Additional Costs

In addition to the actual cost of moving your belongings, you must consider indirect costs such as renovations and potential productivity losses. Renovations constitute a type of moving cost in that you will incur them simply to adapt your new space to suit your needs. For example, if you relocate to a warehouse and convert it to a live/work space, you might have to erect walls, upgrade kitchen and bath facilities, and replace flooring -- or even install a specialized ventilation system. Seriously consider the long-term benefits of renovating a leased space before signing any contracts.

 If changing the space is necessary, allot sufficient funds to cover these expenses -- especially if you have some form of net lease or are in a commercial or industrial space. Chapter 7: Commercial and Industrial Leases discusses how to factor renovation costs into your lease agreement.

It can be difficult to gauge how much your move will negatively affect your productivity. Measure lost creative or productive time by counting how many hours you have spent searching for space and packing, moving and resettling in the new environment.

As you prepare to move, transfer your utility services, change your address, enroll your children in different schools (if applicable), and switch your commuting schedule. These activities often come with a price tag: Not changing your mailing address, for example, might end up costing you late fees in bills because documents did not arrive at your new location in time. And transferring existing utility services to a new location will include connection fees and/or security deposits.