation service to help you is an expense that will prove tremendously valuable. But what are other typical relocation expenses that are necessary for a successful move? Below are the seven typical relocation expenses for a successful move:
Expense #1: Hiring movers
If you can afford to hire experienced movers, this expense will simplify your relocation. You won’t have to pack a moving truck, to drive it across the province or across the country, and to unpack it. Your movers will take care of everything for you.
Professional movers have the knowledge and the equipment necessary to handle and to move your belongings from one point to the other. They can lift up even the heaviest of boxes or pieces of furniture without injuring themselves. They are efficient and reliable, and you can count on them to get the job done.
The cost of hiring professional movers mostly depends on the time, the distance, and the complexity of your relocation.
Expense #2: Renting a moving truck
The costs of renting a moving truck might be another typical relocation expense. Many people think they can save money by taking care of their own move instead of hiring movers. This can make sense if you don’t own a lot of things and don’t need a moving truck, but keep in mind that moving on your own can be pretty expensive.
Renting a moving truck will probably be necessary if you want to handle your relocation without the services of a moving company. The cost of renting a truck will depend on the size of truck you need, on the distance you expect to cover with it, and on the number of days you will be using it.
Expense #3: Buying gas and insurance for the rental truck
On top of paying to rent a truck, you will have to pay for the gas you will use during your relocation. And before you return the rental truck, don’t forget to buy some more gas. Most rental truck companies will require you to fill the tank of the truck to a certain point before you return it to them.
You will also need to purchase insurance coverage for your rental truck, and if you need to rent some additional equipment, some extra fees will be added to your bill.
Expense #4: Buying boxes and other moving supplies
Of course, it’s possible to get cardboard boxes for free at your local supermarket. Those free boxes can be perfect to pack light items, but they might not be sturdy enough for the heavier items you own.
It’s always better to purchase some sturdy boxes that will not break open during your move. You might also need to purchase bubble wrap, moving blankets, packing tape, and a black marker to label your boxes.
If you use packing tape to close your boxes, you should also purchase a box cutter to make it easier to open them, if you don’t already have one.
If you hire movers, you could purchase your moving supplies directly from them.
Expense #5: Spending at least one night in a hotel
If you move across the country, you will probably need to spend at least one night in a hotel before you reach your destination. The price of your hotel room is another relocation expense you should not forget.
The longer you have to travel to reach your new home, the more expensive your trip will become. On top of needing a place where you can spend the night, you will also have to purchase meals and snacks.
Expense #6: Sharing a meal with the people who helped you move
If you asked friends and family members to help you move instead of hiring movers, you should also remember to show them your gratitude.
Buying a meal, snacks and drinks for the generous people who have helped you move makes sense, and it’s always appreciated. At the end of a long moving day, you can order pizza and buy beer, or invite everyone to the nearest restaurant.
You could also offer a small and meaningful gift to everyone, or give them a bit of money if you think this is what they would prefer.
Expense #7: Getting settled in your new home
Once your furniture is installed in your new home and your boxes are unpacked, you still have to spend some money. Buying groceries is something we do regularly, but the first time you buy groceries in your new home is generally a bigger expense.
You will also have to pay some connection fees for your TV and your internet services, and a few more expenses might be required before you are fully settled in your new home and in your new life.