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Changing Address: A Costly Experience |
Article Submitted by: Jay Banks
Friday, 28 August 2009
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Change of address. This is an operation that can cost you a lot more
than you would have ever expected if not done properly and sometimes
even if done properly. This text will be focused on all the expenses
related with moving houses, so that you will know better what to
expect, whether you are moving using your own resources, or hiring a
professional company. Now you are probably wondering, so what's the
problem then? Basically, there are two issues: in case of moving done
by people themselves, it is too common to forget about all the
additional tools, packaging material, transportation or the value of
the time. But all these are related expenses you should count with.
Also if you decided to move using professionals, there might be a
problem because you picked the wrong company, or they calculated the
wrong price, or undervalued any additional necessary costs not included
in the company's bill. As I mentioned in the first article of this
series, there are three options for sorting out your moving. What you
have to decide is how much work you want or able to do yourself: all
the packing, loading, transporting and unloading can either be
performed by the movers, or by yourself. Or the happy mean is to choose
a company offering a kind of a hybrid service. This is appropriate if
you feel you like to have more control over the whole process. While
some companies provide the transportation only, other ones may also
load, transport and unload all the things you had packed before. What are all the related costs? Before starting this stressful operation, always sit down and work out a budget. This will make your life much easier later. Generally, there are four main categories of moving-related costs: transportation of your possessions, packing of your possessions, transportation of you and your family, and finally the expenses related to the necessary arrangements during the first few days in your new house. The moving itself. To begin with you have to calculate the cost of moving your possessions. So will you be moving on your own, or paying for a company? This is the crucial issue you have most likely already decided. If you decided to use some professional help (more advice on how to determine which company is the best one for you will follow in one of the future articles), make sure you get a written price offer from them. It should say clearly whether the presented price is binding or not, that means whether it is the final price, or there might be other fees coming up. Don't forget about the tips - the usual amount is around $25 for every worker. How much is the labor?. Secondly, estimate the price of the labor for packing and loading. It may be hired professionals or friends and family (in this case, at least pay them by buying a dinner!). In case you have to take some time off work for the moving, estimate the cost of this too. Also don't forget to calculate the price of any essential packaging material (boxes, bubble wrap, tapes etc.) and/or tools (i.e. dollies). The price of your transportation. Thirdly, think about how much the transport for you and your family will be - find out the prices of flights, train or bus rides, or calculate the petrol price, if you want to travel by car. Also lodging, food and possible entertainment while travelling should be included into the total price. The time after the move: back to square one Finally, moving from one place to another creates a bunch of trouble and additional expenses most people don't even think of when cluttered up with all the boxes. A cable or telephone or other services often include some start-up fees for the initial connection. Another problem is groceries: you most likely emptied the fridge and freezer - both of them will have to get filled up again. Also think about the price of any equipment you have left behind and you need to replace them now, such as various household items. Or you just need to redecorate your new house a bit. Whatever the case is, think carefully and write down the price of anything that you'll need to purchase after you've moved, so that you're prepared for it. As a Vancouver real estate agent, I have always tried to help my clients even with this issue, therefore I would like to share with you some useful tips & tricks: 1) Always think of the cost of moving something and compare it to the cost of a new item. The result of this comparison might shock you. 2) You might get a chance to get a relocation package from your new employer, if you are moving because of a new job. 3) Just to make sure, keep all the receipts connected to the moving, as it is possible to get a tax deduction in some cases. Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com |
About The Author:
Jay Banks, born in Hamilton, has been working as a licensed realtor with the Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board since 1990.
Jay Banks, born in Hamilton, has been working as a licensed realtor with the Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board since 1990.You are welcome to publish this article free of charge on your website, newsletter, or e-zine, provided:
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