The top hidden costs of moving into a new home (and how you can save)
The top hidden costs of moving into a new home (and how you can save)
Moving can get incredibly expensive, really fast. There are certain things you know you’re going to have to spend on when planning to move (like boxes and movers), but there are also some things that can often just creep up on you as fees that you hadn’t planned on paying during the process. And even if you have planned on them, they can often cost more than you previously anticipated.
So, here are some of the most common “hidden costs” when it comes to moving to a new house. And more importantly, tips on how to save major bucks when (and if) they happen to rear their ugly heads!
Painting
Why?
Painting fees can make up a large chunk of your moving budget, both for the new home you’re planning to move into, as well as your current resident (if needed). For example – moving out of an apartment where you’ve painted the walls to your liking? You’ll more than likely need to paint those walls back to white before you leave, or risk losing your security deposit (or being billed). Likewise, if white walls aren’t your thing, you’re going to want to paint your new walls. This can either be done yourself, or by hiring a painting company (although the fee differential might vary quite a bit here). Either way, be sure you’re accounting for any additional painting costs that you might have to spend during the move.
How to save
As mentioned above, there’s a big price difference between painting yourself and hiring a company. If you’re lookin to save money, give it a shot yourself. Likewise, when you head to the hardware store to purchase paints, know that people often send back their high quality, custom-mixed colors because the end product was slightly off from the original color they wanted it to match. These colors are then often clearanced out. So, why not take a look at these custom mixes to see if there’s something you like, and that you can get for substantially less?
Professional house cleaning
Why?
You may need a house cleaner to work their magic on the home that you’re moving out of. After all, with a miles long to-do list, they can take this large item off your plate. But, you may also need to hire a professional cleaner for your new house as well. Why? Well, especially if the home that you’re moving into as been previously occupied, the idea of disinfecting the entire place (like inside cabinets, on doorknobs, etc.) could be a large task. Having someone come to help you with that is great, but just keep in mind that it will incur an additional fee (potentially, oen you weren’t planning for).
How to save
If hiring a house cleaner is the right path for you, try hiring an independent contractor instead of a large cleaning company. Often, their prices are lower, and it can be really great to build a relationship with the individual cleaning your home (especially if you plan to use them over and over again).
Takeout
Why?
With all of your belongings in boxes (including kitchenware), finding the time and tools needed to cook dinner probably isn’t going to be possible. So, the next best option is some delicious takeout or even eating at a nearby restaurant. This is often forgotten while calculating a moving budget, but can definitely get pricey quickly. Remember to factor this in for multiple meals, and for as long as it will take for you to get situated enough to eat at home.
How to save
Consider buying some super easy, grabbable meals to put in your fridge right away. Think staples like sandwich fixins, microwavable meals, or even a rotisserie chicken and some ready-made sides. By investing in a few of these for your fridge, you can definitely save money eating out and ordering in.
Pet or childcare
Why?
Moving, especially if you’re the one doing most of it yourself, requires paying attention to the job at hand. That means that having any small kiddos around may not be the best idea, since moving can be filled with hazards. With that being said, you may have to arrange for childcare while you’re doing the brunt of your moving tasks. This same sentiment can also apply to pets, especially cats or dogs that can run away when there’s an open door, or get skittish around all of the action. These can be additional costs that you simply didn’t plan on.
How to save
When it comes to your kiddos, schedule your childcare during the most hectic days or times that you’re moving. If you know there are going to be times when your kids won’t get completely bored out of their minds (like after a tv has been installed), you can save money by keeping them with you during those times, and hiring a sitter when that’s not an option.
When it comes to pets, find someone in your neighborhood that wouldn’t mind hanging out with your kitten or pup for a few hours while you get your move on. Paying them may be cheaper than boarding your pets, and there may be a neighborhood child or teen that would be up to the task.
Utility deposits
Why?
In many cases, utility deposits are waived or not needed. But in some instances, you may have to pay a deposit to get your utilities turned on in your new home. While the cost may vary, it can definitely be an unexpected fee that, when added to your long list of moving costs, can hurt.
How to save
Ask your utility companies if there is anything you can do to decrease or eliminate your deposit amount. Sometimes, this can be done by enrolling in things like automatic payment programs, debiting your monthly charge directly from your bank account every month. Often, there will be options you didn’t know about, or ways that they can work with you to make things easier.
Moving can really put a strain on our wallets, but by knowing all of your options (and padding your budget for when these unexpected costs pop up), you and your family can avoid being blindsided. At the end of the day, the biggest money saver of them all is to ensure you are prepared, have thought through all the potential costs, and have your finances ready for this new chapter and home expense.
