Preparing to move is a stressful time for many families because of all the tasks that must be completed to leave one home and embrace another. One way to alleviate some of the stress associated with your move is to make sure you are financially prepared for the expense.

Most individuals know to account for costs associated with hiring movers, renting a moving truck and purchasing moving supplies. However, there is an assortment of other costs that people may forget about. Check out some of the commonly overlooked expenses that you may need to account for in your moving budget.

1. Protective Materials for Your Belongings

You know that in order to move, you must have moving boxes and tape to contain your belongings. However, you want to make sure your possessions arrive at your new home unbroken.

When packing your items, you need to use the proper packing materials to protect your belongings from breaking. Whether you are packing and moving the contents of your home yourself or hiring professional movers, you need to incorporate the cost of these materials.

When filling boxes with breakable items, packing peanuts, bubble wrap or foam is a necessity to cushion the boxes’ contents. Some homeowners may opt to use items from their home to cushion breakable items, such as towels or pillows. However, these items may not provide the same level of protection as dedicated packing materials. Even though it costs more to purchase packing materials, you may find it’s worth it to minimize the chance of breakage.

Remember to protect your furniture as well during the move. Plastic sheeting, cardboard sheets and bubble wrap are all essentials to help your furniture survive the move unscathed.

2. Penalties for Breaking Your Current Contracts

It’s common for companies to require their customers to sign contracts. Your cable company, cell phone company, gym and child care provider are just a few businesses that compel their customers to sign contracts.

Should you have to discontinue your service before the end of the contract, you may have to pay a penalty. If you currently have a lease for an apartment or storage unit, there may be costs associated with breaking the lease early.

Penalties for breaking a contract vary widely according to the company’s policy, so make sure to call each entity so that you know what to expect. Ask the company if there is anything you can do to reduce the fee for ending your service early. Some apartment complexes will reduce or eliminate the fee for breaking a lease if you allow management to immediately start showing the unit to prospective tenants.

3. Costs Associated With Moving Your Pets

If you are moving with pets, make sure to incorporate expenses for your furry family members into your budget. Depending on the distance of your move, you may have to pay to fly your pet to your new home. If you are uncomfortable with flying your pet a long distance, you can hire a pet transport service to drive your pet. You may have to purchase a new kennel or carrier so that your pet can travel comfortably.

Check the local laws in your new town to see what the requirements are for pet ownership. Many areas require that your pets have specific vaccinations, and you may have to apply for an animal license to legally bring your pet. Mandatory examinations may also be a necessity.

For example, Hawaii’s Animal Industry Division requires pets new to the islands to undergo an inspection by a local vet. A short quarantine period is also mandatory, and you have to present documentation that your pet received two rabies vaccinations spaced according to the division’s specifications. All of these items cost money and should be accounted for in your moving budget.

Ready to make the move to your dream home? Contact Island Movers, Inc. today for a free estimate.