Purchasing a home is a huge financial commitment. There’s the mortgage,
homeowners insurance, property taxes and maintenance costs. But there are other
expenses that new homeowners often overlook — and underestimate. These include
moving expenses.
Some Umzugsskosten are deductible, so you can save money. However, there are
other expenses that you must factor in, no matter whether you’re hiring movers or
going the DIY route. These can include equipment rental, truck fuel, labor to load
and unload, packing supplies, shipping costs and more. Taking all of these factors
into consideration can help you create a realistic budget for your move.
The cost of movers will vary depending on the size of your household and how much
stuff you have. For example, if you have several large items that require special
handling, such as an antique dresser or a pool table, the mover may charge extra for
those. Additionally, a local mover will typically charge more for a longer move than a
shorter one because they’ll need to cover more miles.
If you choose to do your move yourself, equipment rental and truck fuel will be some
of your biggest costs. You’ll also need a lot of packing materials, including boxes,
tape, bubble wrap, labels and protective blankets for furniture. You can try to cut
costs by getting free or inexpensive boxes from grocery stores and using recycled
newspapers for packing. If you have a larger house, you’ll need to rent a bigger truck
than if you were moving an apartment or condo.
You can find online truck rental and fuel price calculators to help you figure out your
total cost. And, if you’re traveling a long distance to your new home, don’t forget
about the cost of gas, tolls and lodging on the way there.
If you’re moving for a job, your employer will likely cover the majority of your
moving costs. However, there are other fees to consider, such as the first month’s
rent and security deposit, as well as pet deposits or moving company add-on
services.
Storing and insuring your belongings is an additional expense that’s usually tax
deductible. In order to qualify, the items must be transported from your old home to
your new one and they must remain in storage for 30 days or less.
If you’re a military veteran, you may be able to get reimbursed for moving expenses
through the VA. However, the rules and regulations are complex, so be sure to check
with your local office before moving. In addition to reimbursement, the VA also offers
loan programs that can help pay for some of your moving expenses.