The Hidden Costs of Moving and How to Avoid Them
Moving house can be an exciting milestone, whether you’re upgrading to a bigger space, relocating for work, or downsizing. However, while you may have already accounted for the price of your new home, removal services, and utility setup, there are often a host of hidden costs that can catch you off guard. Understanding these unexpected expenses can help you budget more accurately and avoid unpleasant surprises during your move.
Below, we’ll explore the most common hidden costs of moving and offer practical tips on how to reduce or avoid them.
Packing Supplies
What You Might Overlook: Many people underestimate how much money can be spent on boxes, bubble wrap, tape, and protective covers. Buying these materials brand new can quickly add up, especially for larger households.
How to Avoid It: Start collecting boxes early from supermarkets, local businesses, or friends who have recently moved. Reuse packing materials when possible. Also, consider renting reusable moving crates, which can be a more sustainable and cost-effective option.
Time Off Work
What You Might Overlook: Taking time off for packing, coordinating the move, and settling in can lead to lost income if you’re self-employed or have limited paid leave.
How to Avoid It: Try to plan your move over a weekend or during time off you’ve already booked. If your job offers flexible hours, you may be able to stagger your move over a few days without missing work.
Temporary Storage Costs
What You Might Overlook: Sometimes, the move-out and move-in dates don’t line up perfectly, requiring you to store your belongings temporarily. Storage units can be costly, especially if needed for an extended period.
How to Avoid It: Plan your dates carefully and coordinate with both your current and future landlords or solicitors to avoid overlaps. If storage is unavoidable, compare prices between facilities and look for short-term deals or introductory discounts.
Cleaning Services
What You Might Overlook: End-of-tenancy or pre-move cleaning can be more expensive than expected, particularly if you’re expected to leave your old property in immaculate condition.
How to Avoid It: If you’re renting, check your lease to understand what’s required to get your deposit back. Clean yourself if you have the time and tools, or book services in advance to find better rates.
Utility Transfer and Setup Fees
What You Might Overlook: Setting up or transferring utilities like gas, electricity, internet, and TV subscriptions can come with activation fees, deposits, or cancellation penalties.
How to Avoid It: Call your providers well in advance to notify them of your move and find out if there are fees. Shop around—you may find better deals at your new address and use this opportunity to switch to cheaper or more flexible services.
Insurance Costs
What You Might Overlook: Your contents may not be covered during transit under your existing insurance policy. Moving without the right cover can be risky.
How to Avoid It: Speak with your home insurance provider to see what is covered and whether you need a temporary moving insurance policy. If using a removals company, confirm they are insured for damage or loss during the move.
Meals and Convenience Costs
What You Might Overlook: When your kitchen is packed away or you’re too busy to cook, the cost of eating out or ordering takeaways can stack up.
How to Avoid It: Plan ahead with pre-cooked meals, snacks, and drinks. Keep a few kitchen essentials unpacked so you can make simple meals during the transition.
Unexpected Repairs
What You Might Overlook: Leaving your old property or moving into a new one might reveal last-minute repairs—like filling holes, replacing broken fixtures, or dealing with damage from moving furniture.
How to Avoid It: Inspect both properties thoroughly in advance. Budget a small contingency fund to cover quick fixes and avoid deposit deductions if you’re renting.
Vehicle Costs and Fuel
What You Might Overlook: Fuel costs, van hire, or multiple trips can significantly increase your expenses, especially if moving a long distance.
How to Avoid It: Try to move everything in as few trips as possible. Consider hiring a larger vehicle or a professional mover who can accommodate all your belongings in one go. Compare moving company quotes carefully to avoid surprise add-on fees.
Childcare and Pet Care
What You Might Overlook: On moving day, it can be stressful to manage children and pets while trying to coordinate logistics.
How to Avoid It: Arrange for a friend, family member, or professional sitter to help care for children or pets during the busiest parts of your move. This can save time, reduce stress, and prevent accidental injuries or escapes.
Final Thoughts
While it’s easy to budget for big-ticket items like moving vans or deposits, it’s the smaller, unexpected costs that often throw people off. By understanding and preparing for these hidden expenses, you can ensure your move is as smooth, stress-free, and affordable as possible.
The key is to plan early, compare providers, and stay organised. With the right preparation, you can focus on the excitement of starting a new chapter in your life—without getting caught out by unexpected costs.
Dear Mr Peters Just a few lines to say thank you for all your help moving my furniture to Nice in the South of France. A very polite and professional team collected and more importantly delivered and unloaded in Nice on time and with no damage. I have no hesitation in recommending your company. Thanks again to all your team. Mr C Davies
