• AIRDRIE
• CALGARY
• COCHRANE
• DIDSBURY
• DRUMHELLER
• STRATHMORE

• Hidden moving costs
• Where to rent moving trucks
• Ask your friends for help
• Moving boxes and supplies

Hidden Moving Costs

So you've found a new apartment and your getting ready for the big move. No problem, right. Wrong!

Moving is often described as one of the most stressful things we do in life. Part of the reason is because our lives are being turned upside down. The other part is all the little costs that tend to add up during the move process.

Let take a look at some common expenses people often over-look when moving to a new apartment.

Moving Supplies - boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers, etc. it all adds up - fast! A typical 2 bedroom apartment can easily use more than $150 worth of supplies. Good moving boxes however are worth it. They save room in the truck (because they stack nicely) and are often sturdier which helps protect your valuables.

Moving Truck - you may want to get insurance on the truck if your home or auto insurance policy doesn't cover rentals. This can easily cost $40 or more per day on top of the $75 - $200 rental fee.

Gas Costs - moving trucks are not exactly fuel efficient. Prepare to spend about $30 - $40 per 100kms traveled.

Food - If you have friends helping you, it's customary to have pizza and beer on hand. Remember, hungry helpers break things! For you and 6 friends you should budget $50 - $75. Save money by buying the cheap beer!

Special Items - if you need to have professionals move a piano or certain valuables, be prepared to pay some big bucks.

Tips - If you decide to use a moving company, you should consider giving the movers a tip. $20 - $25 per person should do it. If you're serving food during the move, you should also feed the movers!

All told, the little extras can easily cost you $300 or more so be prepared. Knowing these expenses ahead of time will reduce your stress and lead to a smooth move.