When planning a move, most families budget for the big stuff—hiring a moving company, renting a truck, or putting money down on a new home. But moving often brings a handful of surprise expenses that aren’t part of your movers’ charges, yet can still catch you off guard.
At Gerber Moving & Storage, we want you to feel prepared. Here are six common expenses people forget to budget for—and how to handle them smartly.
1. Packing Materials and Supplies Add Up Fast
Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper seem cheap—until you need dozens of them. A large household can easily spend hundreds of dollars on supplies.
Gerber Tip: Reuse boxes from friends or family who have recently moved, or rent reusable crates. When you book with Gerber, ask about affordable packing materials and professional packing services that save time and reduce waste.
2. Utility Deposits and Connection Fees Can Surprise You
Starting fresh in a new home often means:
- Deposits for water, gas, or electricity
- Internet and cable installation charges
- Service transfer fees
These can range from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on your provider.
Gerber Tip: Call your utilities before moving day to confirm setup costs and make sure service starts when you arrive.
3. Storage Solutions for Gap Days
If your move-out and move-in dates don’t align, you might need short-term storage.
- Self-storage units: Monthly rent plus add-ons like locks and insurance
- Professional moving storage (like Gerber’s): Secure, climate-controlled, and billed by volume or weight
Gerber Tip: Gerber offers flexible storage options in Kansas City—perfect for keeping your belongings safe during transition.
4. Cleaning Costs for Your Old Place
Leaving your space spotless helps you get your rental deposit back—or makes your home more appealing to buyers. Professional move-out cleaning often costs $150–$400.
Gerber Tip: Budget extra time and supplies for cleaning, or hire professionals so you can focus on unpacking at your new place.
5. Pet Boarding or Childcare on Moving Day
Moving day can be chaotic—and not very safe for pets or kids. Many families arrange boarding or babysitters.
- Pet boarding: $25–$50 per day
- Babysitters: $15–$25 per hour
Gerber Tip: Book pet or childcare early, so you can give your movers your full attention.
6. Little Essentials for Your New Home
Even after the move, you’ll run into small but necessary purchases:
- Lightbulbs, air filters, and batteries
- Shower curtains and rods
- Tools or hardware for reassembling furniture
These “odds and ends” can add another $100–$300 to your moving costs.
Final Thoughts
These surprise expenses aren’t part of your moving company’s charges, but they’re common costs that come along with any move. By planning ahead for packing supplies, deposits, storage, cleaning, pet care, and new-home essentials, you’ll avoid sticker shock and make your move smoother.
At Gerber Moving & Storage, we provide firm, transparent quotes—so you know your moving costs up front. And we’ll help you think ahead about the other expenses that come with starting fresh in a new place.
Ready to plan your next move? Call (800) 972-3102 or request your free quote online.
Request an Estimate
The best way to give you a fair, accurate price is to have a Gerber representative visit your home or business. This service is free—there is no charge for us to do an on-site survey and prepare an estimate.
