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10 Unexpected Costs of Moving

1. PACKING IT UP.
Boxes. Tape. Bubble wrap. Markers. You’ll be floored by how quickly the cost of packing materials adds up. You can save on these by getting used boxes from places like supermarkets, and use blankets, pillows, socks and anything else you're not overly concerned about, to wrap and protect items as you move, instead of buying yards of bubble wrap you'll toss after moving. MoveRight also recommends an environmentally-friendly reusable box service – they’ll deliver the boxes to your door and pick them up after your move! Ask us for details.

2. STORING OR SLOUGHING OFF.
Pretty sure all your stuff will fit in your new place perfectly? Sometimes it’s hard to tell, especially when you’re downsizing or upsizing. You may need to think about storage, or this may be the time to really do a good cleanout. What are the essentials? If you can, draw out a floor plan of your new space, measure how your furniture will fit, and sell the pieces that you won't have room for.

3. GOT MAIL?
If you’d rather not run the risk of an important piece of mail showing up at your old home once you've moved, Canada Post offers mail forwarding for up to 12 months—but it comes with a fee. 

4. FEELING TAXED.
Keep in mind the property taxes on your new home and whether it differs from what you currently pay. Some ways of saving can be found: If you’re moving at least 40 kilometres to set up a home business or attend school, you could be eligible to claim moving expenses on your federal income tax. These include transportation and storage, travel expenses and incidental costs. So keep those receipts!

5. CLEANING OUT THE CLOSET.
Leaving your place nice and clean for the next occupant is just the right thing to do. But this can cost money, either for supplies or a professional cleaner—or, if you leave an apartment without cleaning up, you may even forfeit your deposit.

6. BILLS, BILLS, BILLS.
Even if you’re moving mid-month, you could get hit with large utility bills that cover the entire month. It’s also a good idea to research how the price of hydro, water, etc. at your new place compare to your old one. Your monthly budgeting may require a little tweaking!

7. THE CHANGE-UP.
Depending on where you’re moving, you may not be able to take existing contracts (such as TV/Internet service, or membership at a gym) with you. Be sure to know the terms of those contracts, and what costs are associated with opting out of them.

8. LEFTOVERS.
You’re still living even while preparing to move, so you’re going to have half-empty jars of peanut butter and opened packs of light bulbs. Remember, you’re going to have to buy these items again once you’ve moved. It doesn't hurt to bring those half empty jars, so long as you pack them carefully to avoid spills and breaks.

9. SCALING DOWN.
If you’re shipping your belongings to your new location, their weight will determine how much you pay. Invest in a digital luggage scale and research the appropriate rates, so that you’re not caught by surprise.

10. THE HEAVY LIFTING.
But wait… MoveRight takes care of that for you! You don’t have to worry about figuring out whether you can afford the truck or the moving company, or research whether the movers are dependable and will treat your family heirlooms with care. Moving charges can really rack up, especially because you want to make sure you’re getting quality to get the job done right. When you use a MoveRight agent to buy or sell your home, we organize and pay for your moving expenses! It’s a happy ending – one less hidden cost off the list.

Adapted from: http://www.hgtv.ca/photos/gallery/?gid=e74160f26d6ea3f24819e222eef50e42#!/9