Moving house is often an exciting milestone, whether for a fresh start, a career opportunity or a change of scenery. However, among the hustle of packing and coordinating, many overlook the hidden expenses that can quickly increase the overall cost of moving.
Knowing some last-minute expenses can help you plan better and ensure that you're not extra stressed during an already stressful move.
Connecting utilities
Connecting utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet) is crucial when moving, and ensures a seamless transition to your new home.
If you’re moving somewhere nearby, you might be able to keep your current utility providers and transfer those plans to your new address. By doing that, you may avoid utility connection fees.
But if you’re moving interstate or into a new rental, you might have to set up new utility plans. This could mean a connection fee for the new place and/or a disconnection fee for the old one.
It’s worth noting that in some states like Victoria, landlords must pay for installation and initial connection fees for water, electricity, gas and oil, where the service is being connected for the first time. This may vary depending on the state or territory you live in.
You’ll likely be charged a fixed network service charge if you don’t disconnect your previous house’s energy. And you can be charged for just having your gas supplied, even if you don’t use any gas. So, it’s important to disconnect your utilities as soon as you move out.
Removalists
If you’re pushed for time or are unable to lift heavy items yourself, then hiring removalists might be something to consider factoring into the budget.
But if you’re able to, and are particularly keen on cutting down moving expenses, you may want to do it yourself or with friends. Or, if the big bits are just a bit too big, maybe hire removalists for the really bulky items, and handle the smaller parts yourself.
New furniture and appliances
Moving is always a great time to start fresh, and it can be tempting to want to buy a new couch, fridge or even fancy coffee maker.
But if the bottom line is a big factor for you, why not take a look at some second-hand options? Whether it’s online or from an op shop, the old idiom still applies: one person’s trash is another person's treasure.
Of course, don’t forget to update your sum insured to make sure it reflects the value of all your new furniture and appliances!
Parking
If your new place doesn’t have a guaranteed car space, you may need to factor in the cost of a parking permit.
And, while we’re talking about cars, moving house is a good time as any to check over your car insurance policy so it’s covering what you need as well. AAMI can help with that!
Food and accommodation
Moving house often leaves you with little time and equipment to make a home cooked meal, and usually means buying meals out or ordering in. Those expenses can add up quick.
If you can, plan ahead. Either move all your essentials in first or do so last. That way, you can still live and cook in the place you’re moving into or out of, and save those dollars.
“Essentials” may differ from person to person. After all, we’ve all got that friend who’s happy with a bed, chair and TV. That said, some things to consider keeping handy include:
- your fridge
- plates and cutlery
- cooking utensils, and
- (last but not least) food.
By organising things the right way, you can even live at your new home during the move.
Storage
If you’re moving to a smaller home, you might need to put a few things in storage. This is another recurring expense that’s important to factor into the budget.
If you have the option, it’s a good idea to consider this early on and look for a house that has a shed, attic or other storage space. It might cost a little more but would mean you won’t have to pay for a storage facility.
Ways to make moving easier
Clear the clutter
Declutter in advance to reduce packing. This can be done in a few ways, so choose however works for you.
You could hold a garage sale, take the Marie Kondo approach of only keeping items that spark joy, or simply throw out or donate unwanted items. Whatever method you decide, the more ruthless you are, the less you'll have to pack.
Allow ample time
It can be tempting to save money by ending leases or signing settlements on moving day, but this can increase stress.
If you can negotiate some overlap, you’ll have time to clean your old place and do maintenance on your new home before moving your furniture. If you can't take a week off, aim for at least two days (preferably over a weekend) to ease the process.
Arrange your utilities in advance
To avoid being stuck without power or internet, speak to your utility companies as soon as you have a moving date. That means you can ensure everything is connected and working upon arrival.
Use your permanent marker wisely
Packing boxes can be tedious, so it may be tempting to rush without labelling them. However, organising and labelling each box by room will save you time during unpacking.
That way you can easily ask movers to place each box in the correct room to avoid carrying heavy boxes later.
Pack an overnight bag
Moving house can take a few days and settling in even longer. Save yourself the trouble of digging through boxes by packing overnight bags for each family member.
Include essentials like snacks, water bottles, underwear, pyjamas, toiletries, towels, favourite toys, entertainment, and clothes for the next few days.
Shout lunch
If you’ve roped in a few mates to help with the move, don’t forget to thank them! Reward friends and family with good food and drink for their hard work.
Whether you get a pizza delivered or put on a simple BBQ, you'll need some sustenance to fuel the unpacking and stay in your mates' good books.
Don’t forget insurance
Once you’ve got the certainty of your new place, it may be time to consider making sure it’s insured.
AAMI Home and Contents Insurance covers the building as well as the stuff in it. AAMI Contents Insurance only focuses on – you guessed it – the contents you own at the property.
If you already have AAMI Home and Contents or Contents Only cover, and you move house in Australia during your period of insurance, your contents are covered for loss or damage from insured events at both addresses for up to 14 days.
That 14-day period starts from when your contents first arrive at the new address.
You’ll need to contact us before the 14 days end to ask us to update your listed address so the cover continues at the new property.
Note that your contents are not covered while in transit, except under specific circumstances with the Portable Valuables optional cover. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement for terms, conditions and exclusions.
Happy moving!