7 Hidden Moving Costs that Can Catch You Off Guard
Most people who go through a property purchase don’t realise there are a few hidden moving costs that can catch you off guard if you’re not careful. Unless you pay attention, they can also add up to a few pounds, adding stress to what should be a great time in your life. So, from being aware of moving company fees to time away from work, here are some of the most common.
Upcoming and Overlapping Bills
When moving, it is possible you can end up paying for two properties at the same time. When you take professional mortgage and insurance advice, they don’t usually tell you about some of the extra costs that can hit unexpectedly. For example, you may have overlapping council tax bills in the UK when moving from one property to another. Then there’s energy! Of course, you might also have overlapping standing charges for gas and electricity after moving out.
Hidden Moving Costs from Removal Companies
Moving is usually a pretty straightforward affair. However, sometimes it isn’t. Movers are usually fine with putting in some effort, but they can charge extra if the move is abnormal or unusual. The extra costs can catch you off-guard, as movers often don’t tell you about some of these:
- Movers can charge extra if they have to carry furniture up long flights of stairs.
- If the van can’t park close to the house, movers might also charge extra.
- There can also be parking fees for moving vans, which you will have to pay for.
Packing Materials and Services
There could be a lot of stuff to take with you when you move, and an extra pair of hands or two doesn’t hurt. Of course, anyone helping you do this, such as a packing service, must be paid. But even if you do everything yourself, the packing material alone can cost quite a bit. Obviously, the more rooms you have to pack away, the more you will need. So it helps to figure out just how much you will need beforehand instead of leaving this cost to the last minute.
The Hidden Moving Costs of Repairs and Cleaning
Data from UK homeowners suggests that up to 61% of families face significant unexpected repairs and/or cleaning issues after moving into a new house. Of course, home improvements are all part of the experience, but there are some common problems you may not prepare for:
- People moving out don’t usually take the time to have things like carpets cleaned.
- There are almost always small but important DIY tasks that need to be completed.
- It is also likely that gardens and yard space aren’t as pristine as when you viewed them.
Stocking Essentials and Takeaway Food
There are a few things that are essential when moving from one place to another. You will need work clothing, grooming, sanitary products and working utilities before you settle in. However, many people underestimate just how much food and drink they need too. Factor in that nobody likes to cook after working hard all day, and the cost of takeaway food can add up to a pretty substantial amount. To offset this, stock up on some cheaper, ready-made essentials.
Work-Related Hidden Moving Costs
Moving to another property can be expensive, but it can also take time. And as you know, time is money. Unless you have a very generous boss or are self-employed, you are likely to miss work. In fact, it takes between 7 and 21 days to settle into a home, so your work can suffer:
- Taking the time to physically move will require a few days off work and missed pay.
- Child and pet care costs are almost guaranteed as you prepare a full home move.
- You may also need to pay for temporary accommodation between each property.
Waiting for Your New Home Keys
A few things can go wrong when moving, and like anything else, time is money. You can check these moving tips for a smooth transition, but there are usually some things that catch you off guard. For example, there can be legal delays that prevent you from getting the keys to the house as early as you should. This is an inconvenience anyway, but you can also face extra charges by a moving company if they have to wait around to gain access to your property.
Summary
Overlapping bills, such as council tax and utilities, are one of the most common hidden moving costs you can face. There are also likely to be costs associated with small DIY repairs and cleaning, and you can even face extra charges from movers if they wait to gain access.
