Moving Costs to Consider When Moving From Coast to Coast

Moving from one coast to the other can be an exciting adventure that results in an entirely new lifestyle and wonderful experiences in your new hometown. However, the physical process of relocating is time-consuming, exhausting and often very expensive. This is a project that requires extensive planning as well as careful budgeting. If you are planning a long-distance move, Cheap Movers Houston (15455 Point NW Blvd #728, Houston, TX 77095, (281) 936-0786) suggests including these expenses in your budget so that you are better prepared for the experience.

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1. Packing Supplies

Many people underestimate or even entirely overlook the cost of packing supplies on their budget. You may need dozens of boxes to pack up your home fully, and a single box may cost between $2 to $4 depending on its size and where you buy it from. Also, you will need box tape, protective wrapping material, storage bins, permanent markers and more. Give yourself a healthy budget for packing supplies so that you do not underestimate this important expense.

2. Professional Moving Services

Professional moving services are a veritable necessity when moving hundreds of miles away. After all, after completing packing up a moving truck yourself, you would then have to make the exhausting journey across the country before beginning the additional daunting task of unloading the truck and setting up your new home. Movers, like these Spring long distance movers, can streamline the process and save valuable time and energy. Compare multiple quotes from professional moving companies to find the best offer. The cost of these services varies based on the size of your home, the distance of your move and other factors.

3. Personal Transportation Expenses

There are different ways to get to your new hometown, and all have related expenses. For example, if you plan to fly while your movers drive the truck, you will need to pay for airfare. Food and hotel expenses may also need to be calculated. When flying to your new hometown, you may need to make plans to have your cars professionally towed. Pets may require special transportation efforts if you plan to place them on an airplane. If you plan to drive your cars, you will need to pay for food, gas, and lodging when making the trip.

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4. Moving-Related Deposits

Regardless of whether you move down the street or across the country, you will need to pay various moving-related deposits. This may be to establish new electrical or water service, to set up Internet service, to rent an apartment and more. Some deposits may be refunded to you as well. For example, the deposit that you paid for your current apartment or rental home may be refunded when you move out. However, it may be a month or longer until the old deposits are refunded to you.

Moving can be expensive, and the last thing that you want is to feel financial stress while making your transition. The smart idea is to prepare a budget well before your moving date arrives. Get quotes for various expenses up-front so that you can have funds available to pay them when the time comes to do so.

Checklist for Packing & Moving Into Your First Apartment

Congratulations on landing your first apartment! An apartment is a symbol of freedom and security. You can tell a lot by a person based on his or her apartment. Unfortunately, you need to buy more items for your first apartment than you will for subsequent apartments. The good news is that you don’t need to buy everything right away. Your landlord may even supply some of these items for you.

Depending on the size of your new apartment and the number of rooms, you may not need all of these items. Many apartments come with some larger items, such as a microwave and toaster already. Here are some tips when planning and packing your apartment:

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  1. Entryway

The entryway is the first impression people will have of your home, and it’s also the first place you’ll set foot everyday after work. We recommend ensuring your threshold stays organized with the following essentials.

  • Welcome mat
  • Key Hooks
  • Coat rack
  • Umbrella bucket
  • Mirror
  • Mail Sorter

The welcome mat gives people a place to wipe their feet – keeping mud and dirt off your floors, while key hooks and a mail sorter give you a place to drop your things.

  1. Living Room

Your living room will serve as a great place to relax with friends or snuggle up and watch Netflix. Make sure you get help from friends or professional apartment moving service transporting heavier items like the couch and coffee table.

  • Couch
  • Loveseat
  • Chair
  • End tables
  • TV stand
  • TV
  • Bookshelf
  • Coffee table
  • Area rug
  • Lamps
  • Artwork
  • Blankets and pillows
  1. Kitchen

Most apartments come equipped with the major appliances, like the refrigerator and oven, so most of your kitchen gadgets won’t be too difficult to move. Here are some of the things this moving company DC area suggest packing:

  • Microwave
  • Toaster
  • Coffeemaker
  • Teakettle
  • Ice cube trays
  • Can opener
  • Colander or strainer
  • Table
  • Cookware
  • Pots and pans
  • Baking sheets
  • Mixing bowls
  • Blender
  • Food processor
  • Crockpot
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Serrated knife
  • Oven mitts
  • Dishes
  • Silverware and organizer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladles, spatulas, and tongs
  • Dishtowels
  • Dish soap
  • Dishwasher soap
  • Sponges
  • Food storage bins
  • Bottle opener
  • Trashcan
  • Recycle bin
  • Bottle opener
  • Ziploc bags, aluminum foil and plastic wrap

Ziploc bags and plastic wrap are also helpful tools when packing for your move.

  1. Dining Room

While not essential, it’s nice to have a place to sit and eat your meals.

  • Dining table
  • Dining chairs
  • Sideboard or buffet
  • Table decorations
  • Linens
  • Trivets
  1. Bathrooms

Your bathroom is one of the first rooms in your apartment that you’ll want to set up after moving in. Make sure to pack most of these items in an “essentials box,” so you can shower and brush your teeth the first night in your new home.

  • Hand towels
  • Bath towels
  • Dishcloths
  • Hand soap
  • Toothpaste
  • Tweezers
  • Bandages
  • Bath soap or body wash
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Plunger
  • Cleaning Tools
  • Shower curtain
  • Shower Liner
  • Shower curtain rings
  • Bath mat
  • Toilet paper
  • Trashcan
  • Towel rack or hook
  1. Bedrooms

Moving in your bedroom furniture may also require the assistance of a moving company, since the mattress and bed frame can get heavy.

  • Bed
  • Bed frame
  • Headboard and footboard
  • Box spring
  • Mattress
  • Bedding
  • Comforter and duvet cover or blanket
  • Sheets
  • Pillows
  • Pillowcases
  • Throw pillows
  • Light blankets
  • Mattress pads
  • Dresser
  • Nightstands
  • Hangers
  • Storage containers
  • Hamper or clothes basket
  1. Office area

If you’re fortunate enough to have a small office space in your apartment, here are some of the essentials you’ll need:

  • Desk
  • Chair
  • Trashcans
  • Bulletin board or chalkboard
  • File cabinet
  1. Miscellaneous for every room

  • Curtains or blinds for each room
  • Lamps for every room
  • Artwork for every room
  • Area rugs for various rooms
  • Additional trash bins
  • Trash bags
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Vacuum Cleaner
  • Mop, Swiffer, broom, and dustpan
  • Power strips
  • Flashlights
  • Lanterns
  • Fans
  • Air conditioner
  • Light bulbs
  • Fire and carbon monoxide alarm

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The important thing to remember is that these are simply guidelines. Each person will need different items for their apartments. Items such as fire alarms are necessities while items such as bottle openers may be considered optional.

 

5 Things You Should Expect Your Moving Company to Do

When looking to move from one place to the next, hiring movers is a great option. Movers will help to eliminate a lot of the physical labor and time that goes into the moving process. There are several services in particular that you should expect that your mover will do for you.

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1. Accurate Estimate

When you are looking to hire a mover, the first thing that they will be able to do for you is to provide you with an accurate estimate. The moving company will be able to come to your home and get an understanding of all the work that is needed. They will then provide you a full scope of work and cost estimates to determine an appropriate price for the moving services.

2. Move all Objects

The primary service that movers will be able to handle for you is the movement of all of your personal belongings. One of the main benefits of hiring a mover is that they handle all of the physical labor that comes with moving an entire home’s worth of items. Moving companies will typically have their trucks and logistics systems to ensure that they can efficiently move all of your items from one home to the next.

3. Package Protection

Another one of the essential services that they will provide is packing protection. While you should spend time packing all of your smaller items into boxes, it would be wise to leave the packing of larger items to the movers. Movers can properly pack furniture, decorating materials, and any other items that need special attention.

4. Provide Insurance

Another service that you should expect for the movers to handle is providing coverage. When having someone move your personal belongings, several situations could cause a financial loss. Movers should be able to provide you with proof of liability and workers comp insurance. These policies will show that they are insured to cover any costs that occur due to damage during the move, loss of items, and even injury to an employee. Insurance could save you a lot of money if something goes wrong.

5. Storage Services

Depending on your situation, you may need to have your items kept in storage for a period. Many moving companies today have the capability to do this for you. Some of the larger providers have storage facilities all over the country, which will allow them to hold your items until you need them. The moving company will be able to move your items into the storage locker and back out when the time comes. Furthermore, they should be able to provide you access when you need it.

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In conclusion, moving into a new home is a stressful time. To help alleviate a lot of the work, hiring a professional mover is a great option. There are several services that you should expect your movers to handle for you.