Moving: A Costly Experience

Change of address. This operation may get much more costly than you would originally expect, especially in case any problems come up (and sometimes even if they don't). This text will be focused on all the expenses related with moving houses, so that you will know better what to expect, whether you are moving using your own resources, or hiring a professional company. Now you are probably wondering, so what's the problem then? Basically, there are two problems: in case of moving planned by people themselves, it is too easy to forget about all the additional tools, packaging material, transportation or the value of the time.

But all these are related expenses you should count with. Also when hiring a professional mover, the issue usually lies within either a bad choice of a mover, bad calculation by the company or underestimating additional necessary spending by you on the top of the company’s bill. As I mentioned in the first article of this series, there are three options for sorting out your moving. What you have to think about is how much work you want or can do yourself: all the packing, loading, transporting and unloading can either be performed by the professionals, or by yourself. Or the happy mean is to hire a company providing a kind of a hybrid service. This is appropriate if you feel you like to have more control over the whole process. While some companies offer the transportation only, other ones can also load, transport and unload all the stuff you had packed before.

What do you have to consider? As the start of your moving plans, we always recommend that you sit down and think about the budget. It will save you lots of problems later. We can divide the expenses 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 expenses related to starting up in your new home. The moving itself. Firstly you have to calculate the cost of moving your stuff. You’ve most likely already decided whether you will move on your own or will pay for a company. In case you chose professional help (more on how to choose a mover company in one of the following articles), have a written estimate of the price from them. It should say clearly whether the presented price is binding or not, that means whether it is the final price, or there may be other fees coming up. Don't forget about the tips - the common price is around $25 for each worker.

The price of work. Secondly, estimate the price of the manpower 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 price of any essential packaging (boxes, bubble wrap, tapes) and tools (i.e. dollies).

The price of your transportation. Thirdly, estimate how much the transport of you and your family will cost you, including the flights/train/bus rides or the price of petrol in case you will be driving. Don’t forget to add the price of potential lodging, food and any entertainment you might be considering while traveling.

After you have moved: a fresh start There is usually a lot of trouble and additional expenses 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 sometimes include some start-up charges for the initial connection. Another issue is food - you will have to do a lot of shopping to replace all the groceries you have probably emptied from the fridge and freezer before the moving. Also you might need to purchase some things you have left behind - for example some household equipment. Or you may wish to redecorate your new place first. It is always helpful to think first and jot down the costs of all the necessary things to buy, so that the total sum doesn't surprise you after the moving.

As a Vancouver real estate agent, 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 certain thing against how much the thing is when purchased new. The outcome of this comparison might surprise you. 2) If the reason for your moving is that you got a new employment at a new place, check out if you can get a relocation package from your new employer. 3) Keep all the bills connected to moving as you might be entitled for a tax deduction.