Sneaky Relocation Costs That Could Cost You Big Time
It doesn't matter if you're moving across the country or to the next town over, there's always a way to save on relocation costs. However, there are other "hidden" costs that could have you spending more money than you've bargained for.
Dining Out
You may already know that when you move you're going to be dining out or ordering takeout a bit more considering your dishes and cooking utensils are packed away. And frankly, you may be too exhausted to even think about whipping up a meal, no matter how simple it is.
There's nothing wrong with any of the above, but you could find yourself reaching for your phone to get food delivered or driving to the nearest restaurant a few days before and after the move.
To prevent going out as often, head to your nearest grocery store and grab some disposable cutlery and food — frozen goods and microwave meals absolutely count. There are even supermarkets that deliver groceries for free or at a low cost. That way, even if you're tired, there's still food in your home.
Repairs
When moving a lot of items, floors get scuffed and walls get scratches. It doesn't cost a lot to clean up some of the mess, but little expenses do add up.
While there isn't much you can do to prevent dents and scratches, you can enlist the help of professional movers who can do the heavy lifting. These services don't have to be expensive either — you can hire by the hour.
Hotel Stays
When you're transitioning from one place to another, you may find that you need to move out of your old place before your new one is ready yet. That means you'll need to find accommodation arrangements. You could be looking at hundreds of dollars just to stay at a hotel room. Even more if you have a pet and need to put them at a pet boarding facility. That doesn't even count the fees you may need to pay to store your items until you can move in.
Your best bet is to see if you can ask friends or family to put you up for a few days. Another alternative is investigating various online services that will help you rent an entire apartment for a fraction of the price of a hotel room.
Costs to Replace Items
Items can get damaged when moving no matter how carefully pack them. If they're sentimental items, you may need to head to a professional to get it repaired. Other items such as plates, small furniture, and electronics may need to be outright replaced.
Furthermore, you may find that your furniture or other items may be too big or that you need to purchase storage items because there isn't enough closet space. If this is the case, you can save money by looking at your local thrift store or neighborhood yard sales.
Relocation costs may stack up, but, with a little advance planning, you can minimize them. That way, you and your family can look forward to your new place without all of the added stress.