So, you are about to move. After the initial excitement (or disappointment, depending on the reasons to move), you are surely about to wonder – how much is this going to cost me? That’s where a moving expenses checklist fits in – it’s not cheap to move, and you want to make sure your move is a good investment rather than an uncontrollable expense.
How much this is going to cost you depends on many factors such as the mileage, weight, and size of your move. But, either way, it won’t be cheap – prices Bay Area moving companies charge for local moves range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. And the more you plan, and the earlier you start planning – the better and cheaper it is. So, let’s make a moving-out expenses checklist right away.
Is There a Checklist for Moving?
There sure is! And you have different kinds of checklists to make when relocating. Make a to-do list first with all the things that should be done relating to the move. Then you can also make a packing list to make sure you don’t forget some of the most commonly forgotten things to pack. And last but certainly not least is the list of moving expenses. This should include each and every expense related to your transition into a new home. These costs add up, so you have to make a relocation expenses list to make sure you stay on your budget.
How Much Should I Budget for Moving Expenses?
That really depends on what kind of move you are looking at. Will you be using the services of a Bay Area moving company? What services do you intend to use? Will you want your items professionally packed or just transported in a truck? Do you intend to rent a storage unit? All of this, including the distance between your old and new home and the weight of the load factor into the total cost of relocating. You will also have to spend some money on packing supplies, cleaning, and other things. All in all, expect that you will spend several hundred to a couple of thousand of dollars altogether.
How Do You Calculate Moving Costs?
How do you do it? Well, first, you should take into consideration every expense associated with relocating and see how much you can afford to spend. Figure out what kind of services you need, what home-related costs you should cover, and what additional fees you may encounter. Also, if you start on time, you may even be able to save a buck. We are here to help you figure out just what kind of things you will be required to pay but also to introduce some relocation hacks and tell you how to save money during relocation to some of the best places to live in the Bay Area.
What Are Some Typical Moving in Costs?
There are several things to factor in your relocation cost checklist. First and foremost is considering if you will move on your own or hire local movers in Bay Area. While people usually think that hiring movers is more expensive, it doesn’t have to be, especially for a local move, and if you choose the right ones.
If you DIY your move and hire a truck – you might spend more money as you will need insurance, more time, and you may even end up damaging something or hurting yourself in the process. This is definitely something you should ponder upon early on and not wait too long to decide if you want to move efficiently.
Transportation – Gas and Fees
If you decide to rent a truck, chances are you will be paying for gas. Depending on where you are coming from and where you are going, you may even have to pay some tolls along the way. That is for the truck but also for your family car or cars. Here’s where you can calculate how much you will spend on gas. If you are on a San Francisco moving journey and you don’t have a car, check our tips on how to get around San Francisco without a car.
Put Bay Area Movers on Your Moving Expenses Checklist
It’s crucial that you don’t wait too long before you decide whether or not you will use the services of a moving company in the Bay Area. By hiring a relocation company, you will be able to mitigate the relocation stress as there aren’t many items movers won’t move, and they will be able to handle most relocation tasks for you. Besides the residential relocation services, you can also choose packing services.
That way, you won’t have to deal with the issues like how to pack plates or how to pack books – experts will handle that for you, and you will be sure your items will arrive at your new home safely and smoothly. Contact us if you want a free estimate of the price for any service we offer – that way, you will be able to budget accordingly and see what kind of service or sets of services you can use.
Figure Out if You Will Require Storage Services
During this period, not everything will run smoothly, and that’s something to keep in mind and prepare for in advance. When does your current lease expire, and will you be able to move into your new home in some of the Bay Area towns right away? Do you have enough time and space at your hands, or will you need to rent a storage space?
Renting a storage unit is a good option for those running out of space or time; however, you will have to pay for storage rental and in-and-out-of storage service to transport your belongings. This is yet another thing you should figure out early on and budget accordingly. Ask around various companies and places for storage options, and take the one that’s best for your type of relocation and your budget. Or donate some clothes or furniture, so you don’t have to rent a storage unit at all.
Budget for Deposits for Your New Home
If you are about to be renting, get familiar with San Francisco tenants’ rights and get ready for some house-related costs. You will likely be asked to submit a deposit for your apartment and a first month’s rent. You may also face fees for hooking up your utilities at the new place, and if you are relocating with pets, you might even be looking at a pet deposit.
These are some things you should discuss with your landlord before you sign the lease and definitely something you should keep in mind when doing your finances. On the upper side – if you have been renting until now, you may even get your deposit back, so you won’t have to worry about these extra charges.
Repairs, Renovations & Maintenance
When it comes to the house you are currently residing in and about to leave – whether you own it or rent it, chances are it will require some maintenance work, repairs, or perhaps even renovations done. If you are renting – you will want that deposit back, and if you are selling it – you will want a higher price.
That’s when you will turn to repairs and renovations, and those come at a price. Then you have the new place you are about to settle in – maybe it will also require some work done before you can. Maybe you will also want to paint the walls or add hardwood floors or even refurbish it a bit. It is all up to you, so have this on a piece of paper, see how much you can afford to spend, and don’t let it get out of control.
Real Estate Expense
Some other costs related to your house and getting a house are the real estate agent in San Francisco fees. These make a significant chunk when buying a property, so it’s best to choose an agency carefully and ask for recommendations beforehand. If you are renting, you can go around using an agency or an agent by simply apartment hunting on your own.
Check for classified ads or walk around the neighborhood you would like to live in – there are usually ads and phone numbers taped on building walls or signs. But, you will still have to cover the price of your San Francisco rental application or a background check if any is necessary, so have that in mind, too.
Cleaning Services and Supplies
We may have mentioned that you will have some sprucing up to do before you hand over the keys to the landlord or the new owners. That includes repairs and maintenance work, if any is necessary, but also a lot of cleaning. So, you would have to foot the bill for the cleaning supplies for the entire house, tops to floors. This is another expense ahead of you.
If you are on a tight schedule and still have to pack fragile items or organize how to move your piano, you may want to hire professional cleaners. In that case, you may or may not have to buy the cleaning supplies – that depends on the agency or person you hire, but you will have to pay for the service. Either way, it’s good to figure this out as soon as possible.
Don’t Forget About Packing Supplies
Another thing you should get a hold of early on in the process is packing supplies. Figure out early on how many boxes you will need and what kind so you can get them on time. If you start early, you can order them online from sites like Amazon and save a buck. Besides boxes, you’ll also need packing paper, peanuts, bubble wrap, plastic wrap, scissors, tape, and markers. If you are relocating by yourself, you may also want to borrow other equipment like straps and dollies to get the heavy furniture on the truck easily. If you choose to hire movers in San Francisco, check if boxes and other supplies are included in their fee.
Additional Costs That May Pop Up
Mentioned above are the major factors that contribute to the relocation cost, but relocating is a complex process, and things may pop up along the way. Like, if you are relocating on your own – chances are you will still need your friends to help with the heavy lifting, and you will want to have beer and pizza when they arrive. Or throw a going-away party to show them your appreciation.
On the other hand, if you are hiring movers, you should withdraw some cash for tips. And if you have kids or pets, you should think about sitters and their fees well ahead. Maybe you’ll just require their services on the move day, or maybe you will want them to come over and watch the kids on that big packing day. While small, these things can add up and affect your budget, so it’s best to have them in mind and have control over them from the start.
How to Save Money to Move? Pro Tips
In case you haven’t noticed by now – moves cost money, so it’s only reasonable to assume that most people would like to save a buck in this process. There are tips and tricks you can turn to to make this whole experience cost a little less. And just like with the fees, these cuts also add up, and they can be a great relief on your wallet. So, here’s how and where you can save a buck while relocating.
- Get the boxes for free – Go around the stores, liquor shops, and restaurants and ask if they have some free boxes to spare – they usually do.
- Don’t buy all supplies – Use the things you already have as soft padding, like towels, linen, and T-shirts, instead of paper and bubble wrap.
- Ask your friends to help – Ask your friends to help with the kids or pets and save on sitters’ fees.
- Borrow anything you can – If you are to DIY your move, borrow all the equipment and a truck, if possible, instead of renting.
Golden Bay Relocation Is Here for You
And, that’s a wrap. Hope we have been helpful, and now you have a better understanding of the cost of relocation and how to spend less during this period. If you require our services – we’d be happy to help, and our company does this best. Let us know if you need anything or contact us if you have any questions – our representatives will be more than happy to answer each one and help you have an easy move. We are here for you every step of the way.