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How much do you have to invest to make your move a success?
Moving involves a number of steps, and getting a firm grip on the details can really help. You can likely lower the cost of a move, for instance, when you seek out reliable information. After all, a little intel goes a long way.
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To get a handle on how much a move might cost, keep these six key questions in mind.
Hire movers or move yourself?
Above all, a move involves getting a lot of stuff from one place to another. How you decide to accomplish the task determines, in part, how much your move will cost.
You may decide to hire professional movers to handle the move. This typically efficient way of moving also tends to cost the most money. When you hire professionals for a big job like an apartment move, expect a large line item on your moving budget.
Alternatively, you might try moving yourself by renting a moving truck which you’ll pack and drive yourself. While this option likely will be less expensive than hiring a moving service, you might encounter unexpected costs — not to mention the fact that moving yourself can be tiring, complicated work. Tally the extra time you’ll spend in the efficiency column of your moving budget.
Your research into moving help or truck renting fees will give you the most telling insight into how much your move will set you back. You’ll likely find that getting from here to there really is the major investment in a move.
What time of year are you moving?
Consider that the time of year you move can certainly affect the price. If you move when weather is most amenable, expect to pay more. Spring and summer are generally considered high season for moving. If you move in the dead of winter, then, figure that you will get a break on the expenses that accompany your move.
Of course, you don’t always have the luxury of choosing exactly when you’ll move. If your moving schedule is flexible, however, an off-season move will almost certainly save you some cash.
How quickly are you moving?
When you have the luxury of planning a move a few months in advance, you’ll likely save on the enterprise. A last-minute move will almost certainly come at premium cost for the services you’ll need to make it happen.
How much help is available to you?
We’re talking man- and woman-power here, hands-on help. Before you can commit to a move date, much work must be done at home. Packing your possessions and cleaning the space you’re vacating takes time and effort. You might choose to hire professional cleaning services, but these will also add to your moving budget. If you have supportive friends willing to lend their hands, you could save a bundle with their help.
How far away are you moving from your current home?
The distance of your move makes a difference, and it’s a logical distinction: if your move takes you across town, you’ll spend less than you will on a cross-country expedition.
Moving a great distance increases costs for movers and extends the amount of time you must rent a truck. And there are other less obvious costs to consider, as well, budget-wise. Will you be flying to your destination? Will you drive and need to cover accommodation costs for the trip? And…
Are pets making the trip?
Are pets a part of your move? Add pet shipping to the moving expense column, if so.
Even if you pile your pup into the car, you’ll likely encounter challenges that might make the trip cost more. (And don’t even think about transporting a pet as cargo in the back of a moving truck; he’ll need to travel in whatever compartment you are.)
You must expect that the cost of a move will have an impact on your overall household budget. Moving may well be the greatest expense you have that year. Finding answers to these moving questions, however, should help you make realistic budget allocations for those expenses. Having the pertinent information will help you make practical choices about where to cut costs and where you must invest to make your move a success.
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