Moving can be a costly venture that puts a real beating on a personal budget. While most people plan and save for the big expenses, it’s the hidden costs of moving that can really add up fast.
Whether you’re using relocation services to help you along the way or you’re going it completely on your own, you’ll want to make sure you have more in your budget than the basic deposits, hookup fees and gas. By all means, use a relocation calculator to figure out the big-ticket costs, but don’t overlook other expenses. The truth is moving expenses can run quite a bit deeper. Five expenses that you might not have thought about include:
1. Hotel Stays – While you might plan for a night in a hotel while you’re on the road, there is a reasonably good chance you’ll get to your Chicago apartment and find the prospect of unpacking is just too much. If you want to relax, unwind and recharge before lifting and unloading, this is an expense to add to your budget. Plus, you might find your apartment isn’t quite ready. Don’t get left out in the cold on this one.
2. Eating Out – Many people think they’ll be up for the chore of cooking in the middle of a move. All too often, this just doesn’t turn out to be the case. To save the hassle, plan on a few days’ worth of meals from take out restaurants. Check out reviews of a few cheap eats in Chicago:
3. Moving Insurance – This is an added expense that some people don’t see the need of until they really “need” it. It’s worth adding moving insurance into moving expenses just for the extra peace of mind.
4. Repairs – No one plans for these, but they are sometimes needed. Whether it’s a car that breaks down en route to Chicago or a computer desk that arrives sans screws, it’s a good idea to set aside at least a few hundred dollars for last-minute needs when budgeting for moving expenses.
5. After-Move Entertainment – While it’s very likely you’ll want to crash in your Chicago apartment after getting settled, your family might not. Make sure to have a little bit of money set aside for exploring and making yourselves more familiar with the landscape. This is a great way to reward yourselves for getting the job of moving tackled, too. Explore the city for fun things to do, or check out the Chicago Traveler Events website for entertainment idea.
Setting a personal budget for a move isn’t always easy. Brainstorm for the potential pitfalls and hidden expenses though. If you plan for the worst, you likely will find some spare change at the end of the adventure that you can spend on more enjoyable pursuits.
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