Are you planning to relocate? If so, then you need to understand that moving doesn’t come cheap. As a matter of fact, an intrastate move costs an average of $1,170 and $5,630 for an interstate move, at least according to the American Moving & Storage Association.
But regardless of your moving budget, odds are that you’ll need to adjust it upwards, says Florida Property Management & Sales. This is because there are some hidden moving costs that you may overlook. And this shouldn’t be surprising if you are moving for the first time.

Without doing proper diligence, these costs can add up quite quickly. That’s why in today’s article, we’ll share with you 6 hidden moving costs to pay attention to.

Hidden Cost #1: Moving Supplies

Boxes, packing tape, and bubble wrap can add up rather quickly. Luckily, there are a couple of ways to cut down on these costs.
Look for used boxes. You can go to your local bookstore and grocery stores.
Search Reddit or Craigslist for moving supplies from a person who’s moved recently.
If you are using a moving company, moving supplies are usually included in the moving package. However, sometimes they may be included for an additional fee. So, make sure to ask your moving company when making the reservation.
Instead of bubble wrap, consider using old newspapers.
Hidden Cost #2: Furniture Assembly and Disassembly

Some of your household furniture may require to be taken apart to simplify the moving process. Exercise equipment, wall units, cabinets, beds, and desks are usually items that need to be disassembled and then reassembled in your new home.
You’ll have two options in this regard. One, to do it yourself (and maybe with the help of some friends). Or two, to let your moving company do it for you albeit for a fee.

In case you choose the latter option, you need to include the extra fee in your budget. The fee will obviously depend on whether the move is a local or a long-distance one.

Hidden Cost #3: Moving Insurance

From broken china to water damage, accidents do happen, even if you’ve hired the best movers. Moving insurance works the same way as most insurance covers. It offers protection for your property in the event of damage when moving.
The insurance cover depends on the insurance policy you take. Generally speaking, though, it can range anywhere from covering damage from floods or fires to damage caused to your brand new 70-inch TV.

Technically speaking, a moving company isn’t qualified to sell an insurance policy. But, federal law permits them to give valuation reports. You could also get an insurance cover from third-party providers as well.

The most basic moving insurance is the Released Value Protection. It comes standard in moving package and offers a meager coverage of up to $0.60 per pound for items.

The other moving insurance is Full-Value Protection. This one gives full coverage on all your inventory. So, in case your mover drops your new 70” TV, you can expect to get a new one or a full reimbursement for its value.

Hidden Cost #4: Move Cancellation Fee

Cancelling your move with your insurance company can cost you a pretty penny. More so, if you do so just a few days to the actual moving day. Cancelling a week to the moving day usually doesn’t cost anything.

That said, cancelling a few days to the moving day may cost you upwards of $300. So, before signing on the dotted lines, make sure you understand all the terms and conditions.

Hidden Cost #5: Long Carry Fee

This is another hidden fee that you may incur when you move. You’ll incur it if movers need to move for quite some distance from your home to the moving truck, or vice versa. Most moving companies have a set distance that they are willing to carry items, whether from your home to the truck or vice versa.
Suppose your mover has a maximum carry distance of 100 feet as a company policy. So, if they end up carrying anything past this distance, you’ll be billed an extra charge.

Long carry fees are especially common in big cities, where parking is always an issue. As such, if you live in a big city, go ahead and reserve a parking space for the day you’ll be moving.

Hidden Cost #6: Elevator Charge

If you are moving out/in a high-rise building, you may get stunned by another fee – the elevator or flight fee. Different companies usually charge different elevator charges. But generally, the charge is typically around $75.

There you have it. 6 hidden moving costs to pay attention to as you prepare your next move. Remember, though, the first step towards avoiding hidden fees begins with choosing the right moving company.