Although a long-distance relocation seems to be an exhilarating event of life, however, it often signifies more than merely paying the cost of shipping service and a moving truck. According to Safe Ship Moving Services, families and individuals often fail to comprehend the hidden costs associated with a cross-country or inter-state move.
Accounting for these hidden costs is essential to avoid surprise expenses with effective budgeting. Keep reading to get an idea of some of these common hidden costs related to long-distance moves that can add up with practical solutions to avoid them.
1. Packing Supplies and Specialty Items
The majority of individuals budget for mover expenses and truck rentals yet often neglect to include the cost of packing materials in their plans. The cost of essential packing materials such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and specialized containers for electronic gadgets or artwork can rapidly accumulate.
Solutions: Plenty of retail online stores are out there that supply packing boxes in bundles at discounted prices. On the other hand, by spending some little bucks, individuals can obtain quality boxes from nearby groceries, and retail shops. Make sure to also use bedcovers, towels, and newspapers as packing supplies to minimize cost.
2. Insurance and Liability Coverage
In general, most moving contracts offer a nominal amount of standard liability coverage for the belongings they move. It’s by no means comprehensive and typically doesn’t include the real worth of someone’s assets as well. So, in the event any item is lost or damaged, the replacement reimbursement will not necessarily cover the full cost of replacing the same.
Solutions: it makes sense to contact a long-distance move third-party insurer and invest in an insurance plan tailored to the items under coverage. Getting a few quotes, comparing policies, and knowing what’s covered can come to immense help to avoid major financial losses.
3. Temporary Accommodation and Meals
Whereas the transition includes a long way drive by car, and flights with stopovers, the expenses towards lodging and meals can add up. This is particularly pertinent for families with pets, who seek pet-friendly accommodation or specific meal arrangements.
Solutions: Try to set aside money early for travel expenses like hotels, meals, and other costs. Booking accommodation ahead of time and looking for hotels that welcome with free breakfast or allow pets can help save money.
4. Utilities and Deposits
According to Safe Ship Moving Services, people often underestimate the cost of setting up a new utility, including the deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and garbage services. Utility setup costs vary greatly depending on which part of the country the family is moving to, and the costs could be unexpectedly high.
Solutions: Contact utility companies in the new area well in advance before moving to get estimates for the setup fees and deposits. Some utility companies will waive setup fees for customers with good credit, or offer bundled services at a discounted rate.
5. Storage Fees
If there is a time gap between leaving the earlier home and entering the new abode, or the family requires downsizing due to lack of space in new accommodation, they may require temporary storage to keep their belongings safely. The addition of storage fees can be significant over time, particularly for climate-controlled units.
Solutions: Budgetary considerations should encompass potential storage needs from the outset while exploring market options for favorable rates makes sense. Many moving companies have storage units for their clients and may offer reduced rates for storage options.
Moving long distances can be trickier and costlier than what is thought. Individuals moving long distances should make sure to recognize these hidden costs while budgeting and plan for them to keep the budget under control.
