Moving Cost Checklist: What to Budget for When Moving

KEY TAKE-OUTS:

• Moving house involves more than just the purchase price or removalist fees, with cleaning, repairs, utilities, and insurance also adding to the overall cost

• Removalist costs can vary depending on the size of the move, distance, services required, and timing.

• Planning your moving expenses in advance can help you avoid unexpected costs and stay within budget

• There are several simple ways to reduce moving costs, including decluttering, sourcing free boxes, and considering a weekday move.

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The Cost of Moving

Moving into a new home is an exciting time, but it can also come with a range of costs, both big and small. Creating a moving budget can help you keep track of these expenses, avoid unexpected surprises and ensure you don’t overspend.

The overall cost of your move will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your property, the distance you’re moving and whether you choose to hire professional removalists. By planning ahead and budgeting for the various costs involved, you can make the moving process more manageable and financially stress-free.

 

Moving Cost Checklist

1. Incoming or Outgoing Cleaning and Repairs

Whether you’re renting or moving out of a property you own, it’s important to leave the property clean, tidy and in a reasonable condition for the next tenant or new owner.

If you’re short on time, you may want to consider hiring a professional cleaner before you vacate. The cost will generally depend on the size and condition of the property. Alternatively, you can save money by tackling the cleaning yourself — just make sure you allow enough time to complete everything before moving day.

Don’t forget to take care of any minor repairs before you leave. If you’ve caused damage to the property during your time there, you may need to arrange repairs before vacating. This could include patching holes left behind from removing TV brackets, picture hooks or wall-mounted frames.

If you’re moving into a new property, you may also want to have it professionally cleaned before unpacking. While this can be a convenient option, you can save on costs by doing the cleaning yourself. Either way, starting with a clean space can make the moving and unpacking process much easier.

2. Canceling Utility Services and Connecting New Ones For Your New Home

When moving house, it’s easy to overlook your utility services, but organising these early can help you avoid unnecessary costs and ensure everything is ready when you move in.

Once your settlement or moving date is confirmed, contact your electricity, gas and other utility providers to let them know you’re moving. Make sure you arrange a final meter reading and disconnection date so you’re not paying for services after you’ve left the property. It’s a good idea to provide your utility providers with plenty of notice, as some may require advance notice to process your request.

At the same time, remember to arrange connections for your new home. Setting up your electricity, gas, water and internet services ahead of your move can help ensure they’re ready to use when you arrive. The last thing you want after a long day of moving is to discover you have no power or internet!

A little preparation in advance can make the transition between properties much smoother and help you avoid unnecessary interruptions or expenses.

 

3. Home and Contents Insurance

When moving house, don’t forget to review your home insurance arrangements. Contact your existing insurer to cancel your current policy or arrange for your cover to be transferred to your new property. This can help ensure you’re not paying for insurance you no longer need.

It’s also essential to make sure your new home is insured from the day you take possession or move in. Having the appropriate cover in place from the outset can provide peace of mind and protect you against unexpected events or damage.

Moving house is also a great opportunity to shop around and compare your options. Insurance policies, premiums and levels of cover can vary significantly between providers, so take the time to compare policies and make sure you’re getting the right cover for your new home and circumstances.

4. Removalist Costs

For many people, hiring a removalist will be one of the biggest expenses associated with moving house. The cost can vary significantly depending on your individual circumstances and the services you require.

When budgeting for removalists, consider the following factors:

• The amount you’re moving: The volume of furniture and belongings will determine the size of the truck required and the number of removalists needed.
• The distance of the move: The further you’re moving, the more you can expect to pay. Interstate or long-distance moves will cost more than a local move.
• The services you require: Think about how much help you need. A full-service move may include packing, loading, transporting and unpacking your belongings, while a more basic service may simply involve transporting your possessions from one property to another.

It’s always worth shopping around and obtaining several quotes before choosing a removalist. Make sure you understand exactly what is included in the quoted price and ask about any additional fees that may apply, such as charges for stairs, difficult access, heavy items or extended travel distances.

It’s also important to check the removalist’s cancellation and rescheduling policies, including whether any fees apply if your moving date changes. Taking the time to compare your options and understand the costs upfront can help you avoid unexpected expenses on moving day.

 

Hints and Tips to Save You Money!

1. If you have items you no longer need, consider donating them, selling them or arranging a council kerbside collection where available. This can save you the cost and effort of transporting unwanted belongings to the tip, while also reducing the amount you need to move.
2. Before purchasing boxes, check with local supermarkets, retail stores, restaurants or other businesses to see if they have spare boxes they’re willing to give away. You may be surprised by how many boxes you can source for free.
3. If your schedule allows, avoid booking removalists on weekends or during other peak periods. Weekday moves may be more affordable, so ask removalist companies whether they offer different rates depending on the day or time of your move.
4. If you have access to a car, consider transporting smaller boxes and belongings yourself. While this may mean making a few extra trips, it could significantly reduce the amount of time you need to hire removalists.

 

 

The experienced Property & Conveyancing team at Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers can help ensure you understand your land tax obligations.

Contact us on 1300 COUTTS to speak with a property law expert today.