What is the Real Cost of Moving?

As a veteran mover, assessing the real cost of moving is second nature to me. I have moved more than 5000 miles in the last 3 years and lived in more than 15 different cities. Real costs go much further than obvious costs alone.

Families caught up in the excitement of moving may not take into consideration the cost of restocking a pantry. Most of us take for granted having the necessary food items on hand without ever thinking twice about what we really have. When moving into a new home, restocking that pantry (depending upon the size of the family) can cost hundreds of dollars. Setting aside a food budget for your new home may help alleviate the financial stress of restocking a pantry after moving a family.

Another important factor in assessing the real cost of moving is medical expenses. Depending upon whether or not the moving family has children, there may be additional immunizations, physicals or medical clear letters needed to attend schools or day cares. The costs of immunizations and doctors appointments can dwindle a budget quickly, leaving a family without a monetary reserve. Calling future school systems and / or childcare facilities before the move will help a family to plan for such expenses.

In certain states employees are required to obtain clearance cards before starting a new job. Nevada, for instance, requires a Sheriff's card, health card, and TAM card, costing more than $100.00 before beginning work in certain fields. Each of these cards will need a valid Nevada license number on the application. The cost of the Nevada license is yet another unforeseen expense.

The final most important real cost of moving is utilities. When moving most travelers rarely take into consideration the costs of utilities. Utilities can make or break a family especially if these costs have not been taken into careful consideration during the moving budget planning phase of the move. Some utility companies require down payments or deposits when moving into a city or town from out of state and with gas, electric, phone, cable, water and sewer, deposits can render a family money less in little or no time at all.