How much will it cost to move?

Make a list of moving costs to help you calculate them. Here’s what should be on the list.

1. Transportation

DIY Move

Moving seems simple enough – it’s a local move, you don’t have many belongings, you don’t have to worry about moving a piano up 10 flights of stairs – so you think you can save by doing it yourself?

You’ll still need to rent:

• A truck
• Special equipment (things like dollies, hand trucks, moving carts, lifting straps)
• Blankets
• Etc.

Don’t forget snacks for your helper friends, not to mention pizza.

Professional Movers

Hiring professional movers will definitely cost money.

However, these companies offer some kind of liability insurance, so you may be compensated if their employees damage your belongings. Be sure to ask what is and isn’t covered before signing the contract.

Call a few companies to compare prices. What extras do they offer?

• Packing paper
• Cardboard boxes
• Mattress bags

See if you can find customer comments online. Ask people you know for a referral.

Ask the company to send over a representative to your apartment or home to make sure they quote you the best price possible.

Be sure to carefully and clearly describe where you’ll be moving to get as accurate a quote as possible. This will avoid unnecessary discussions on moving day and, who knows, unexpected extras.

Remember that companies charge extra for large furniture, like pianos. Keep that in mind.

Ask about their rates because the specific date of your move can affect the price. Moving on the weekend and/or during peak season tends to cost more than during the week and/or during low season.

The number of movers needed will also affect the hourly rate. Three movers cost more than two, but should take less time, so be sure to weigh all your options.

If you think you’ll be tight on time on moving day, ask the company about all the services they offer and add them to your list of expenses should you want to use them:

• Packing and unpacking
• Furniture disassembly and assembly
• Short- or long-term storage

2. Transaction Fees, Taxes and Other Costs

If you are moving into a home or condo you purchased, remember that you will have costs to pay:

• Closing costs to be paid to the lawyer/notary on moving day
• Property and school taxes, prorated to the number of days remaining in the year
• Land transfer tax (referred to as welcome tax in Quebec), which varies from one province to the next, is normally calculated based on the sale price.

3. Home Improvement Fees

Whether you’re buying or renting, chances are you will want to redecorate.

Be sure to set aside some money for:

• Window dressings
• Paint
• Furniture and accessories (side tables, picture frames, shelves, etc.)

4. Other Expenses

Don’t forget:

• Mail forwarding expenses (at least for a few months while you make your change of address with the government, service providers, etc.)
• Internet and phone installation expenses

Astute planning and attention to detail will reduce the stress associated with your move and contribute to making this major change an enjoyable one. Happy moving day!