A Moving Budget Unpacked and Broken Down By Kenia Perez

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They say moving is one of the most stressful life events—and I'll tell you why: the sheer expense of that stuff shuffle. I’m planning a move myself next year, and by budgeting ahead I hope to avoid the big expenses—and the sneaky ones.

Get estimates

• Boxes can be pricey at $2+ each. I'm using this online Packing Calculator and Uboxes.com to estimate the number and size of boxes I'll need: Over $200! Crikey! A) There's always the grocery and liquor store option and B) I plan to throw/give things away so there’s less to pack.

 

• A moving checklist like this one spotlights important expenses and chores (tape! get measurements!) so you can prep ahead.

 

• I got a quote from a moving company of about $75 per hour, with a two-hour minimum. (Most companies will give you a quote online, or use this free service.) Rather than spend about $300 (plus tip!), I'll beg my close friends (and brother) to help. If they say yes, my budget shrinks to about $100 for pizza and gas for the truck.

Sneaky stuff

• With so many utilities and services to cancel or transfer, I have to make sure that I avoid overlapping bills or late fees. Solution: Get those change-of-address forms in, and orchestrate phone calls to all the companies.

 

• Stock your shelves, plug in the fridge and make sure your kitchen items are carefully labeled. That will save big money on that monster... takeout!