Moving is a big part of life. It’s something to be happy about, but it’s also a very expensive and difficult thing to do. Whether you’re moving locally or across the country, you’ll have to pay for things you didn’t expect. Moving costs can add up fast and eat up a big chunk of your budget. Knowing how much these unexpected and hidden costs might help a lot. Keep these few things in mind to avoid the budget-related stress and hidden costs that come with moving.

Costs of Decorating
You’ve moved in, so congrats! You’ve noticed that your house doesn’t look as nice as you’d like and isn’t put together as well as you’d like. It’s always a good idea to include redecorating costs in your moving budget. You’ll want to make your new house feel like home as soon as possible, and including these costs in your budget helps you see the big picture. The cost could be a small part of what you paid your interstate movers, or it could be more, depending on how many and how big the fixes are. In the end, it’s best to keep these costs in mind and include them in your budget.

Parking
Don’t be surprised that this is on the list. We strongly suggest asking questions about parking, like “Do you need a permit to park on the street when the interstate removalists come?” How long can you park? How much would a private parking spot cost? Asking these questions will help you understand any costs and lessen the surprise of finding out about unwelcome hidden costs.

Supplies for Packing
Are you doing the packing yourself, or will you have someone come in and help? No matter what you choose, you will still need to include the costs of buying boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, etc. in your moving budget. In some cases, Interstate Movers will pack for you, and the cost is usually added to the final bill. Other interstate moving companies don’t charge for labor or supplies, but they might if you need extra boxes or other things during the interstate move. Keep in mind that a removal company or Interstate removalists may have different policies than the other, so it’s best to know the cost and plan for it.

Storage
Even if you have a plan, not everything will go exactly as you imagined. You need to be flexible enough to deal with any changes or delays that might come up. Have you made a plan for where to store your things if the current residents don’t move out on time? These are some of the hidden and unexpected costs of moving. When this happens, you should look for other storage spaces you can hire for a few weeks, especially if you are moving interstate. Make sure to include these costs in your moving budget and to-do list so that you don’t have to pay for them later.

Connection/Disconnection Fees
If you are moving locally, you may be able to keep the same utility providers and just have the service moved to your new home. But if you’re moving interstate, you’ll need to either close your old utility accounts or open new ones for your new home. This includes your electricity, gas, phone, and internet. Both of these would mean having to pay fees, deposits, enrolment, connection, or set-up fees for leaving early. Don’t forget to put these costs on your interstate moving checklist so that they don’t sneak up on you as hidden costs. Calling the utility companies weeks before you move is a good idea to make sure you have everything covered.

Sleeping and Eating During an Interstate Move
Depending on how far you’re going and how you’re getting there, your actual move could take one day or several days. Do you need a large budget for fuel, flights, or parking fees? Do you need to find a place to stay? How much of a budget should be dedicated to eating? Remember that you might not have access to a kitchen until you move into your new home. If you include these things on your moving list and in your moving budget, you’ll be one step closer to minimising hidden and unexpected costs during a move.

Replace Discarded, Donated, Sold, or Broken Items
When you were cleaning out your closet and home to get ready to move, it felt good to see a lot of your things get thrown away, donated, or sold. But don’t forget that any cleaning supplies or small items that you leave behind in your old home will need to be bought again in your new home. You might also feel sad if things get lost or broken during moving interstate and you will be forced to buy new ones. If you know ahead of time to expect surprises and hidden costs during the move, you won’t have to worry as much about your budget.