Getting Organized
The first step in estimating the cost of your move is to figure out how much stuff you own. A proper way to achieve this is to list all the items you plan to take with you on your move, then assign a rough estimate for each item based on size and weight. This will help you figure out an approximate total cost for packing, loading, and transporting all your belongings.
It’s also important to figure out the distance of your move because the price depends on the miles you have to travel. If you’re moving within your city, it may be more cost-effective than if you’re moving to another state or country. Still, you’ll need to find a suitable method to move your belongings from one home to another, whether that means taking multiple trips, renting a moving truck, or hiring professional movers to aid you.
Hiring Professionals
After figuring out how much it will cost to pack and transport your belongings, you will need to decide if it’s better to hire professional movers or do the work yourself. Professional movers can be very helpful, especially if you have a lot of furniture or heavy items. However, they usually come with a price tag. Remember to obtain quotes from a few different companies and compare them to the cost of doing it yourself. If necessary, aim to book these services well in advance to lock in the best rates.
As you gather your estimates, make sure you’ve included common expenses, such as:
- Packing services
- Moving insurance
- Specialty item packaging services (moving pianos, safes, artwork, etc.)
Moving Yourself
If you want to rent a moving truck and do the move yourself, you may be able to save a bit of cash. But there are other things to consider as well. First of all, you’ll need to assess the size of the moving truck you’ll need to rent. Smaller moving trucks may be low-priced, but you may be unable to fit all your belongings in them. Numerous rental companies charge by the mile as well as by the day, so remember that your cost estimate includes both!
Other costs to account for in your DIY moving budget include:
- Gas, tolls, and parking fees
- Moving insurance
- Additional moving equipment rental (ramps and dolly)
- Packing materials (boxes, tape, covers, etc.)
Other Costs
Ultimately, there are a few other expenses associated with moving that you will need to bear in mind. Depending on the move, you might be required to pay for temporary lodging, meals, storage costs, and expenses related to moving out and moving in (cleaning costs, security deposit, and utility set-up deposits, for example). Your new Perrysburg property manager is a great resource to ask about setting up utilities for the home you’re moving into.
By adhering to these guidelines and performing some research on your own, you should have a decent concept of how much your move will cost. While it’s impossible to predict all potential expenses, following this advice should help you avoid any unforeseen problems down the road.
Are you seeking a new Perrysburg rental home? Real Property Management Clarity Team has an inventory that’s always being updated. Check out our listings online.