Investing In A Better Home

After you've decided to make a cross-country move, there are many costs to consider in addition to the first month's rent and deposit on a new home. If you're relocating yourself without the help of professional movers or relocation pods and cubes, you'll need to figure out the best way to haul your belongings to your new location. You may also decide to sell all of your household items and buy new things when you get to your new home. Even if you decide to go that route, there are still moving costs to think about.

Here are some relocation costs to work into your relocation budget:

1. You'll need a method for transporting your items across the country if you opt to take them with you. The method you choose will most likely be determined by the size of the apartment or home you had. 

The most economical choice is using a rental trailer that attaches to your car or truck via a hitch. If you don't already have a hitch installed on your vehicle, you'll need to pay an additional fee to have one put on at the trailer rental location.

There are several different trailer sizes, depending on if you have a studio, 1- or 2-bedroom apartment. Save money by choosing the smallest size possible, as the price goes up per square footage. 

When moving out of town, you'll most likely pay a flat rate for the trailer, and will be given a certain amount of days to make your journey. If you go over the time limit, you'll accrue additional daily charges, so try to make it in the time allotted. 

If you have a larger apartment or a house, consider renting a truck. Rather than having a flat-rate fee, truck rental costs may be determined by mileage, so make sure to ask prior to signing the rental contract. 

2. Another moving budget consideration is gas. Use an online calculator to determine how much gas will cost you to get from point A to point B. Keep in mind that if you're pulling a heavy trailer, your car will use more fuel. Also, large moving trucks can require a lot of gas, so budget accordingly. 

If you're driving a moving truck and a family member or friend is driving your car, your fuel costs will double. In that case, it may be more cost effective to haul your car behind the truck.

3. You'll also need to budget in food and lodging costs since you'll be driving a long distance. Plan on driving approximately 500 miles a day to figure out how many nights you'll be on the road. Keep in mind that pulling a trailer with your vehicle may slow you down. 

For moving estimates, contact a company such as Bekins Van Lines Inc.