Moving to a new place is like riding a roller coaster. One moment you are excited, another moment you’re worrying about how much it would cost?
And to bring it to your surprise, moving costs can add up quickly without you realizing it. From hiring a moving company to cleaning, each penny counts when it’s your hard-earned money.
But don’t worry! To help you avoid the sudden financial shock, we have broken down all the common moving expenses to consider during your next move. This will ensure you are prepared for all the expenses that may come your way!
9 Common Moving Expenses in Boston
Here are some of the most common moving expenses in Boston you need to consider:
Hiring Professional Boston Movers
Hiring professional movers for your move would be the biggest expense you’ll have to take care of. Charges could go anywhere between $100-$200 per hour, but multiple factors affect the rate.
Usually, moving services charge either an hourly or a fixed rate, depending on your requirements. When hiring a moving company in Boston, make sure you get quotes from multiple companies to ensure you are not getting overpriced. Also, it’s important to remember that even if the moving cost of hiring a professional is significantly one of the biggest, you still get peace of mind, expertise, and experience.
Tip: Before you finalize a mover, check out Top Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Boston Moving Company to ensure the company is right for you.
Truck Rentals
If you’re considering moving DIY by just renting a truck on your own, here’s some news for you. In Boston, renting a moving truck can start at about $30 a day for small local moves. This does not include the cost of gas, equipment rentals, mileage charges, and insurance. All of these are to be paid separately on your own, along with your truck rental charges.
To avoid all these burdens and hassles, our team at 617 Boston Movers is here to help you with fully-fledged moving services. Don’t forget to reach out to us!
Moving Insurance
The vintage tape recorder on your shelf and the collection of books you swore you would read one day, they all matter. Unexpected situations do not come informed. Bad weather conditions, accidents, etc., can damage or misplace your belongings. And let’s admit it. This is the last thing you’d want to happen.
This is why moving insurance is important. Full value protection moving insurance can cost 1-2% of your total shipment value. You should also talk to your moving company to see if they provide moving insurance.
Storage
Sometimes, your moving-in and out time may not align due to Boston’s tight housing market. In such cases, you might need storage units to keep your belongings safe until your moving dates.
Generally, storage unit costs can range from $300 to $1500+, depending on the size of the unit. Also, climate-controlled units cost more, but they’re better during winters and humid weather conditions to keep your stuff safe.
Packing Supplies & Services
If you’re not careful, packing supplies and services can significantly add up to your moving costs. Generally, this is one of the mandatory expenses everyone incurs. If you’re going with professional packing services, it can cost you $25-$50+ per hour per packer, or if your movers have included this in your service, it can add up to an extra $500-$2,000 or more (again, depending on how many belongings there are to pack).
A lot of people prefer DIY packing, which can cost anywhere up to $100 for boxes, tapes, labels, bubble wrappers, etc.
Tip to save money: A lot of grocery shops, liquor stores, and online marketplaces offer free boxes that you can use. You can also read our guide with expert tips to save money when you’re moving.
Cleaning Services
You’d want your home to be clean and neat as you enter. After all, your new home should feel like a new home. This is especially required when you are moving to a new place that’s far from your existing one. At the same time, when you leave your old place, you don’t want to leave it cluttered. A clean old home will make sure it’s ready for the next tenants. In Boston, cleaning house service will cost you approximately $21.86/hour.
However, this is an optional cost if you can clean both properties yourself (which may not be possible for most people).
Tips for Your Boston Movers
Tipping is a part of the process, and a tip to your movers is a gesture of their hard and good work. Generally, you pay 15-20% of the total moving cost or $20-$40 per mover. Again, the tip amount varies based on multiple factors, such as:
- Was your move long-distance?
- How well did they perform their task?
- Was the move difficult? (lots of stairs, bad weather, etc.)
Vehicle Transport
If you’re moving long-distance and planning to take your car, consider the cost of gas. Properly evaluate how much gas it would cost for you to take your vehicle to your new destination. At the same time, if you are moving interstate, transportation factors like vehicle size, distance, and transportation type will affect the price.
Also, note that if you’re moving into downtown neighborhoods, research parking permits. Certain areas have resident parking that will take up to a week to get. Additionally, monthly parking garage fees can run up to $200-$400.
Special & Fragile Items
If you’re moving with special and fragile items such as pianos, artwork, or antique furniture, it’s vital to understand that handling and moving them requires extra attention and care. All of this adds up to your moving cost being a bit more. When you move with these items, avoid risking it with DIY because one dropped artwork or piano can cost you more than what professional movers would cost.
Factors That Affect Your Moving Expenses
While the above moving costs are some of the most common ones you will experience, the actual cost can vary.
Here are some factors to consider when budgeting for your move:
- Weather conditions: If you’re moving in summer, the cost will generally be high. Similarly, if you are moving during the peak student moving season, expect to pay high prices for moving services. So, consider moving during spring or early winter.
- Distance: Moving to a longer distance will cost you higher compared to a short distance.
- Inventory: The larger your inventory list, the higher your moving cost. Consider donating or giving away items you may no longer need to reduce your belongings.
- Service type: Partial or full service type will increase or decrease the cost.
Final Verdict
Moving will definitely cost you more than you expect, but it doesn’t have to rip your pockets. By staying financially prepared, you can avoid sudden expenses that may come up at the last moment.
A tip to always keep in mind is despite all the expenses listed above, be prepared to keep an extra $500-$1000 aside for an emergency in case you may need it. Remember to budget realistically and don’t forget to invest in services that will reduce your stress and protect your belongings.
