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Moving houses. When planning your relocation, you should always be prepared that it might involve more costs than originally expected. This usually happens if the relocation is not planned carefully, but sometimes even if it is. No matter what way of moving you are considering, whether moving on your own or hiring professionals, there are always some costs included. In this article we will break them down to give you a general idea what to be prepared for.

Now you are probably asking, so what’s the problem then? Basically, there are two problems: in case of moving planned by people themselves, it is too common to forget about all the additional tools, packaging material, transportation or the value of the time. But all these are related costs you should count with. Also if you decided to move using professionals, there might be a problem because you chose the wrong company, or they estimated the wrong price, or undervalued any additional necessary costs not included in the company’s bill.

As I mentioned in the first article of this series, there are three possibilities for sorting out your moving. The difference between them lies within the level of your involvement: you may pay for a professional company that will manage it all for you, or you can do the whole lot including packing, loading, transporting and unloading yourself. Or the gold mean is to choose a company providing a kind of a hybrid service. This is useful if you feel you like to have more control over the whole process. While some companies provide the transportation only, other ones may also load, transport and unload all the stuff you had packed before.

What do you have to consider? As the beginning of your moving plans, we always recommend that you sit down and think about the budget. If you do this, you are on a good way to a well-planned relocation without any unpleasant surprises. We can divide the costs related to moving into four main categories: the transportation of your things, packing of your things, transportation of you and your family, and also the costs related to starting up in your new home. The moving itself. Firstly, the main cost of moving your possessions has to be calculated. So will you be moving on your own, or paying for a company? This is the crucial issue you have most likely already decided. In case you chose professional help (more on how to choose a mover company in one of the upcoming articles), have a written estimate of the cost from them. The quote may present either a binding or a nonbinding price, meaning whether it is the final price, or some other charges may come up later. This should be clear from the price estimate in any case. Also the tips should be included – commonly about $25 per worker.

The work and its cost. Secondly, estimate the cost of the labor that will help you pack & load, whether it’s the professionals you might hire, friends and family ready to help you (they’d deserve at least a dinner!) or even the cost of your time you have to take off, if that’s the case. You also need to calculate the cost of any essential packaging (boxes, bubble wrap, tapes) and tools (i.e. dollies).

The cost of your transport. Thirdly, think about how much the relocation for you and your family will be – find out the prices of flights, train or bus rides, or calculate the petrol price, if you want to travel by car. Also add the costs of any accommodation, food or entertainment you are planning to enjoy on your journey to the new place.

After you have moved: a fresh start There is usually a lot of problems and extra costs related to the moving, that people don’t think about when they are in the middle of all the boxes. A cable or telephone or other services may include some start-up fees for the initial connection. Or think about your most likely empty fridge and freezer and the cost of all the food to fill them up again. Also think about the costs of any things you have left behind and you need to replace them now, such as various household items. Or you may want to redecorate your new house first. Whatever the case is, think hard and write down the cost of anything that you’ll need to purchase after you’ve moved, so that you’re ready for it.

As a Vancouver realtor, I have always tried to help my clients even with this issue, therefore I would like to share with you some useful advice: 1) Always compare how much it would cost you to move a specific item against how much the item is when bought new. The result of this comparison might surprise you. 2) If moving because of a new job, check with your new employer the chance of a relocation package. 3) Keep all the receipts connected to moving as you might be entitled for a tax deduction.