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Moving… It can be a joyful event, like buying your first house or a tearful occasion, as in an unexpected relocation. Regardless of the reason, sometimes some of your biggest expenses aren’t at all the big things you were thinking. I know this was the case with our recent move, so I thought I would share with you 5 unexpected costs of moving that we incurred during the process.
Ours was an exciting move, we were buying our first house. I swore I wouldn’t be one of those people, but when we found the house that was “the one,” we were too excited to think straight. To bring us back down to earth we sent in the professionals. We hired a company to come in and inspect every inch of the beloved house. Of course, we were a little bummed out to hear the problems, but it quickly gave us the reality check we needed.
Only to be expected, a house built in 1950 is going to have some problems. My husband and I weighed our options, and in the end decided that we were up for the challenge. This was our house. As we anxiously awaited the 45 days for closing, we planned for what we knew would have to be fixed before we moved in to our new home. We had the plumber and election hired and ready to start work before the ink dried on the paper closing day.
The thing is, I think we got so caught up in all of the big projects we forgot about how quickly small things add up. Here are a few of the things that we overlooked.
1. Moving Supplies
Getting free boxes was easy — what I didn’t prepare for was the cost of roll after roll of packing tape. It just isn’t something you think about, “Oh, I need to figure in 15 rolls of packing tape into the budget!” It definitely wasn’t an expense we thought of, and it added up.
2. Gas
Our move was local, so we decided to just use a pickup truck, instead of a large moving truck, and just make a few trips. The gas for doing this quickly added up. It isn’t just your gas you have to consider, as you don’t want to forget you to offer gas money to the people who come out and help or offer up their truck.
3. Food
For about two weeks we ate out almost every meal. The first week the old house was packed, and then another week to get the house unpacked and find cooking utensils. For people who don’t eat out much, this comes as a little bit of a shock. Again you will need extra food for your faithful helpers as a thank you for their hard work. Once you make it through the move, then you have one of the scariest grocery shopping experiences ever ahead of you. The first trip after a move is going to cost you big! Without a doubt you tried to use up the pantry staples and freezer food before the transition, and it leaves you with an empty cabinet and fridge.
4. Light Bulbs and other household items
If you were a homeowner before, these cost might be more minimum. Either way a new house will bring on additional items needed whether it as a simple as blinds and light bulbs, these things add up. Being a previous renter, these expenses were a lot more. Not only did we use to rent, but we seriously upgraded in square footage. With more space comes more needs, plus it wasn’t just our house — we upgraded to 2.7 acres. Suddenly we needed door mats, a dust mop, door knobs, shovel, water hose and not to mention a new lawn mover capable of taking on this acreage.
Another caution — if the house you are buying has appliances don’t count on them working. We turned on the fridge felt it was cold and thought we were set, only to find days later our frozen food wasn’t frozen. So, right after buying a new lawn mover we made the trip back to Lowes for a new refrigerator.
5. Activation Fees and/ or Deposits
Because our move was local, I thought I would just transfer all of out services only to find out that 15 miles does make a difference in what is available. We had to go with new companies and there came additional activation fees and deposits that were unexpected.
We knew that becoming homeowners wouldn’t be easy, but I think we were just surprised at where the additional cost came from during this process. Were there any financial surprises involved in your last move?
Kathleen @ Fearlessly Creative Mammas
You totally forget about those things. When we moved into our current place, my husband was on a business trip that mysteriously was extended. He missed moving day, so we had to get some of the guys that work in his office to help. The expense we weren’t counting on was that my husband had to take them all out to lunch when he got back as a thank you. Also, we had to buy black out curtains because the blinds don’t block out the street lamps well enough. Expensive. Great list.
Tracey @ The Kitchen is My Playground
Yes, Brenna … all those things add up! In our last move, there was nowhere in the kitchen to “hide away” a garbage can. So, I ended up spending $100 on a decent-looking, lidded garbage can. A GARBAGE CAN!!!! We’re in the process of moving again, too, and I am NOT looking forward to the process. The end result … yes. The process … not so much.
Tracey @ The Kitchen is My Playground
James
These are the small things which we often forget about. i must say the packing cost and eating out for a while cost dearly. Apart from that cable, phone, internet connection and change of the address also a hassle.
Rach @ EazyPeazyMealz
Hello Co-host, you are spot on with this one, thanks for linking up at Tips and Tricks!
Kevin
Damaging your appliances (or any home goods for that matter) during transport is another big worry which can easily add an unexpected few hundred on top of the bill. Best to make sure your prepared to safely move your appliances to avoid these unexpected costs.
Theo
Interesting post mate,
The truth is that relocating from your formal house and moving into another is never easy at all. Most often, we tend to forget so many things and I’ve had similar experience.
Thanks
Katelyn F
There are so many hidden costs in moving, and we didn’t even buy a house! I think the biggest cost is always furnishing your new place with shower curtains, mats, brooms, mops, shelving, etc. Every space is different so you run into different needs…. and they add up quickly!
Johnny
I appreciate what you said about the cost of food. Whenever neighbors needed help moving, in order to get our help they would offer pizza. It worked every time. When you move, you can’t forget to plan for the new food budget. Thanks for sharing.
Lara
Excellent post.
Tara Allen
Moving to a new location can be a ton of work. The process of moving that you provided, I will have to use as I move this summer. Getting a moving company to help out, might be something I will seriously consider to save time.
Harold Stricker
All the tips listed on this article is absolutely good… Appraciated
Lakesha Dickson
Appreciated post… Those tips are really useful..!
McKenzie
Thank you for sharing. It is always hard to predict the extra costs that come along with big moments like moving!
Ruckup USA
Great topic! For real, people forget about gas expenses too often
Paul Nelson
Yes, moving is never easy. And it can get worst if you trust a unreliable rental company that doesn`t offer what it promises.