When you are required to move the entire household (people and things) because of a job transfer, you are practically left with just two options: do it yourself, or hire a mover.
Two Moving Options
Admittedly, the first option will not hurt your pocket so much but it will take a lot of planning and a lot of work. It is also not advisable if you have plenty of belongings that you need to transfer on your new location.
The second option is usually what most people use because it is more convenient and safer. Since you are moving because of a job transfer, maybe you can ask the boss if he could handle some of the costs.
Know the Consequences of the Moving Contract You Are Signing
Paying professional movers such as U-Haul and Budget to transfer your household belongings is definitely the least stressful option, although it will also cost more than if you will do it yourself.
But there’s also a catch: movers paid by the hour usually will not do the work as fast as you’d prefer. On the other hand, those paid by the job will finish the work faster so they could move on to their next customer.
This may result in careless handling of your boxes and could damage your belongings. In the end, it will be more costly since you have to repair or replace what was damaged. There’s no problem if your transfer is covered by the right insurance. But this insurance coverage can only compensate you only up to a certain extent.
Moving Costs That Can Surprise You
But aside from truck rental, there are other hidden costs in moving. You must be aware of these things so that you will not be surprised once you hit the road and reach your new destination.
Moving costs are basically calculated on the total weight of the items to be transferred and the distance travelled. However, be aware that there are fine print provisions in the moving contract that may add up to your total charges.
So, be ready to read the fine prints of your contract, and ask the mover whatever things that you may not understand. Here are some of these things:
1. Additional charges for moving heavy items such as a baby grand piano, a snowmobile or a riding lawnmower.
2. A transportation surcharge if the moving company pays the truck movers for work done in urban areas and cities where the cost of labor is higher.
3. Additional charges if the movers are required to walk more than 75 feet from your house to the truck or if they need to use an elevator or the stairs.
4. Additional charges if the mover needs to hire technicians or specialists to disassemble pool tables or special furniture or to disconnect gas mains.
5. Additional charges if the moving truck or van is prevented from going in because of low hanging branches, or electrical wires, or your street is too narrow. The mover is forced to use a smaller vehicle just to extricate your belongings from your house and bring them to the truck.
Added Costs for DIY Movers
With all these unseen charges, you might be tempted to just do the moving by yourself. However, you also need to realize that there are also hidden costs even if you move your belongings yourself.
1. Do you have the right moving insurance?
If you have an accident while driving the rented truck, you could be financially crippled. More likely than not, your current auto insurance does not cover commercial vehicles.
2. How about the condition of the truck?
If the truck that you’ve rented is not well maintained, it may suffer a break down considering that it will be carrying some heavy load from your house. You will be forced to pay for its repair just to complete your transfer. However, the rental truck company might not reimburse your expenses until later or maybe not at all.
3. What about an insurance rider?
Your homeowner’s policy will not cover any damage on your belongings while they are in transit. Therefore, you will need to buy an insurance rider that will answer for this eventuality.
4. Repair damages
Suppose while moving out, you accidentally damage some part of the house. The next home owner or maybe your renter will ask you to foot the bill for its repair. The landlord might hold on to your rental deposit or charge the repair on it. In both cases, you effectively pay for additional moving charges that you didn’t expect.
5. Additional expenses
If you are doing the moving yourself, be prepared for additional expenses such as gasoline, toll fees, and meals at restaurants, temporary hotel stay, and so forth. Therefore, it is essential that you have ready cash in hand.
