Shawn DeLaat
Moving into a new home is a significant step, especially if you’re moving with your family. Buying a home and moving into it takes a lot of work. The process comes with quite a bit of paperwork and physical work along with lots of extra costs.
When moving into a new home, many people forget about the extra costs that it comes with. We’ve created a list of the most frequently overlooked costs you will incur when buying a home and listed them below.
Utilities And Utility Fees
When moving into your new home, it is easy to forget that you need things like water, electricity, and gas. If the previous owner has had these utilities disconnected, you will have to book for reconnection.
Some utility providers charge a fee for reconnection, but the cost varies per utility and utility company.
You will also need to connect your WiFi and cable. This is particularly important if you work from home as you’ll need these utilities pretty soon after moving in.
Try to book your reconnection in advance to ensure that you get all of your utilities connected within a few days of moving in.
Cleaning The House
A deep clean of your new home is a must, even if the previous owners cleaned it when they left. Most people opt to hire a professional cleaning service to get the job done quickly, but it can be expensive.
Professional cleaners tend to charge per hour or the size of your house, meaning that costs vary drastically. We’d estimate setting aside at least $120, but be aware that it could cost upwards of $250 to have a professional clean your home.
If you’ve decided to clean your new home yourself, remember to factor in the cost of new cleaning supplies and the time it will take to clean the house.
Painting Costs
If you’re one of the lucky ones, your new home will come freshly painted and ready to move into, but this is pretty rare. Instead, most people will want to add a fresh coat of paint to a few rooms, if not their whole house.
It’s easiest to redecorate your home before you’ve moved in all of your possessions, so you could hire a painting company to come in a few days before your move-in day. While you may want to keep costs down and paint it yourself, a professional company will get the job done quickly and ensure it’s done well.
A professional painting company will set you back at least $1000. Still, this price could increase depending on a few things. These include the size of your home, the complexity of the job, and any mouldings and baseboards.
Short-Term Storage And Living Arrangements
If you’re going to be in-between homes before moving into your new home, you will need to factor in the short-term storage of your furniture and any accommodation you use.
Storage in Canada usually starts at around $190 per month. This price will increase the more space you need and the longer you need it.
The Cost Of Furnishing and Appliances
Moving into a new home is an excellent time to redecorate. This means you may spend quite a bit on new furniture and appliances. You will also need to consider your lighting fixtures and any window coverings that you can’t take from your old home.
Raises In Car Insurance
Did you know that your car insurance premium is affected by the area you live in? One of the determining factors in your premium rate is the claim history in your area. If you are moving to a new region, your car insurance premium could go up or down.
Additionally, you should consider how your other insurance premiums may change with the move, including your home insurance premium.
Misc. Fees
Lastly, there will always be miscellaneous fees you haven’t considered before moving into a new home. These various costs could include the cost of takeout on move-in day, a fridge full of groceries and the fees for the moving crew.
You should also consider when you are moving home and whether you will lose out on wages or need to take vacation days to get everything moved in.
Are You Looking To Buy A Home In The Niagara Region? Call Davids & DeLaat Today!
Are you looking to buy a new home in the Niagara region? Davids & DeLaat is an experienced Niagara Region REALTORS® dedicated to helping you find your perfect home. We’ve been helping people move into and around the area for years, and we’re passionate about making your transition a smooth one. Contact us today to find out how we could help!
