Packing Guide
There are so many things to think about when moving! Here's a comprehensive checklist to help you stay on track.
Hidden Packing/Moving Costs
Planning makes a difference when you move.
If you’ve decided to pack, be on the lookout for these sneaky hidden costs.
Take into account less obvious costs of packing and loading:
- What if you run out of moving boxes or packing tape on the very last day of packing? (Anything you have to buy at the last minute might cost more than expected, also hired movers might have to stand around and wait until you return with the needed supplies).
- If you’re taking time off from work to pack your goods, load and drive the truck, unload, and unpack. At best, you’re losing hard-earned vacation time that would just as well-spent playing the slots.
- Food is tremendously appreciated by all workers, and can make a big difference in morale. Consider donuts and coffee in the morning, and sandwiches or pizza for lunch. Provide water throughout the day.
- You might want to tip your movers when the job is finished. You’ll need cash on hand for each individual.
- Heaven forbid, but if you injure yourself while lifting or moving, you could spend quite a lot on medical bills and maybe therapy over years to come.
Budget for additional hidden costs you might rack up while on the road
- Truck insurance, as your auto insurance does not cover rented moving trucks. Rental truck insurance covers damage to the vehicle, not to the contents. Also your homeowners insurance does not cover goods while they’re in transit.
- Remember the cost of gas to your destination for the moving truck and any other vehicles being driven to new location
- If your moving a long distance, add in the other costs of cross-country driving, especially hotels, restaurants. (If your driving the truck, and your spouse is driving the car, you might need two-radios or cell phones when traveling with children, and you might need extra cash on hand for activities to keep them happy during the trip.
More dollars leaking out!!
- If you end up driving a difficult truck or experience less-than-ideal driving conditions, you could be spending more money.
- If you get a moving truck that’s older or poorly maintained, it could take longer to reach your destination and more gas than expected
- A truck in bad repair could break down. You might have to lay out cash for repairs or towing until you get back to the rental company. (Even if they provide a different truck, you would still have to move everything from one truck to another causing a need for manpower, not to mention the risk of damage due to additional handling.p
- A broken-down truck could delay your moving schedule and cost you valuable time. Plus, you might have additional days cost on the rental truck until you get to your destination and time to unload.
You can only do your best to prepare for these kinds of hidden charges/costs. It’s a good idea to put aside extra back-up plans for unforeseen event. Who knows, you might even end up with some unexpected cash left over.