Moving can have quite a drastic effect on any individual; not with just the mental stress, but the financial strain as well. The process can incur a significant amount of costs, and if you know about these beforehand, you can manage your finances in a better manner.
Generally, the average moving cost is around $12,000 if you hire a professional moving company for the job. Depending on a number of factors, you may either have to pay an amount greater than this or smaller than this. Prior to the move, you must consider things like the distance between your old and new residences, costs of packing supplies, moving company charges and weight of your belongings. Analyze all of these, and you can come with an estimated cost.
Though all of the factors do have their influence on the total costs – weight and distance are by far the most important of these.
Weight controls a substantial part of moving costs
When you hire a professional moving company, the weight is really important for determining the costs. A typical moving company measures the weight of an empty truck first. While at this, you should accompany them to make sure there are no discrepancies of any sort. Also take the ‘empty weight’ certificate or receipt so that no issues arise later on. Once your items are loaded, the truck is weighed again. The difference between the two values is the total weight of your belongings, and is then used by the moving company to charge you a suitable amount.
Obviously, a moving company does provide you with a quote, but the accuracy of this depends on the details you provide them with. Fail to give them a complete picture, and the estimate will never be right.
Long distance moves are more costly
If your move is long distance, you will have to pay greater fees to the moving company. A reputed moving company will make use of a rate book to provide you an estimate. The rate book contains average moving costs that have been calculated by considering distance and weight.
Examples can give you a better idea
Assume that your payment comprises of 3 bedrooms and has an area of 1,000 square feet. This implies that your goods will roughly weigh around 5,500 pounds or 2,500 kg. If you are moving a distance of 1,400 miles or 2,000 km, the average costs will be around $4,500 to $5,000. Increase the specifications to a four bedroom house with an area of 2,800 square feet and belongings weighing 20,500 pounds or 9,000 kg; now the average moving costs will be around $15,000.
Consider a move with a shorter distance of around 200 miles or 300 km. The moving costs for a 3 bedroom house and belongings, weighing around 5,500 pounds or 2,500 kg, will be between $3,200 and $3,700.
(Note: This is just to give you a rough idea of the costs. The costs may vary from area to area.)
The costs may be higher than average if
- You opt for full coverage for your belongings.
- Your residence is not located on the ground floor.
- Your street is too narrow for the moving truck.