Hidden Costs of Moving to the Columbia SC Area
If you're considering moving to the Columbia SC area anytime in the near future, there are costs you may not think about that are associated with your move. We don't like surprises, and bet you don't either, especially when it comes to your finances. There are plenty of costs that can easily take you by surprise when you move.
There are some standard costs associated with moving to the Columbia SC area, but they can still catch first-time homeowners off-guard. If buying a home, fees for things like a title transfer, filing official documents, settlement fees, required inspections and a land survey, are pretty standard.
Costs of Moving to the Columbia SC Area, Even for Renters
Even for renters, a move is more than just comparing the costs of living between two locations and how much more accommodations will cost in the new place. A deposit on a new apartment, a change of driver's license, new car registration and license plates, and fees to turn on new utilities are just some of the extra costs that can derail a moving budget.
Other Costs to Consider When Moving to the Columbia SC Area
Finding the ideal place to live on your first trip is the ideal plan, but most people end up making repeated trips to the Columbia SC area, which turns into more airfare, more hotel stays, or more gas for the car, and more meals out while on the road or while you're in the Columbia SC area.
The time between finding the perfect apartment or house and being able to move in can also be expensive. When you're a family with kids and pets and trying to make a move work, you might have to board your pet for a few weeks, or send your kids to Grandma and Grandpa's for a couple of weeks. You might want to send some money along with them so your parents don't have to foot the bill. That can be something you hadn't counted on.
If moving to be closer to a new job before you've sold your current home might also mean having to rent a new place first or be forced to sell your current home quickly, for less than you might have hoped to get, had you not been rushed to sell.
After Moving to the Columbia SC Area
Things as simple as restocking your pantry with all your spices and ingredients, or buying new cleaning supplies because you didn't ship your old ones, can cost several hundred dollars.
What about a backyard fence for your pet, or maybe you find your old house had additional storage and now you need to build shelves in the new one. Again, you could be looking at several hundred dollars.
When moving to the Columbia SC area, or any new area for that matter, getting settled will take time, and having some emergency moving funds set aside for things like a few meals out before all your kitchen things are unpacked, can relieve a lot of stress.
Check out some of our articles and tips on buying a home and moving to the Columbia SC area by clicking the Columbia SC Home Buying Tips link to your right under our Columbia SC Real Estate Categories.