How Much Does it Cost to Move Home?
5th November 2024
Breaking down the real cost of moving house.
Finding a new home can be exciting, but the actual move? Not so much. We’d have to agree that moving house can be one of the most stressful and costly experiences in life. Even if you choose to self-move, there are many costs you need to factor into your budget. To help you prepare, we’ve put together a list of everything you need to consider when planning your move.
Specific costs to consider
Before you start packing, it’s essential to understand how much it’s going to cost to move house. By anticipating these expenses, you can create a more accurate budget and avoid any last-minute surprises. Here’s a detailed look at the specific costs you need to consider:
Arranging cleaning at your old property:
When you move out of your old rental property, you need to have it cleaned as per your lease agreement. Usually, your bond will be returned once your old home has been cleaned and has passed the Property Manager’s inspection.
If you hire a cleaner, the cost will depend on your location, the size of the property, and the level of cleaning required. If you choose to do the cleaning yourself, don’t forget to include the cleaning materials for your new home, such as cleaning cloths, spray and wipe, and paper towels in your budget.
Costs of moving utility services:
Connecting your phone, internet, water, electricity and gas is an essential step in the process of moving to your new home. You want to make sure the power is on before you step through the door.
The cost can vary depending on your network and your retailer. Be sure to call your energy provider two weeks ahead of your move to arrange for your gas and/or electricity connection the day before or the day of your move. Plus don’t forget to finalise the gas and/or electricity from your old property.
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Removalist costs:
Removalists are typically the biggest expense in your move. If you are looking to save some money, pack and unpack yourself, and get a removalist to do the heavy lifting. If you have a few friends or family who are willing to help, you can do the whole move yourself and save on costs. But you may wish to hire your own removal van to speed up the process.
The cost of removalists can vary based on factors such as distance, volume of items, and the time required. If you do decide to go with a full removalist service, check for hidden costs. Some removalists charge a set rate for the number of hours, while some charge a set amount with an additional cost per step if you don’t live on the ground floor.
Other costs to consider:
While the major expenses of moving house are more apparent, there are several other costs that can add up quickly. Be sure to consider these when planning your budget:
- Pet care: Moving can be stressful for pets. You may need to board them in a kennel or hire a pet sitter. For long-distance moves, factor in pet transportation costs.
- Child care: Arranging child care during the move ensures your kids are safe and occupied. Costs will vary depending on whether you hire a babysitter or use daycare services.
- Transportation and fuel: Include the cost of fuel for your vehicle and rental trucks if you’re moving yourself. Long-distance moves might also require travel expenses for multiple trips or overnight stays.
- Hotel accommodation: You might need to stay in a hotel if your new home isn’t ready right away or if you have a long journey.
- Rubbish removal: Moving often generates a lot of rubbish. Hiring a rubbish removal service can help.
Tips to reduce moving costs
Moving can be expensive, but there are many ways to cut costs and stay within your budget. Here are some practical tips to help you save money during your move:
- Don’t take unnecessary items: Many removalists base their price on the weight of your load. Declutter and purge before packing to reduce weight and cost.
- Pick the right time: Mid-month moves save money. Movers are busy in the first and last weeks of the month as leases renew. Also moving on a weekday can save on costs as Saturday is the most expensive day to move.
- Reuse boxes: Purchase recycled, used boxes and pack your boxes yourself. At the end of your move, you may be able to resell your boxes to the company you bought them from and recoup the costs.
- Plan properly: Colour-code each box to correspond with the rooms in your new home. This allows the moving crew to unpack your boxes faster, saving time and money.
- Insure your items: The benefit of using professional movers is that your furniture is insured. Insurance is an additional cost, but may be worth it if something breaks. Check your existing insurance policy as it may cover goods in transit.
- Compare prices: Contact a few moving companies for quotes. Get in-home estimates from each company and compare like with like.
- Research the moving company: By using a licensed mover, you get proper insurance and efficient service. You are also less likely to encounter breakages.
The final word
Moving house costs a lot of money, but you can lower those costs by using these tips. Make sure to include every possibility in your budget, and keep extra cash on you to cover any unforeseen expenses that may pop up during your move.
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