From Chaos to Cozy – What it Really Costs to Settle Into a New Home in Georgia

The very thought of moving and packing probably already makes your hair stand on end. And not only do you have to deal with the stress of thinking about it; you still have to go through the actual moving process. Yikes!

In addition to packing everything into boxes, you also have to unpack it all in your new space. And after all the costs you had for decorating and repairs, you also have to cover the moving expenses. Does anyone even know how much that costs? There’s no need to panic. It’s easy to add it all up if you organize yourself in advance.

a white house with a black front door

And that’s why we’ve done the research to help you prepare so that you avoid unexpected expenses, and to teach you how to best organize yourself when moving into a new home.

The Cost of Moving to a New Home in Georgia

First of all, why Georgia?

Well, according to a study published by the New York Post, in recent years, Georgia became the U.S. state with the largest increase in foreign-born residents among all other states (an increase from 10.7% to 11.6%). That’s why we’ve picked Georgia, since it has the highest influx of new residents moving into the state. Naturally, it’s a great field to study the costs of moving into a new home.

The cost of moving can’t be generalized and accurately determined for everyone because it depends on several factors: distance, size of the house (amount of things), and whether you choose the full service or the “do it yourself” option. But we can at least give you an idea/estimate of ​​the moving costs in several locations in Georgia:

Atlanta – a big city so it is the most expensive due to high demand and labor costs, and can vary from $1,500-3,000 to even $5,000 for longer distances.

Savannah – more affordable prices that locally range from $1,200-1,500 although they can vary seasonally.

Augusta – a smaller city so it also entails lower costs that are usually $1,000-2,000.

We can look at the moving companies Atlanta has to offer. Like any other market, it depends on a healthy ratio of supply and demand, as well as the time of year you plan to move. These would be the two largest factors that would determine the total cost. And, as we’ve stated before, the cost also depends on the service package you choose, so it’s definitely worth doing a little before-hand research on the options.

If you still decide on the “DIY option”, you will save more money, but also spend more time in an already stressful period. You’ll also have additional costs in the form of renting a moving van or truck, various supplies such as boxes, strong adhesive tapes, bubble wrap… Expect the unexpected, and plan your budget carefully.

white sectional couch beside white wooden table

Beyond Moving Day – The Hidden Costs

When we had such a good time listing the costs, why should we stop now? We’d like to stop, but not everything is always as we want it to be, especially when it comes to (un)expected costs.

This time, we’re not talking about costs that are directly related to moving things, but rather costs that may occur during the moving process itself. So, certain costs may arise – from deposits for utilities or new connections and removal of bulky waste after the move, to minor repairs and cleaning of the new (and old) property. If you have excess items that you don’t want to throw away, there’s always the option of renting a storage unit, which also costs money.

We’ll leave the purchase of new furniture and equipment for another time.

The 4-Week Guide to Turning a House into a Home

You may have already experienced it yourself, but research shows that for 45% of people moving is one of the most stressful events in their life – it is even ahead of divorce or breakup. Finances, timelines, emotions… You can choose the source of stress and that’s exactly why planning and organization are important.

No matter how organized you are in your everyday life, sometimes you still need a little more motivation or guidance when it comes to big things like moving. We’ll try to make the whole organization process as stress-free as possible over 4 weeks.

Week 1 – First Things First

Unpack toiletries, bedding, and kitchen essentials. Secure your home by installing security alarms, changing locks, and checking smoke detectors. That means everything you need to at least start functioning normally.

Week 2 – Organization and Storage

Sort as many boxes as possible into categories in your garage or by the rooms they belong to. Invest in closet organizers and extra storage space for more order and easier access. You can also arrange most of your furniture at the same time.

Week 3 – Personalization and Decoration

If you haven’t already, paint the walls or put up wallpaper to give them a touch of your own. Don’t forget family photos and lighting that add warmth to your home. Now you can add a small new piece of furniture or decor because you can see how it will fit in.

Week 4 – Final Touches and Gatherings

The final touch is a cozy outdoor space for relaxing and socializing – you’ll need one after all this chaos has passed. You can also invite friends and family for a moving-in celebratory occasion; and even invite new neighbors to get to know each other. Create a cozy atmosphere to your taste.

Conclusion

Moving is not just a physical change – it is a change in your current lifestyle and an investment in the future. A change that usually costs you both money and nerves.

Organize yourself in time, anticipate the unexpected, and don’t let a ‘small’ change like this throw you off track. Tackle the challenge with your amazing organizational skills (or rely on the skills of a professional moving company).

The sooner you solve this process, the sooner you will start enjoying your new home.

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