The Residential Moving Budget: What To Include
What should your residential moving budget include? You're ready to move. But you're not sure how much it will cost. Before you buy boxes, invest in bins, or choose a residential moving services contractor, take a look at how you can create a workable budget for your next move.
Budget for A Moving Company
Don't assume that a mover isn't a budget-friendly option. Even though you will have to pay the contractor, this service could end up saving you money.
How could a mover save you money? It all comes down to the time you can afford to take away from other areas of your life. If you have to take unpaid leave from work to move or you will need to pay a sitter to watch your children, you could spend less on a moving contractor. A professional moving contractor will also have a truck, pay for the gas, and bring the equipment (such as a dolly) necessary for your move. This eliminates fuel and rental fees.
Even though a mover could save you from losing work-related income or paying babysitter and nanny fees, it's likely to take up the largest portion of your budget. This makes the money you spend on a mover the top priority. If you're looking for ways to save on your move, skimping on the contractor costs is not the way to go.
Instead of going with the absolute lowest estimate (even if you don't feel comfortable with the mover), save money by removing unnecessary expenses from your budget. These could include boxes that you buy (versus free cardboard containers that you scavenge from your own stash of reused boxes or get from a friend) or pricey brand-new packing materials.
Budget for Packing Materials
While you don't have to go big with your packing materials budget, you may want to allot some money for items such as labels, tape, and permanent markers. Again, other packing items you can reuse or upcycle instead of buying new. Along with cardboard boxes, you can also upcycle old bed linens or towels (as fillers and padding for packing containers) and use totes or luggage instead of newly purchased bins.
Budget for Food
A move is more than just time-consuming. This process requires a high degree of energy. Even though the residential movers will do the heavy lifting and carrying, you will still need to stay on your feet for most of the day. This means you could feel hungrier and thirstier than you normally would.
If your move will take more than a few hours, add food to your budget. This part of the moving budget could include the cost of eating at least one meal in a restaurant on your move-day, the food you buy in preparation for the move (such as snacks to have in the car), the food you buy for your new home, and bottled water or other beverages to quench your thirst.
For more information, contact a residential moving contractor near you.
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