Moving Costs!

One of the first things that you may want to consider about moving costs is whether or not they are tax-deductible. If your company is paying for your move then this is not an issue. You cannot deduct the expenses that were paid by your company. However, if you are self-employed, there is a good chance that your moving costs can be deducted on your taxes. In general, your moving expenses are only deductible if you are moving for job-related reasons. (Note: Check out our Moving Costs Calculator!)

Moving Costs!

If your new commute to work is at least 50 miles greater than your old commute then you quality for the first test given by the IRS to see if you qualify for moving cost deductions. The second IRS test requires that you be employed full time in the general area of your new job location for at least 39 weeks during the 12 months after you make your move. If you are in business for yourself and you're a sole proprietor or a partner, you can just transfer yourself to your new location and deduct the costs but you still meet the 50-mile and 39-week tests as well as a third test that applies to self-employed people. The third test requires that you work full time in the new area for at least 78 weeks during the 24 months after you move.

Now that we have that out of the way we can move on to your actual moving costs. The amount of money that it will cost you to move depends on many factors. Will you be moving yourself? How far are you moving? If you are going to be using a moving company, will you have them help you pack? What is the current price for gas? Will you require lodging or storage?

If you are having someone move you, Some of the factors that may affect your overall moving costs can include:

oThe amount that a moving company charges to move you.

oLabor for any help that you may require.

oTravel costs for your family and pets.

oDining and lodging expenses.

oThe costs involved with using temporary public storage.

oThe costs for moving insurance.

oAny costs that will be incurred for disconnection and connecting services in your new city.

oThe current price of gas.

If you are moving yourself then moving costs to keep in mind could be:

oThe daily price for your moving truck rental.

oHow much the moving truck rental company charges you per mile.

oThe current cost of gas.

oAll of the other expenses listed above.

If you are going to use professional movers to do the job then keep in mind that there can be some hidden costs involved. When you get your moving estimates, it is a good idea to make sure that all potential obstacles are covered in your contract. You should go over the moving estimators contract with a fine toothed comb and discuss any items that you may have questions about. Some of the hidden costs when using a moving company may include:

If the moving company pays their movers for work that is done in certain locations where labor rates tend to be higher then there might be a transportation surcharge involved so be on the lookout for this in your contract.

They may charge you extra for moving heavy or bulky items such as big screen TV's, riding lawnmowers, playground equipment, ATV's, pianos and anything else that may be deemed heavy or bulky.

There can also be an added fee for any specialists that may need to be brought in to disconnect gas mains or to take apart any items or furniture you have that needs to be disassembled.

If the moving help has to walk more than 75 feet from your door to their truck then there might be an additional fee for this. If they have to go up or down stairs or if they have to use an elevator then additional charges could be incurred.

Totaling Up Your Moving Costs

Moving costs will vary from move to move. It is probably impossible to think of every little thing that will end up costing you some money. However, you can keep all of the above in mind when you use our moving cost calculator in order to investigate and get a rough idea of what the total cost will be for your move.

Final Word: Do make a checklist and start organizing your move as early as possible!

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