Moving house is exciting – a fresh start! But one thing many people don’t consider are the hidden costs that can sneak up and completely disrupt your budget. In this article we’ll take a look at 5 unexpected expenses that might come your way when moving and settling into your home and offer some ways to plan for them.
1. Hidden Fees from Removal Companies
While most reputable removal companies are transparent about their pricing, some may have hidden fees or additional charges that can sneak up on you.
How to Avoid:
- Choose a Reputable Company – Research and choose a reputable removals company (https://www.schepens.co.uk/) with great reviews, and a track record of transparency.
- Get Detailed Quotes – Request detailed quotes from multiple removal companies that outline all the associated costs, including surcharges, insurance, and any other additional fees.
- Read the Fine Print – Carefully look over the terms and conditions of your chosen removal company’s contract to avoid any hidden charges.
2. Unexpected Cleaning Costs
You might be planning to clean your old home before you move but look out for cleaning costs that could trip you up, like cleaning carpets or removing long-forgotten stains from floors or worktops. Additionally, your new home may need more cleaning than anticipated, especially if it’s been vacant for a while.
How to Avoid:
- Do the Cleaning Yourself – For the cheapest option, prepare a few weeks or months in advance of your move to tackle the cleaning yourself.
- Hire a Professional Cleaning Team – Consider hiring a professional cleaning company to do the heavy lifting.
- Consider a Move-In Cleaning Service – A move-in cleaning service will take care of everything to help get your new home squeaky-clean.
3. Storage Costs
If you’re downsizing or your new home isn’t quite ready yet, you may need to store some of your belongings. Storage costs can add up fast, especially for long term storage.
How to Avoid:
- Sell or Donate Your Unwanted Goods – Declutter in the months before you move to reduce storage needs.
- Rent a Storage Unit – If you only need temporary storage, consider renting a storage unit in your area.
- Choose a Removal Company That Offers Self-Storage – Some removal companies offer self storage services which can be rolled into the move. This is a convenient option and is often more cost effective.
4. Plumbing Problems
One of the more unpleasant surprises that can happen during or after a move is unforeseen plumbing issues. From minor leaks to major pipe bursts, they can get out of hand fast.
How to Avoid:
- Pre-Move Inspection – Before the move, have a plumbing company (https://simplyplumbing.net/) identify any issues and fix them before they become a problem.
- Protect Appliances During Transport – Be extra careful when moving appliances such as washing machines to avoid damaging pipes.
- Clear Your Drains – Before you move out of your old home, try using a plunger or drain snake to clear any clogs in sinks, toilets, and showers.
5. Landscaping and Garden Costs
Settling into a new home may also come with adjusting to a new outdoor space. Whether you have a garden or a balcony, there are costs associated with maintaining and improving your outdoor area.
How to Avoid:
- Research Local Landscapers – Before you move, find a local landscaper (https://trustedlandscaper.co.uk/) that can help provide a quote on landscaping in your new area.
- DIY Landscaping – If you’re handy in the garden, you can always save some money by doing some of the landscaping yourself!
- Plan for Plant Transportation – If you’re going to be bringing plants to your new home, consider the cost of packing and transporting them safely, especially for large, rare or more delicate ones.
Moving Expense Budgeting Tips
- Make a Detailed Budget – Break down your moving costs into categories such as transportation, storage, and cleaning.
- Have a Contingency Budget – Put aside a portion of your moving budget for unexpected costs.
- Shop Around – Get quotes from multiple removal companies, storage facilities and cleaning services to find the best deals.
- DIY Where You Can – To save a bit of money, consider carrying out any packing and cleaning yourself.
- Keep It Organised – Keep track of all your outgoing expenses to avoid overspending.
By knowing these 5 hidden costs, you can be prepared to tackle any financial surprises that may arise and take action to minimise them! Remember, leaving plenty of time to plan in advance goes a long way for a stress-free move.
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