Category : Moving Tips

Countless people rely on the help of professional moving crews to make their days easier. Being a movers entails lots of hard work, heavy lifting, and patience, and that’s why they often get tips. So, do you tip movers when they load or unload?

Ideally, you should tip movers after they unload and are ready to leave your home for the day. That way, their hands will be free and they won’t be busy moving your belongings. This also gives you a chance to assess their performance when you consider how much you should tip them.

Movers aren’t guaranteed tips, but it’s customary to tip them because of the nature of their work. People often tip at least $10 per person per hour for simple moves, and more for complex, long-distance moves. Follow along as we highlight when and how to tip your movers to show your appreciation.

When Should You Tip Movers?

The best time to tip movers is after they’re done unloading your belongings. Ideally, you should wait until they’re ready to leave your home and head back to their facility. Some people tip movers while they’re loading, which is quite kind.

However, this is when movers are the busiest, so it may distract them. Keep in mind that they may not have a free hand or pocket to accept your tip during this time. Moving crews typically chat with customers before leaving for the day.

This is the best chance to offer them a tip as they’re done working. Simply thank them for their hard work and offer a cash tip to compensate them.

Why Do You Tip Movers?

It’s customary to tip movers because it is a hard job that requires lots of work. Movers work long hours and take great measures to ensure your belongings are safe. Long-distance movers often must leave their homes for up to a few days to haul your belongings to your new home.

Even local moves require hours of heavy lifting and assembling furniture. It’s a rewarding job because it’s a service that countless people require. However, you must consider why you hired movers in the first place.

Many people hire movers because they need help moving all their belongings. Others hire movers because of limited schedules and physical limitations. It’s worth tipping movers to show appreciation for their hard work as they helped you with something that would otherwise be hard.

Do You Tip Movers Separately?

Many people tip movers separately to ensure they each get a fair share of the tip. Granted, this can sometimes be hard if you’re dealing with a large moving crew. In that case, it helps to keep track of everyone to ensure you can tip each of them.

Some people tip the foreman of the moving crew out of convenience. This is acceptable as well, but it’s worth doing it in front of at least one other person. That way, you can make sure the foreman will evenly distribute each person’s share of the tip.

How Much Should You Tip Movers?

Many people tip each mover $20 for local moves and $40 or more for long-distance moves. However, there is no ironclad rule as moves vary when it comes to duration and difficulty. For example, you may only tip $5 to $10 per person per hour for a simple move.

This is appropriate for a studio apartment or 1-bedroom move that only takes 1 to 2 hours. Some people find it easier to base their tip on a percentage of the cost of the move. People typically tip at least 5% when going based on a percentage.

However, many people tip up to 15% to 20% of the cost of the move. This is especially fair for full-service movers and long-distance moves. It’s also common to tip the truck driver slightly more, tipping $50 to $100 for a long drive.

What to Consider When You Tip Movers

When tipping movers, it’s important to consider how difficult your move is. Nobody will blame you if you give a small tip for a simple move without much furniture. That’s especially true if it only takes 2 hours from start to finish.

However, it’s worth tipping $10 or more per person per hour for difficult moves. For example, moving a 4-bedroom house can take 6 to 10 hours or more in some cases. That entails 6 to 10 hours of packing, disassembling furniture, moving boxes, and traveling.

It’s important to consider that moving crews must repeat this process when they get to your new home. That’s especially true with full packing and unpacking services. Other services, like white-glove service, are also physically demanding and worth considering when you tip.

How Much to Tip Movers for a Half-Day

It’s common to tip movers $25 to $40 per person for a half-day of work. That comes out to $10 per hour in most cases, which is a fair tip. Even a half-day still requires hours of hard work and moving heavy objects without many breaks.

Is it Rude Not to Tip Movers?

It’s not necessarily rude if you opt out of tipping your movers. This is a personal choice based on how much value you think the movers provide. There’s no denying that movers work hard, but it’s up to you to decide if tipping them is worth it.

For example, some people forego tipping movers if they feel the movers did a bad job. Making mistakes is one thing, but damaging walls, floors, and several pieces of furniture is another. In that case, nobody will likely blame you for not tipping your movers.

Some renters and homeowners also consider the attitude of the moving crew when they tip them. For example, rude or mean-spirited movers may put a damper on your day. Tensions can run high during difficult moves, so keep that in mind. However, there’s no excuse for your movers to be mean to you.

Hardworking Movers You Can Trust

At Optimum Moving, we take pride in our carefully assembled team of professional movers. Our trust in them is as strong as their performance, and that has kept us working for over a decade. Call Optimum Moving at (855) 315-6683 to set up a consultation and make your move go smoothly.

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It’s easy to feel overwhelmed while planning a move. That’s why many renters and homeowners alike spend extra for a full-service move. So, how much do full-service movers cost?

Hiring full-service movers typically costs at least $2,000, but it varies based on home size. A full-service move for a 1-bedroom apartment costs $550 to $4,500 or more depending on if it is local or long-distance. However, a long-distance full-service move can cost up to $15,000 when moving across the country.

Services like full packing, unpacking, and furniture assembly are included in the cost of a full-service move. Follow along as we explore how much full-service movers cost and highlight key cost factors.

How Much Does a Full-Service Move Cost?

You can expect to spend at least $2,000 on a full-service move, or $1,000 to $15,000. The wide cost range may be confusing, but it’s based on many factors, such as:

Home Size

Home size is one of the biggest cost factors for full-service movers. Bigger homes naturally have more belongings, such as furniture, art, and bedroom sets. That’s why moving from a 4-bedroom house is more expensive than moving from a studio apartment.   

For example, the items in a 1-bedroom apartment may weigh 1,800 pounds while a 3-bedroom home often weighs 7,000 pounds. Keep in mind that there is no ironclad rule regarding shipping weight based on home size. Instead, moving companies employ their consultants to figure out how much the belongings in your home roughly weigh.

Sometimes, this comes from an estimate based on the type and volume of your belongings. In other cases, the crew may weigh the empty truck and weigh it again once it’s loaded. The chart below highlights the typical price ranges for full-service moves based on home size. Note that the low-end prices are local moves and high-end prices are long-distance

Home Size	Price Range
1	$550-$4,500
2-3	$670-$10,000
4-5	$1,400-$14,000
5+	$3,500-$15,000

Local

Local full-service moves are naturally cheaper than long-distance moves. Moving companies have different criteria for what they consider a local move. For example, some moving companies consider 50 miles the cutoff for a local move whereas others consider 100 the local move cutoff.

A 4-bedroom full-service move typically starts at $1,400 for a local move within 100 miles. Once you reach 250 miles, the cost jumps to $2,500 or more, on average. The higher cost comes from mileage, fuel costs, tolls, and labor.

A local full-service move can take as little as 3-5 hours depending on the size of your home. That’s especially true if you move between 15 and 50 miles away. However, your move may take at least 6 hours if you have a 3-4-bedroom home with a large shipping weight.

Long-Distance

You can expect to spend between $1,500 and $15,000 on a long-distance full-service move. For example, a 2-3-bedroom full-service move within 250-500 miles costs $3,5000. The price quickly increases once you exceed 500 miles, and you can spend up to $8,500 if the shipping weight is high.

Long-distance moves sometimes entail covering boarding costs for the moving crew. This is often necessary for big moves between 500 and 2,500 or more miles. Doing so can add hundreds of dollars to the price of your full-service move.

Keep in mind that long-distance moves don’t automatically cost a fortune. You can spend as little as $1,500 on a full-service move within 100 miles, which many companies consider long-distance.

What Do Full-Service Movers Do?

Full-service movers handle every part of a move. This gives homeowners plenty of time to organize their belongings and tie up loose ends. Full-service movers offer useful several services, such as:

Furniture Disassembly and Assembly

Taking furniture apart and putting it back together is one of the most annoying parts of moving. Luckily, you don’t have to worry about doing that if you hire full-service movers. Furniture disassembly and assembly are included in the cost of full-service movers.

Granted, you can take some of your furniture apart before the crew arrives if you want to save time. However, it’s worth letting them assemble your belongings upon arrival. This doesn’t add to the cost, and it gives you time to organize your belongings.

Full Packing

Full packing is one of the most desirable moving services that full-service movers offer. Many people don’t have time to pack their belongings before a big move. This is understandable while balancing work and life, and that’s why full-packing services are so popular.

The moving crew will arrive at your home and start packing your belongings. This typically occurs on the day of the move. In that case, the moving crew will arrive several hours earlier than they otherwise would.

However, full-packing services sometimes begin the day before a move. That may be necessary if you have a large home with 4 or more bedrooms and lots of belongings. The cost of the packing supplies the movers use is also included in a full-service move.

Unpacking

The unpacking service is just as useful as the packing service. Full-service movers will unpack your belongings and follow your directions. Many moving crews will unpack the boxes in the room in which you intend your belongings to go.

This can save you hours, and it’s one of the most convenient parts of a full-service move. Keep in mind that you can always request to unpack your belongings without their help if you’d prefer that.

Loading and Transportation

What would a full-service move be if the crew didn’t pack and transport your belongings? The moving crew will carefully arrange and load your boxes and furniture after packing them. Full-service movers are experienced and use ratchet straps and dollies to protect your belongings.

While transportation is included, distance ultimately affects the cost of a full-service move. However, that price is typically dictated during the consultation process for a fixed-rate move.

Once they arrive at your new home, they will carefully unload your belongings. The moving crew will also dispose of your used packing materials and boxes as needed.

Full-Service Movers You Can Trust

At Optimum Moving, we handle every aspect of moving as full-service movers. Full-service moving comes in handy for people with busy lives and work schedules as well as families. We handle full-service moves within New Jersey and New York and help people move across the country. Call Optimum Moving at (855) 315-6683 to schedule your full-service move.

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Getting ready to move makes it difficult to balance everything else going on in your life. It’s even hard to focus on important details of your move, such as timing and budgeting. So, how much do movers cost for a 2-bedroom apartment?

Moving from a 2-bedroom apartment costs $450 to $3,000 for local moves and $2,500 to $5,000 for long-distance moves. Additional services like full packing add at least $100 to the cost of moving. You can also expect to spend up to 2% of the value of your belongings on a premium insurance plan that entails full coverage.

Make sure to ask about additional charges, such as stairway and elevator fees. Luckily, it’s easy to understand the cost breakdown of your move during the consultation process. Follow along as we explore how much movers charge for a 2-bedroom apartment.

2-Bedroom Apartment Moving Cost Factors

1. Distance

The distance between your current home and future home is the biggest cost factor when moving from a 2-bedroom apartment. Local moves within 50 miles are quite affordable and cost $450 to $3,000. However, you will likely pay around the average $1,250 for a local 2-bedroom apartment move if the shipping weight is low.

Professional movers typically charge $0.50 to $0.80 per mile for local moves. You may spend as little as $22 on gas for a local move depending on how close your new home is. Naturally, long-distance moves cost more because of the additional mileage and labor.

The standard price range for a long-distance 2-bedroom apartment move is $2,500 to $5,000. However, moving across the country can cost up to $10,000. Long-distance moves entail toll fees, travel time, labor, and sometimes even boarding costs.

2. Volume of Belongings

The volume of your belongings accounts for how much you must pay for the shipping weight. Naturally, having more furniture and belongings adds to the shipping weight when moving. Your belongings likely weigh between 3,500 and 5,000 pounds as that’s the standard range for a 2-bedroom apartment.

However, minimalists may only have 2,000 pounds worth of furniture and belongings. During the consultation, the moving company will assess your belongings and approximate their weight. This is one of the biggest factors to help provide a cost estimate.

3. Moving Services

Moving services like furniture disassembly, TV installation, full packing, and insurance add to the cost of your move. You can save money if you forego moving services, but they make moving much easier. For example, full packing comes in handy if you are busy working and tying up loose ends before moving.

Depending on how much stuff you have, full packing can add $100 to $4,500 to the cost of your move. However, it typically comes closer to the low end of the range in a 2-bedroom apartment. Furniture disassembly and assembly typically add at least $110 to the cost.

Premium moving insurance costs 1% to 2% of the value of the belongings being moved. The more you move without help, the less you’ll spend on insurance and shipping weight. You can also save money if you disassemble your furniture and pack your belongings without help.

4. Accessibility

Accessibility is a big factor when it comes to apartment buildings. That’s because many apartment buildings have elevators, stairways, and tight hallways. Such obstacles can make a move somewhat difficult, and they add to the cost of moving.

A single stair set is sometimes included in the cost of moving, but you must pay more for additional stairways. Some moving companies charge $50 to $200 per stairway depending on its size, layout, and condition. You may also be charged for the distance between the truck and the apartment itself.

This is mostly a big cost factor in cities and areas with limited parking. For example, the moving crew may not be able to park near the building if they cannot reserve parking. In some cases, you must also pay to reserve elevator space.

5. Labor

Labor is an important cost factor whether moving from a 2-bedroom apartment or a 5-bedroom house. Moving companies offer both hourly rates and flat rates to their customers. Flat rates entail paying one price that is determined before your moving day.

Conversely, hourly rates are based on how long your move takes on the big day. Some people prefer flat rates because they want to know how much they’re going to spend on their move. However, hourly rates are also quite popular for 2-bedroom apartment moves because they often take 3-5 hours.

That said, you may spend less with an hourly rate if your move takes less time than they estimated. For example, the crew may move quickly if your boxes and furniture are already packed and ready to go. Moving crews often charge $175 to $225 per hour. There is no ironclad rule for which option is cheaper as unpredictable factors like traffic can affect how long a move takes.

When is the Cheapest Time to Move Into an Apartment?

The cheapest time to move into a 2-bedroom apartment is between fall and the end of winter. This is considered the off-season for movers, so you can often find affordable rates. Off-season moves are often 15% to 30% cheaper because of availability.

Conversely, June through August is the worst time to move into an apartment. This is peak move-in time because of the weather and the extra free time many people have. No matter when you book your move, you will likely pay extra if you schedule it last minute.

Last-minute moves are 35% more expensive, on average, are at least 20% more expensive. You may even spend 50% more if you book a move within days or weeks of your moving day. Call a moving company 60 to 90 days before moving to save money and get more scheduling freedom.

Call Optimum Moving to Schedule a Prompt and Easy Move

At Optimum Moving, we have helped New Jersey residents move from homes of all sizes. Moving to and from a 2-bedroom apartment comes with unique challenges that we have a wealth of experience with. This lets us quickly plan and maneuver around tight stairways, hallways, and elevators as needed.

We also have great relationships with many apartment buildings throughout New Jersey and New York City alike. This helps us reserve elevator space and reserve truck parking to make your move go as smoothly as possible. Call Optimum Moving at (855) 315-6683 and we will plan your 2-bedroom apartment move.

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Moving across the country provides an even mixture of excitement and stress. That’s because it’s a huge commitment, both practically and financially. So, what is the average cost to move across the country?

The average cost to move across the country is $4,500, but it varies based on distance and shipping weight. For example, moving from the East Coast to California typically costs between $6,500 and $12,000 for a home with 2 or more bedrooms. Additional costs like insurance, moving services, and the time of year affect the cost of your cross-country move.

You may also need to pay extra for storage or shipping your car if you don’t plan to drive to your destination. Ideally, you should move during fall and winter to save at least 20% on your long-distance move. Follow along as we explore how much it costs to move across the country.

How Much Does it Cost to Move Across the Country?

Moving across the country typically costs between $2,000 and $15,000. There is no ironclad rule and price for how much cross-country moves. That’s because moving companies use several key factors to determine the cost of a long-distance move, such as:

Location

The distance between where you are, and your future location is critical when budgeting a cross-country move. A cross-country move entails traveling hundreds of miles with thousands of pounds of items. Factors such as mileage, fuel, labor, and travel expenses affect the cost of your long-distance move.

For example, moving from New Jersey to California entails traveling thousands of miles and costs roughly $6,500 to $12,000. Cross-country moves sometimes entail paying tolls and room and board for the moving crew. It depends on the distance and how long the move takes.

Distance	Price Range
New Jersey to California	$6,500-$12,00
New Jersey to Utah	$4,500-$11,000
New Jersey to Florida	$2,000-$8,500
New Jersey to Nebraska	$3,500-$15,000

Shipping Weight

A moving company cannot provide an accurate price estimate until they approximate the shipping weight. Moving companies typically calculate shipping weight based on home size and the volume of your belongings. For example, a studio apartment may weigh 1,800 pounds, whereas a 3-bedroom house weighs 4,000 to $8,000.

Keep in mind that there is no ironclad rule, and the type of belongings you have also play a role. A piano naturally weighs more than the average coffee table. Larger items add to shipping weight and may require special services.

For example, you may need to pay extra for white-glove service if you have a large, delicate piano. Some people put items in storage to lower the shipping weight and save money. You can also transport some of your belongings without help to reduce the shipping weight.

Home Size

The size of your home is one of the biggest cost factors for your cross-country move. That’s because the bigger your home is, the more belongings you are likely to have. For example, a cross-country move rarely exceeds $3,000 if you’re moving from a 1-bedroom house because of the low shipping weight.

Moving from a larger home also takes longer than moving from a 1-bedroom apartment, which adds to the cost. The moving crew must likely spend more time laying out floor and wall protection. It also takes much longer to pack all your belongings if you pay extra for a full packing service.

This adds to the cost of labor, and in some cases, packing materials. Moving company consultants factor your home size into the cost estimate they provide during the consultation.

Home Size	Price Range
1 Bedroom	$700-$3,000+
2 Bedroom	$1,000-$6,500+
3 Bedroom	$1,500-$8,000+
4 Bedroom	$1,750-$10,000+
5+ Bedroom	$4,000-$15,000+

Insurance

Moving companies often cover $0.60 to $1 per pound of damaged and lost items. They also offer premium insurance options that cover the full value of damaged items. Granted, this comes at a premium price based on the value of your belongings.

This is typically determined during the consultation process. The premium rate for full-value coverage typically costs 2% of the value of your belongings. You can forego premium coverage to save money, but it’s worth the extra cost.

Time of Year

The time of year has more to do with how much your cross-country move costs than you may think. Summer is typically the most expensive time to move across the country because of how many people are scheduled to move. If you book it between June and August, prepare to spend up to 20% to 50% more on your cross-country move.

That’s especially true for a last-minute move, which sometimes incurs expedition fees. Fall and winter are the best times to schedule a long-distance move. Call a moving company 2-3 months before moving to get the best deal.

Special Services

The services you choose can add hundreds or thousands of dollars to your move. Cross-country moves sometimes require special services, like white glove service and full packing. Such services can increase the cost of your cross-country move by 20% or more.

Additional Costs

Cross-country moves come with more miscellaneous costs than the average local move. For example, you may need to pay to ship your car when you move across the country. Not all moving companies ship cars, but they can often help arrange it for you.

Car shipping companies often charge up to $0.60 per mile. You can expect to spend at least $1,300 to ship a car across the country. Some people also pay extra for storage when moving cross-country to reduce the shipping weight.

Storage units cost as little as $30 to $100 per month, depending on the size of the unit. However, portable storage units are more expensive and cost $800 to $4,000 or more for long-distance moves.

Call Optimum Moving for Your Cross-Country Move

Moving across the country is a huge commitment, and we don’t take that lightly at Optimum Moving. That’s why we work closely with our customers to make their moves as easy, practical, and fast as possible. Call Optimum Moving at (855) 315-6683 and talk to a consultant to get a quote for your cross-country move.

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Moving is stressful enough without having to deal with a landlord. Understandably, landlords want to get enough notice before their tenants move out, but they don’t always make it clear. So, when do I stop paying rent when moving out?

You can stop paying rent when moving out if you have already paid rent for the month and move out before it ends. Moving out at the beginning of the month means you must at least pay a portion of the month’s rent, depending on your agreement. Breaking a lease before it’s over often carries penalties.

Review your rental agreement to make sure you provide enough notice before moving out. Leases typically require notice 30 to 60 days before moving out, but it varies. Follow along as we explore when to stop paying rent before moving out.

Do You Pay Rent the Month You Move Out?

Yes, you pay rent the month you move out. Rent is due on the first day of each month, so your tenancy is active during the month. That is why people often move out before the end of the month to avoid paying for another month.

Otherwise, you may get stuck paying for another month of rent even if you move out on the 4^th. Speak to your landlord and let them know which day you plan to move out. That is the best way to avoid paying extra expenses that would otherwise go toward moving.

Can I Move in the Middle of the Month?

You can move out in the middle of the month if you provide enough notice. How much notice you’re required to give varies based on what your lease agreement says. Most state laws and leases specify that you must provide at least 1-2 months’ notice when moving out.

It also varies based on how long your lease is. For example, breaking a year lease after only 4 months means that you may incur expensive fees. That is, however, unless you can prove that your living circumstances are unsafe or go against your lease.

This includes a landlord failing to fix problems that make a home uninhabitable. Otherwise, you can move any time of the month if your landlord has agreed and you provide enough notice. You may even only have to pay for part of the month if you move out mid-month with ample notice.

Can I Use My Security Deposit for the Last Month of Rent?

You cannot typically use your security deposit for the last month of rent when moving out. This is sometimes possible if you reach an agreement with your landlord. Otherwise, a security deposit is necessary to protect landlords from incurring expensive damage costs that may occur during your lease.

However, you may get your security deposit back shortly after moving out. It sometimes takes a few weeks to get your security deposit back after moving out. Your landlord will assess your old home’s condition to see if you are responsible for any damage.

That is a big part of why you cannot use your security deposit to cover the last month of rent. For example, your former landlord may take the cost of repairs out of your security deposit. This isn’t possible if you already got your security deposit back, making it harder to cover these costs.

When Can You Withhold Rent?

You can withhold rent in many states if your apartment has become uninhabitable. For example, this is often allowed if a landlord fails to make repairs that make it dangerous to live there. That typically includes sewage backups, structural problems, and asbestos exposure, among other factors.

Keep in mind that you can only withhold rent if the reason your apartment is uninhabitable is not your fault. For example, you can often withhold rent if your landlord fails to pay for mold remediation or dangerous electrical problems. However, you must typically deposit your rent with a third party, such as a court, until the problem is fixed.

In that case, your landlord may eventually receive the rent money upon fixing the problem. Landlords have 3 days to fix emergencies in many states, and 2 weeks to fix minor problems. It’s important to document your communications so you can prove that you did the right thing. This will also help if it becomes a legal matter.

What Are the Cheapest Months to Move?

The cheapest months to move are between January and March and again from September through November. You can spend as little as $600 on a local move, or $2,100 for a long-distance move at this time. Granted, those are the minimum moving costs, as factors like distance and moving services affect the price.

Moving isn’t in demand as much at the beginning of the year or during autumn. Late spring through the end of summer are the most expensive times to move, no matter which moving services you choose. This is when many people move for school or simply use their vacation time to relocate.

Make Your Move Easy With Optimum Moving

Whether you’re at the end of your lease or simply want to relocate, we are here to help. At Optimum Moving, we handle local and long-distance moves all over New Jersey and beyond. We are always quick to pick up the phone, answer your questions, and provide a cost estimate. Call Optimum Moving at (855) 315-6683 to get the ball rolling on your upcoming move.

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Moving out is as expensive as it is stressful, that is when you don’t know what to expect. Today, countless resources make it easy to figure out how much time and money your move will cost. So, how much should I save before moving out?

Save 3 to 6 months’ worth of rent before moving out to cover moving and living expenses. This is typically enough to cover a security deposit, application fees, and the cost of hiring professional movers. Keep in mind that you must also budget for miscellaneous expenses, like utility activation, pet fees, and furnishing your home.

Supplement your income to ensure you make 3 times the cost of rent each month. That way, you can cover all of your expenses while setting money aside for your next move. Follow along as we highlight how much you should save before moving out to ensure a stress-free move.

How Much Money Should You Have Before You Move Out?

Ideally, you should save at least 3 months’ worth of living expenses before moving out. This includes money for bills, food, necessities, and rent. However, many people set aside up to 6 months’ worth of living expenses before moving out.

It’s also important that your income comes out to be 3 times the cost of your rent or mortgage payment. If your rent is $1,200 per month, you should ideally make $3,600 per month. This helps cover bills and living expenses while saving up to move into your next home.

What Costs to Consider When Moving Out

1. Application and Deposit

Application fees are unavoidable when moving out as a renter. Most property managers enforce application processes that come with fees. These fees typically cost $20 to $60 per person, but it varies between properties.

Keep in mind that you may also have to pay to apply to several apartments before getting accepted. Upon getting accepted, you must also pay a security deposit. Security deposits typically total the cost of one month of rent.

2. Rent

Not only do you owe your landlord a security deposit when you move, but you must also pay the first month of rent. For example, if your rental rate is $1,000 per month, you may owe $2,000 in your first month between rent and the deposit. These costs paired with whatever you owe your previous landlord add up quickly.  

Some landlords even charge for your first and last month of rent on top of the security deposit. Depending on how far you move, you may have to switch to a new job. In that case, it’s worth saving up several extra months’ worth of rent. That’s especially true if you don’t have a new job lined up before moving out.

3. Fees From Your Previous Home

Moving out doesn’t always mean that you’re done dealing with your previous landlord. For example, your previous landlord may charge you for repairs. However, landlords cannot typically charge for basic repairs, such as loose tiles and dirty pipes.

You may incur costs for property damage, such as damaged floors, walls, curtains, and appliances. Landlords typically expect tenants to take care of basic maintenance, such as replacing HVAC filters. You can avoid some of these fees if you thoroughly clean your apartment and replace your air filters before moving.

Landlords sometimes take the cost of repairs out of your security deposit. However, it’s not worth counting on your security deposit to cover these costs. After all, getting your security deposit back can provide a great foundation to cover moving costs.

4. Moving Expenses

The many expenses that come along with moving have a lot to do with why so many people dread the process. Aside from application fees, rent, and a security deposit, you must also budget for several expenses, such as:

• Hiring movers
• Moving truck rental
• Boxes and supplies
• Furniture
• Bedding
• Decorations
• Storage unit rental

Naturally, hiring movers or renting a moving truck is among the biggest moving expenses. Many people rent moving trucks to save money, but that can backfire. For example, U-Hauls carry many fees, such as mileage, late fees, and gasoline.

Conversely, full-service movers charge roughly $600 to $6,000 for local moves depending on the selected services and home size. It’s also worth budgeting for new furniture and decorations if you’re moving to a bigger home. Furnishing a small house alone costs roughly $5,000, but luckily, most people don’t have to start from scratch.

5. Utilities

Switching over your utilities is one of the biggest hassles when moving. For local moves, you can sometimes avoid large fees if you stick with the same suppliers. Otherwise, you may have to pay activation fees, which typically cost $25 to $100 or more.

Granted, that doesn’t include the cost of the utility bills themselves. These activation fees are on top of the bills you must pay to close out your time at your previous home. Set aside $25 to $100 per utility to cover activation fees to play it safe when moving.

6. Closing Costs

While this doesn’t apply to renters, homeowners must budget for closing costs when moving into new homes. Closing costs typically amount to 2% to 6% of the loan amount, but it depends on the lender and seller. This cost covers everything from the appraisal, underwriting fees, and taxes to surveys.

Luckily, this is a relatively minor cost compared to the cost of buying, furnishing, and moving into a home.

7. Miscellaneous Expenses

Moving comes along with many miscellaneous experiences that are easy to overlook. For example, you may need to pay an extra deposit if you have a pet. Some landlords charge a deposit fee per pet or simply add to the cost of rent.

It’s also worth knowing what is included in your lease agreement before you set a budget. Some lease agreements include free parking, saving hundreds of dollars per year. You can also save a small fortune if you move into a home or apartment with laundry in-unit or on the property.

Otherwise, you must either buy a washer and dryer or frequently visit a laundromat. Remember that all of these extra costs are simply in addition to your basic living expenses. Make sure you save enough to cover miscellaneous expenses as well as your existing bills, like a car payment.

Move Easily Without Uncertainty Through Optimum Moving

Moving without professional help involves lots of stressful guesswork. At Optimum Moving, we aim to remove guesswork from your upcoming move with transparent pricing and great communication. To get a quote about your upcoming move, Call Optimum Moving at (855) 315-6683.

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