How Much Does a Move Cost?
Moving to a new home is often an exciting time for families. From packing up your belongings to deciding which moving company is right for you, there are many different factors to consider when planning a move. One of the most important aspects of any relocation is budgeting and understanding what kind of costs you may incur along the way.
We’ve rounded up a list of the key elements that affect how much your move will cost and have a few tips to share about comparing price estimates, additional expenses that can impact your budget, and how to pick the best moving options for your family.
Determining the Price of Your Move
Once you know that a relocation is happening, your first step in the planning process is to determine the cost and timeline for making your move happen. When professional moving companies provide estimates for the cost of your residential relocation, there are a variety of factors that will impact the total cost of your move.
From the distance between two locations to the number of items being moved and any packing or specialty item requirements, everything needs to be taken into consideration when estimating the cost of your relocation.
Distance is one of the most important factors in determining the cost of your move. While moving locally may not be too expensive, even a short-distance move will likely require a truck and additional labor costs. Conversely, long-distance moves are often more complicated due to the increased travel times involved with getting from point A to point B.
The number of items being moved can also have a significant impact on the total cost of your move. If you’re moving a high quantity of belongings, you may need to rent extra equipment or hire additional staff to help with the packing and loading process. Additionally, the weight of your items is also taken into account since heavier belongings require more equipment and stronger staff to move safely.
Special requests such as packing services or assistance moving large furniture pieces should be noted when requesting price estimates. Many companies provide specialty relocation services – like relocating a piano, art collections, and even wine and liquor libraries – for an additional fee, so it’s important to be upfront about your specific needs
Finally, you should also consider the type of estimate being offered. If possible, an in-home estimate is always recommended as this will provide a more accurate picture of the cost associated with your move and will take into account any additional factors that may not have been taken into consideration when providing an online or phone estimate.
Comparing Moving Estimates
It’s always important to do your due diligence when selecting your relocation partner. As you compare your various estimates, make sure you are reviewing itemized pricing that will allow you to see the full picture of the services you’re considering.
These are some of the biggest pricing differentiators when it comes to moving estimates
- Time: how many hours has the company allotted for your move?
- Manpower: how many crew members will be on hand to assist with your relocation?
- Trucks: What type of truck and how many trucks are needed?
- Mileage: especially for long-distance moves, was an accurate mileage estimate included?
- Weight Estimates: have the moving companies provide quotes based on similar tonnage for your shipment?
- Packing/Unpacking services: Does the pricing include full-service packing or has your move been labeled as a self-pack?
Building Your Moving Budget
As you’re considering the best option for moving services, you will also want to consider the various other costs that may impact your overall relocation budget. A comprehensive budget will include the following:
- Housing/Real Estate Transaction related costs
- Primary moving costs
- Transportation and lodging costs for long-distance moves
- Cleaning and home repair costs
- New home setup costs (like utilities & service setup fees)
Choosing the Right Move for You
When comparing different relocation options, it’s important to consider both the timeline and budget associated with each one. If you need to move quickly and have a higher budget, then having the entire move handled by one professional company may be your best option. On the other hand, if you have a smaller budget and are able to do some of the work yourself, then a DIY move may be more suitable.
Our partners at Go Mini’s of Augusta offer the ideal option for those who want to save money but still need assistance with a physical relocation. With our convenient portable storage containers, you can easily pack everything up on your own schedule, load your container, and give us a call when you’re ready to relocate the Go Mini to your new home.
Whether you’re looking for full-service moving assistance or just need to rent a truck and handle your own packing, we hope that this article provides guidance on how to determine the cost associated with your upcoming relocation. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more about our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to helping you make your move as effortless and stress-free as possible!