Moving to a new state is exciting, but it also means you’ll have a lot to think about and pay for. To make sure you’re ready, it’s important to plan ahead for costs like hiring movers, setting up your new home, and dealing with different living expenses.
In this blog, we’ll cover the top ten things you should budget for when moving to a new state, helping you get settled without any surprises. Keep reading and make sure there isn’t anything you’ve forgotten.
Table of Contents
1. Hiring a Moving Company
When you move to another state, hiring professional movers can be a big expense.
This cost usually covers renting a truck and paying for the movers to load and unload your things.
You might also pay extra for them to pack your stuff. It’s a good idea to ask for price quotes from a few different moving companies so you can find the best deal.
(You can find high quality affordable movers near you by going here)
2. Packing Supplies
You’ll need to buy packing supplies like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap to keep your things secure.
These supplies can add up in cost, but there are some ways to get free supplies.
You can sometimes save money by finding free boxes at local stores or by reusing materials you already have at home.
Here’s a short list of places you can ask for free boxes.
- Fast Food Restaurants
- Liquor Stores
- Chain Food Stores
- Your Work
- Department Store Recycling
3. Travel
Remember to budget for travel expenses such as gas if you’re driving, plane tickets if you’re flying, and any meals or hotel stays during the trip.
Planning your route and booking accommodations in advance can help manage these expenses more effectively.
Opting for lodging a little outside of main towns can help with cost as well as parking a large trailer and are typically more lenient about pets.
4. Insurance
It’s smart to think about getting extra insurance to protect your belongings while they’re being moved.
This insurance covers any damage or loss of items during the move.
Since moving can sometimes be rough on your stuff, paying for this extra protection can give you peace of mind.
5. Vehicle Transportation
If you’re not driving your own car to your new home, you might need to pay for a service to transport it.
Vehicle transport brokers can also be a bit misleading with the upfront cost.
All requests are put into the same database for delivery drivers, and the more flexible you can make your schedule and reasonable you are with the cost, the more likely you will have your vehicle picked up on time.
6. Storage
If your new pad isn’t ready for all your stuff just yet, you might need to stash your belongings in a storage unit for a bit.
Think of it like your stuff going on a little vacation in a safe spot while you sort things out at your new place.
Just remember, storage isn’t free, so add this expense to your moving budget to keep from being surprised later.
7. Utilities
You will often need to set up utilities like water, electricity, and internet.
Sometimes, companies ask for a deposit or a fee to start these services, so make sure to include that in your moving budget.
It’s always a good idea to start this process as soon as you can, most cities will require a maximum of 2 weeks notice.
8. Maintenance
Once you move into your new home, you might find a few things that need fixing or updating to make the place just right.
Whether it’s painting a room, fixing a leaky faucet, or buying a new fridge, these costs can add up.
If you’ve been to your new home, think about what you will need to fix immediately and budget accordingly.
9. Identification
When you arrive you’ll need to update your driver’s license and car registration.
This might involve paying fees for new documents and license plates.
Don’t wait too long, risking getting a ticket can be a financial burden that you definitely don’t want to have to budget for.
10. New Cost of Living
Prices for everyday things tend to fluctuate between states (looking at you CA gas prices).
It’s not a bad idea to do some research on the area where you’re moving and see how much you’ll bee spending.
You also want to check out the job market and try get paid the same or better in your new location.
Easy Moving Done For You
Ready to make your move stress-free? Visit Pricing Van Lines today to find the best deals and services for your moving needs. Whether you’re moving across town or the country, we help you plan efficiently and save money. Get your free quote now and start your journey with confidence!
