Estimating Moving Costs

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Estimating Moving Costs – The cost of  moving is tough. Estimating what it is going to take to pick up your family and move to another location can be tricky, but it is our aim today to shed some light on this equation for you.

There are a lot of moving parts and variables to this equation, so you will have to adjust for your particular situation. This isn’t going to be super tough, but it is going to require some work and follow through on your part. I know you are up for the challenge.

Estimating Moving Costs

Estimating Moving Costs

Let’s jump right into the crux of the matter and figure out what it is going to take to get you and the family moved. Don’t worry about being exact, you just need to have a close ballpark figure, so you can plan and budget for the excursion. Here are the steps involved in estimating moving cost for you and the family.

Ask a Representative – If you are  fortunate enough to be using a moving company, then ask. Give them your information, answer any questions they may have, and you will have yourself a quote rather quickly. If you are not using a moving service, then continue to follow the steps below.

Estimate Truck & Equipment Needs – To move you will need a truck. This typically means going to a U-Haul or similar like service to rent one of their trucks. Estimate the size of truck you will need and the extra equipment as well. Consider dollies, padding, boxes, trailers, and whatever else you may need. Then get on the phone with these service providers to get pricing.

Labor Cost – Are you hiring people to help you move, getting friends or doing it yourself? Either way, it is going to cost you time or money. The professionals you hire will cost money, but you can call and ask how much. Your friends might do it for free, but you will have to feed them and give them beer. If you are doing it alone, then it will cost you time.

Cost of Moving Family – Everyone may not be traveling in the moving truck. You will have to get the rest of the family to your new destination. Therefore, the cost of their plane, train, or automobile should be included in this section. This is often an overlooked cost.

Lodging and Gas – If you are moving to someplace that will take you  more than a day to get there. Don’t forget about lodging and gas cost. With the price of hotels going up, then you have to keep this in mind. And gas for a large truck is not going to be cheap. Find out how many miles per gallon it gets and do a little calculation.

Food and Entertainment – Long trips take food. You and your family members have to eat. In addition, you might want to sight see or something like that along the way, but that isn’t totally necessary. Either way, you should account for these expenditures the best you can.

Storage Cost – Will any of your items be kept in storage while you are away or moving? Sometimes this is necessary so you can get the bulk of your items moved. This cost should be factored into the cost of your moving expenses. Also, you should factor in the cost of returning to get these items and the number of months/weeks they will be stored.

Temporary Living Cost – If your new place isn’t 100% ready, then you will need to stay somewhere else until it is ready. Be sure to include these cost into your estimating process.

Cost of Storing and Moving Pets – People love their pets and want them to travel in luxury these days, so be sure to account for this expense as well. Maybe the best are just packing up and riding out with you, but you want to be sure you are certain how they are going to be transported.

Overall, moving is a painful process, but if you are prepared it doesn’t have to be the worst thing in your life. Take a little time to plan, get things organized and ready, you will have no trouble moving to your new place. Just make sure you account for as many expenditures as possible and leave some extra petty cash lying around as well. Good luck! - Estimating Moving Costs