Whenever you are planning a move, the first thing you should do is create a moving budget. Most people who move feel they do not have time to set up a budget. However, not being prepared could cost you more in the long run. Small items like new bed sheets or a shower curtain may not seem like all that much but the total bill of buying brand new items for the house can deplete your resources quickly. So before you do anything else regarding the move, it’s best that you first set a budget.

So what are the things that you should include in your budget? Let’s take a look:

1) The Cost of Hiring a Moving Company

Unless you’re planning on overseeing and executing the move by yourself, then hiring a dependable and trustworthy moving company is one of the first things you should allocate money for. Having the professionals handle your move will take a lot off of your shoulders and will help make the process go a lot smoother.

However, there are costs that you need to consider such as the moving fee that includes fuel charges and the labor cost. You should also think about getting insurance for your belongings especially if you have any antiques or heirlooms. As these Henderson movers indicate, some companies may also charge extra for handling and moving heavy furniture.

2) Moving on Your Own

If you elect to move on your own, there is a different set of charges that you have to think of. This includes the truck rental cost, which may vary depending on the size of the truck you are renting, and whether you are driving one-way or returning the vehicle yourself. Also, you have to allot money for the gas. You can ask the rental agency how fuel-efficient their trucks are so that you can budget your gas money accordingly.

Since you are doing the move yourself, you may need to use equipment like a dolly, a loading ramp, furniture covers, and so on, so prepare the money to rent these out.

3) Making a Road Trip to Your New Home

If you are driving your vehicle along with the moving truck, then you must also factor in fuel cost, lodging expenses, meals along the way and so much more. If you are making a cross-country trip, you should get your vehicle thoroughly checked to avoid any mishaps out on the road. This means having its oil, tires, engine and other parts carefully checked by a professional to ensure it can endure a long road trip.

Unless you plan on driving all through the night, you will have to make a stop at a lodge to get some rest. Before making the trip, you should take a look at the options available on the route you’ll be taking and then book using a tool like Expedia to get cheaper rates.

4) Packing Supply Costs

While it’s difficult to estimate just how many boxes or packing tape you’ll need to store and secure all your belongings, you still need to add the cost of packing supplies to the budget. You can try to get boxes for free at grocery or liquor stores or from the moving company, who can provide these for you. You also need to add in wrapping and packing materials such as bubble wrap to protect your breakables. You’ll also need markers and labels so you can easily keep track of what’s inside a box.

If you need storage space at any point during the move, there are plenty of storage companies that you can get in touch with. You can ask for their rates and decide on which one fits your budget like a glove.…