Moving Box Calculator
How many rooms are you moving?* Don't forget to count your attic,
basement and garage!
basement and garage!
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You might feel like you're bleeding money during your move - there are a lot of costs you'll encounter.
However, you can fight that out-of-control-spending feeling by having a good idea of the kinds of expenses you'll be facing - and then drawing up a budget.
We have included some of the things that you should weigh when you are creating a budget for your move.
1. Even before we get to the move itself, make sure you think about the fixed costs in leaving your old home, like closing expenses or lease termination, final utility bills, and other expenses that you can't change.
These costs cannot be avoided and are a good start for your entire moving budget.
2. Next, select how you plan to move your goods - will you hire a moving company or do it yourself?
If you choose a professional mover, there are a number of things to consider. Depending on your budget you may want packing help. The mover can give you several options -- they can do a full pack, partial pack, or just provide packing material. When getting the estimate for your move, to research all of your options with the mover.
Check out three or four professional moving companies. This exercise will give you a good sense of an appropriate estimate for your move, and compare the costs and trade-offs of different levels of service and different types of companies. You should also have more bargaining power by getting multiple bids.
3. Next up, packing. Tally up the cost of boxes, tape and bubble wrap - there are many online sites for buying moving boxes.
4. Once you're packed up, how much will it cost you to get to your new place? Figure out the cost of gas and any lodging you might have to plan for. Also, will you have any child or pet care expenses? It's nice to have small children and animals out of the way for your move. Be sure to factor all of this in.
5. Next up: Before you get to your new place, what items do you need fixed up? Consider hiring a professional cleaning crew, and consider any home improvement projects that will be tough to accomplish when you get moved in - painting, carpet cleaning and reworking hardwood floors are the biggies.
6. Finally, what utility costs will you face at your new place? How much will Internet hookup cost you? Be sure to account for all these costs. (Companies like White Fence can help with this.)
7. Will you need any storage? You might need temporary storage facilities for any number of reasons; be sure to budget for that cost.
8. Just one more thing: add 10%. Things always come up, so give yourself peace of mind by having a buffer - if you budgeted properly, you most likely won't need it.