The Hidden Costs of Moving: How to Avoid Them

Moving is different for everyone. So, before you embark on the mission, it is crucial to know what makes moving different and the pitfalls you can avoid to make the process easier and less costly. Several factors make moving a unique experience for everyone. Therefore, know what you need and how to have a stress-free experience. One of the most crucial things is recognizing the hidden costs of moving. That means as you set your budget, make room for the extra costs. Getting an invoice with an amount you did not budget can leave you feeling taken advantage of and ripped off. That is why when using a moving company like Sandhills Moving, ensure they give you a rough idea of how much it will cost you to move. The following are the hidden moving costs and how to avoid them.

Distance

The distance can attract a higher cost of moving. The distance your mover is required to pick up and drop off your stuff influences moving costs. Remember, not many movers factor in the distance when sending a quote. Therefore, the additional cost may come as a surprise. Cross-country and interstate moving cost more than local moving. So, avoid the hidden cost by asking the mover to factor in the distance when estimating the cost.

Timing

Part of moving is picking the best date. However, the day or date you decide to move can have varying costs. For instance, expect to pay more if you are moving on an emergency, end or start of a month, during the weekend, or on public holidays. Additionally, moving during summer will also cost you more. Therefore, don’t assume that the prices remain the same regardless of time, day, or month. It varies depending on when you are traveling. Furthermore, weather conditions like rain and snow could also raise the price. The best thing to do is to be flexible on the moving date and move when not most people are moving.

Special Items

Some movers will include the cost of handling special items in the invoice. For instance, moving oversized and heavy furniture is costlier than moving small and light items. You will also need to pay more if they have to transport valuable and fragile items. Therefore, ensure you ask about the cost of handling special items to avoid surprise charges. It may also be an excellent option to transport valuable items in your car instead.

Packing Supplies

Some people don’t know that the packing supplies that a mover provides come at a cost. You have set aside a budget for moving. However, have you considered the cost of moving blankets, boxes, bubble wraps, and other packing supplies? If you order the suppliers from your mover, be ready to pay more for them. In that case, it is advisable to gather your packing supplies if you don’t wish to pay more. If they must be delivered, ensure they are included in the quote.

Pricing Methods

Most people go for movers with a flat price to have peace of mind. However, not all moving companies use this pricing method—some charge hourly while others consider the weight or volume of your items. Therefore, know how your mover charges and calculate the total cost before moving.

Closing Thoughts!

These are things that add up to the cost of moving. Some appear normal and obvious until you have to pay for them. Therefore, it is crucial to work with your mover to know what and how they charge.