Creating a Moving Expense Budget

People spend so much for moving that the industry grosses more than $18 billion annually, according to IBISWorld. There are particular areas in moving where you need to shed some cash. Here is a simple template to help you in creating your budget for your move.

Supplies for Packing
If you are going to use the service of a full-service moving company in Portsmouth, VA, you can skip on this one and move to the next item. However, if you will pack all your items, make sure you have the following items ready:

• High-quality moving boxes
• Moving crates or containers
• Bubble wrap
• Packing paper to separate things and fill gaps in boxes
• Moving blankets to cover furniture and fixtures
• A lot of  moving tapes
• Markers for labeling boxes
• Movers' wrap to keep moving sheets and drawers in place

 
Moving Service, Movers or Truck Rental
A full moving service will save you time and effort because they will take care of everything during your move, but they can also be costly. If you don't need this type of service, you can still hire movers to do the loading and unloading of your items. You can also rent a truck and hire movers who get paid per hour to help you with the process.

Individual and Family Travel
Aside from your items, you also need to relocate as well as your family. Here are some of the things that you need to provide a budget on.

• Airfare, transportation to and fro the airport, as well as baggage fees
• Gasoline if you are driving your car
• Prices for hotels or motels  if you need more than a day to relocate
• Meals consumed throughout the move

Vehicle Transportation
If you are driving all your vehicles to your new home, this shouldn't be a problem for you, but if not, there are ways you can transport your vehicle:

• Rent a car trailer and attach to your car
• Ask or pay someone to drive your car to your new place
• Move your vehicle through train or trailer with a vehicle shipping fee

Rental Deposit, Condo Fee, or HOA Fee
If you are moving to an apartment or a condo, you have to make sure you are ready with the deposit. If you are buying a new home in an association, you should prepare the HOA fee. Make sure that you know how much the fee is because it usually depends on the state you're in.

Utility Services
You will need to hook up new utilities when you move. Make sure you include in your budget fees for water, electricity, internet and telephone utility services.

Updated Registration and Driver's License
If you are relocating to a different state, you are required to register your vehicle where you moved. Get a driver's license from that state as well. You should do this within 30 to 90 days from the day of your arrival. Fees are involved in doing these processes so make sure you are ready with some cash.
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Keep these expenses in mind so you will not be surprised with charges that are not included in your budget.  Planning a move always include this budgeting process.