The Costs of Moving - A Quick Checklist
When you’re preparing to move, either into your first apartment, or just a new apartment, make sure you’re prepared financially by referring to this quick checklist.
The Old Lease - If you’re moving from one apartment to another, make sure you’ve fulfilled the terms of your old lease. If you move out early, you may be responsible for a reletting fee and/or the remainder of rent due on your lease.
Security Deposit - You’ll need to pay a security deposit. If you’re moving from one apartment to another, you may not get your old security deposit back in time, the amounts may be different, or you may only get a certain percentage of your deposit back. Make sure you have this money in the bank, just in case.
Utilities - If you are moving to a new town, or moving to a building that has different utility providers, you may need to pay deposits for things like electricity, phone or any utility not included in your rent. If you are changing phone numbers or getting a new phone line installed, you may need to pay additional set up charges for that.
Costs of Moving
- Will you be hiring movers?
- What will the packing materials cost?
- Will you be renting a truck?
- If you’re having friends help you, it is common courtesy to offer them lunch and refreshments, make sure you figure this into your costs of moving, especially if you have a lot of friends.
- Meals (you won’t have your oven or microwave)
- Cell phone calls.
- Will you need to stay in a hotel in between apartments?
Pets
Pet Deposit – If you have a pet, your new apartment may require a special deposit for your animal. Make sure you ask about this, and if there is one, find out what has to be done to get that fee back, before you sign the lease.
During the Move – It’s probably not a good idea to have Tiger hanging around when you’re trying to move. There’s a good possibility that your pet may either get lost or get hurt. Don’t take a chance of this happening. Have a good friend watch your pet, or, kennel your pet for the day or days surrounding your move. If you will be kenneling your pet, consider that cost in your total moving budget. If a friend will be watching your pet, although it will be less expensive than a kennel, you should still buy a thank you gift.
Time – Sure, you’ll be spending a good deal of your time moving, but time is money. Think about the financial implications of taking time off of work as you pack and unpack.
|
Email this Article
Print this Article
