Get prepared and include these hidden costs into your moving budget

Get prepared and include these hidden costs into your moving budget

The costs of moving from one flat to another can be high, and some of the expenses can go unnoticed until you investigate your bank statement later on. But you don’t want to be caught off guard by expenses you didn’t know you had to budget for. So, it’s best to be prepared from the very moment you decide that you’re ready to move out into a new flat.

To help you with the preparation process, below, we’ll discuss the budget for moving into a new flat. We’ll take a closer look at the hidden costs of moving as well as the unexpected costs of renting, which you might be unaware of.

The costs you’ll encounter when moving flats

When you’re thinking of moving flats, you need to think hard about whether you’re able to afford the whole process. And, even if you’re moving out of your home into your first flat, your budget needs to encompass everything. That’s why you should create a moving costs checklist that will help you plan better. To do that successfully, you need to know which costs you’ll encounter when you’re making the move.

The deposit costs

While everyone is aware that deposit is a prerequisite in the agreement between a landlord and a tenant, there are tiny details that can be missed if you’re not paying attention or do not ask the right questions. Some landlords will require one to three months’ rent before you move into the new flat. To ensure that your apartment budget checklist includes the correct details, check the listing or ask your landlord about the value of the deposit. This way, you won’t run into cash flow issues during your move.

Moving costs

You need to decide to hire professional movers or get a rental truck instead of simply winging it two days before you have to move out and into the new flat. It’s important to ask for quotes from different service agencies ahead of time. That way, you can make comparisons and choose an option suitable for your budget.

Make sure that you discuss all of the details about your belongings, what they are and their sizes. You don’t want to get surprised by a “heavy item” surcharge. You may also be charged for fuel for the move. So, when you receive the quote, ensure that it includes everything. Another factor to consider is plan B, in case of an emergency, where your primary movers can’t or don’t make it.

Packing supplies

More often than not, packing supplies come as an afterthought. This can be a dangerous route to take as you might find yourself going over budget simply because there are resources you didn’t account for in your budget. It’s a no-brainer that when you move, you need lots of boxes to pack away your belongings. In addition to the boxes, there are other tools you’ll need, such as sellotape, scissors, permanent markers, etc., to help complete the task of packing.

Home admin

When you move into a new flat, you’ll have a lot of home admin to attend to, and these details are often forgotten. Chances are, you will have to pay for electricity or water and connect your satellite TV as well as your internet. You may also need to get new curtains, depending on the fit of your curtain space in your new flat, or even replace a few light bulbs.

These are things you need to consider, and while they’re not as clear cut as the costs above, you’ll have to factor them into your budget. Visiting the property prior to moving is one of the top things to do before moving into your new flat. This will ensure that you learn about these details and prepare for them in time.

Final thoughts

With all of the above factors taken into consideration, you’ll be ready and prepared to make your move into your new flat. If you’re still in search of affordable flats, you might want to ask yourself these questions first.

Once you’ve got your answers, you can search for an agency that can help you. For example, if you’re searching for flats to rent in Johannesburg, you’ll need to find a Johannesburg property company to help you. And, if that’s the case, look no further than the Johannesburg Housing Company. Connect with us, and we’ll help you find a suitable new home!