Most people know that moving to a new city for a job is a costly proposition in terms of time and money. The list of items to budget for is lengthy. Even the most budget-conscious of people may not think to set aside for some things that could come up during a move to Houston. If you are thinking about a new job in a different city, here are five expenses you should take into account as you prepare a budget.
1) The cost of moving your stuff
If your new job is with one of the 41% of companies in the United States that does not offer some type of funds to help compensate for the move you will have to make, this is a bill you will have to foot yourself. Whether you appoint a company to move your household or you resolve to handle it yourself, it can get costly. Picking the former may have higher upfront costs, but there will still be sizeable expenses with the latter selection, too.
To begin with, you'll have to rent a trailer (and a hitch if you do not already have one installed on your vehicle) or moving truck to transport your possessions. Further, you'll have to budget for travel-related expenses while you are traveling to Houston.
A do-it-yourself move may not be as expensive as hiring a professional mover to do it for you, but it will not be cheap. Plan accordingly. Find more about the Pros and Cons of DIY Moving here.
2) The cost of traveling to a new location in Houston
Speaking of traveling…
This was mentioned briefly above, but the cost of traveling to a new location has to be taken into consideration when thinking about a move. If you are planning on driving, you need to plan for food, gas, lodging, and tolls, if applicable, as well as save some money for vehicle repairs in case there is a flat tire or worse while you are on the road.
Even if you hire a professional mover and plan to fly to your new city, there is still the cost of plane tickets. Either way, you will need to allot some money to get to Houston.
3) The cost of temporary housing in Houston
If you do not have living arrangements lined up when you arrive in Houston, you will at least need to make arrangements for a location to live temporarily while you look for something more permanent. It may be a hotel, or a month-to-month lease on an apartment, but it is one thing you should take into consideration. Another consideration should be the cost of storing everything you do not need while you search.
4) The cost of living in Houston
The salary you are being offered may be ten percent higher than what you are now being paid, but how much will that matter if the cost of living is eleven or twelve percent higher in the town you will be moving to? Compare what you'll be shelling out there for things like groceries, transportation, and insurance to what you are shelling out now to see what the variance in costs of living could cost you.
5) The cost of leaving your caring community and creating a new one
No, this cost is not a budgetary one, but it is important to think about when you are relocating for employment. Unless you are a hermit, you have a community of people where you are right now that probably consists of family, friends, and co-workers. Relocating to a new city will sever some of those relationships and make others more strenuous to sustain. It can take massive amounts of time and effort to build similar bonds in a new place, so prepare yourself correspondingly.
