Five questions to ask yourself to avoid unforeseen moving expenses

Five questions to ask yourself to avoid unforeseen moving expenses

So, you’ve finally decided to make the big move, and all you need to do is ensure all your ducks are in a row. This is understandable because when it comes to moving, a few things can fall through the cracks, especially when you’re moving alone. At JHC, we have all the tips to simplify your moving experience and ensure that you consider all the hidden moving costs.

Below are five questions to ask yourself as you prepare for your move, making sure there aren't any surprises later on.

Have I researched moving services?

If you have someone to help you move, then this is a question that you can skip. But, if you don’t have anyone to help you move, then it is best to do your research at least eight weeks before the official move day. This will give you enough time to find a moving company with a good deal that won’t break the bank. This is especially beneficial if you are trying to move on a budget, as planning things in advance can help cut costs.

Do I have a storage budget?

You may be asking yourself, “why do I need a storage budget when I know my moving date and everything is going as planned?” This may be true, but you always need to budget for an emergency. For instance, the flat that you may be moving into might need to have a few unforeseen repairs done, or it might have a geyser burst which will set the moving date back. While this may not happen, having money set aside for “just in case” can come in handy because the last thing you want is to be stranded with all your belongings and having nowhere to store them, especially if you’re moving to a new city. Rather have money set aside and know that that will be taken care of.

Have I discontinued my services?

As we mentioned before, when you are moving, there may be a few things you might forget that can end up costing you money. As part of your moving checklist, you need to make sure you have discontinued your services, such as gym memberships and anything else you pay every month. More so if you aren’t going to be staying in the same area, because the last thing you need is to pay for arrears or the inconvenience of having to travel to your old place to clear a dispute. The best is to make sure you cancel unnecessary services so that you’re all set for your new beginnings.

Do I have a food allowance?

When you move into a new place, one of the hidden costs moving people tend to forget is food. Chances are you will only purchase groceries once you have finished moving and are all settled into your new flat. If you don’t have any family or friends nearby, you will most likely purchase takeaways until you’re settled. The cost of fast food or restaurant food can add up very quickly, which is why we advise that you have a food allowance in your moving budget checklist to ensure you don’t spend too much of your grocery money or simply spend more than you should.

Do I have enough packing supplies?

When it comes to packing supplies, more is always better than less. Since everything you own is neatly stored at your current place, it can be hard for you to see how many boxes you need for your move. When you only buy a few packing supplies, you’ll end up having to take a second trip to the store, which means additional petrol or public transport money. To avoid this, rather purchase in bulk and ensure you have enough boxes for all your things. When packing, having a lot of boxes can also make it easier for you to sort your things into separate boxes and label your essentials and non-essential items. This will make it easier when you get to your flat as you will know where your essentials are, e.g. cosmetics, work clothes and anything else you will need immediately. This will stop you from needing to purchase any hygiene products while you are still busy unpacking and ensure you have a painless moving experience.

In conclusion

Moving to a new place to stay requires a lot from you, and while you can find an affordable flat in Johannesburg that will allow you to have more leeway with your money, your move can be just as expensive if you don’t account for things that may cost you money in the long run. This is why we shared these tips in the hopes that they will help you budget accordingly for everything you need to help you move. At JHC, we are always eager to help our tenants, so we hope these five questions will help simplify your move and make it as affordable as possible.