Moving to a new home can be stressful, especially when it comes with unexpected costs.
It’s also a common problem: 53% of Americans who moved in 2023 say their total moving costs were higher than expected, according to a recent survey of 2,000 Americans by Clever Real Estate, a real estate brokerage. .
Based on the results, the approximate median cost of a move is “very close” to $2,000, according to Clever’s data analyst.
Just under two-thirds of movers used a professional moving company. Those who did so were twice as likely as amateur movers to spend at least $2,000.
While hiring professional movers can be expensive, there are also other easily overlooked costs to consider, even if you go DIY. Here’s a look at some of the common reasons people underestimate moving costs and what you can do about it.
Why people spend too much on moving
A third of respondents who have moved in the last year say they did not budget properly for their move.
This suggests that they either underestimated or were not fully aware of the total cost.
Hiring movers is a significant expense: a local move for a three-bedroom house will likely cost between $600 and $1,000, according to an estimate from Consumer Affairs. However, these costs can increase depending on the number of movers needed, the amount of belongings you have, and the distance between homes.
According to the Clever Real Estate study, other often-overlooked professional moving expenses include walking costs, heavy item fees and tips.
Another thing to consider is how long it will take to move. If you pay by the hour, underestimating the time needed could lead to a higher final bill than you expected.
Although professional movers can be expensive, the DIY approach still includes costs such as renting a van, gas and packing supplies. Other moving costs to consider include utility deposits for your new home, appliance or TV installation, moving insurance, and storage space if you’ve staggered the moving schedule. your move.
How to reduce moving costs
If you are hiring movers, try to shop around and get several quotes from moving companies before deciding which one to choose. You can also use these quotes to negotiate a lower cost or discount from your preferred moving company.
When providing information for a quote, you should be as specific as possible about the number of boxes and furniture to be moved. Forgetting to include something like a large TV could result in additional costs in terms of labor and additional packaging materials, since TVs are large and easily damaged.
And to be safe, you may want to allow for a few extra hours of work if you hire a professional mover who charges by the hour. Costly delays may occur.
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