Simpson
People move for all different reasons, and it’s a very emotional experience for many. One minute you may feel excited, and the next, nervous. As you pack and the date nears, you’ll undoubtedly feel stressed. No one wants to feel burnt out before they relocate, so some people hire a moving company.
After all, you have to settle into your new home and unpack all of your belongings. Since it’s rare to make a drastic move on a whim, you’ll have to plan for the process, including costs. Not only will you spend money, but you’ll also expend time and energy.
Moves can be expensive and confusing at the same time. As you prepare and pack, you already have a ton of things on your mind. We’re here to help you figure out how moving costs are determined. You can save time by having the information you need in one place.
How Far You Have To Move
The distance of your relocation plays a major role in determining moving costs. Your new home may be local or in another part of the country. The farther away you go, the higher moving costs will be.
For self-moves, many people use their own vehicle or rent a truck. You need to account for gas, mileage, and wear and tear if you drive your car. These factors will help you determine moving costs. Companies that offer rental trucks often lay out the rates and fees for mileage in a contract.
Different areas of the country vary in living expenses, which can affect the cost of your move. Cities tend to have higher prices than relocating to a rural area in the United States. You also need to plan for expenses after you move, like utilities, taxes, etc.
Generally, local moves cost approximately $1,250 while long-distance moves run around $5,000. These prices are estimates if you hire a professional company. Moving costs less if you decide to take on the task yourself.
How Much You Have To Move
After you pack up all of your belongings, move the items to one area of your home. Some moving companies charge based on the square footage of the space your items take up. The more things you have, the higher the costs will be.
Some moving companies will charge based on the weight of your belongings. Heavy furniture or boxes will cost you more because of the labor required to lift them. You can disassemble items, but the weight will be the same. Some people sell larger items before moving to make the loads lighter.
If you need help packing, hiring professionals can cost quite a bit of money. How much you have will determine moving costs. The longer it takes the company to pack your items, the more you’ll pay.
What Type of Moving Service Do You Need?
There are many different types of moving services available to choose from. You can do some of the work or hire a company to do everything from start to finish. Moving costs are more expensive if you need full service. Make sure to choose a moving company that is in your city. For example, if you live in Plano, Texas you should hire a Plano moving company.
Another option is hiring professionals to pack your items if you don’t want to bear the burden. Make sure that the moving company you choose offers packing services. Be aware that if you’re picky, professionals work quickly, and you may not like their work.
What’s the distance of your move? How far apart your old and new homes are will impact costs. Moving farther away will use more fuel, take longer, and may include toll roads. You may also need a storage unit if you have too much stuff or have to wait to get into your new place.
After assessing your needs, determine if you need a moving company or only a moving van. Hiring professionals for any step of the process increases relocation costs. A moving company is ideal for longer distances if your budget allows it.
Seasonality of Your Move
The time of year is another major factor that determines moving costs. Rates increase, and you pay more money when it’s busier. Prices for renting a truck or hiring a moving company cost more depending on when you relocate.
Moving is the most expensive during the summer months due to the high demand. Companies get busy during this peak season, especially on weekends. Families often wait for the school year to be over, and college kids move in the summer.
Winter sees the least amount of people moving and has the lowest costs because of the weather. You can face obstacles depending on the location and distance of the trip. Cold temperatures, snow, and ice can cause delays or accidents.
The ideal times to move are during the spring and the fall because of the weather. In many places, it’s not too hot or cold. Moving costs during these seasons have price ranges in the middle.
Save on Your Next Move
Moving is a grueling yet rewarding experience when all is said and done. Now that you know what impacts the costs, you can plan. Figure out a budget and what moving services are in your price range. You can hire professionals to do everything, do all the work on your own, or combine both.
Get quotes from different moving companies and read reviews that are available online. Ask questions and find out what is included in their agreements. You don’t want to be caught off guard with hidden fees when you move.
Determine the costs of moving based on your needs and how many items you have. When you consider the above factors, you can estimate expenses. Having a budget and knowing what you can afford will help you choose the right moving company.
