5 Ways Cost Of Moving Can Sneak Up On You

 

Updated by TheLorry on 29 July 2025. 

Moving can be a major headache. No matter how much you plan, there’s probably something that you’ve missed. And what you missed will probably come back to haunt you during the move in the form of extra costs. These extra, and likely hidden, costs, can easily add up. The best thing to do is to ensure you plan for all aspects, so your move will stay within your budget.

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Why the Real Cost of Moving Can Surprise You

Moving into a new home is a big milestone, but it often comes with a financial twist that many don’t see coming. While the upfront price of hiring a truck or paying for packaging materials might seem manageable, hidden expenses can snowball if you’re not prepared. The cost of moving isn’t just about transport—there’s manpower, packing, utilities, and even surprise deposits to consider.

In this article, we’ll uncover 5 sneaky ways your moving costs can spiral and provide practical advice on how to avoid budget blowouts.

Here are some common mistakes that could lead to extra moving costs:

1. Booking a lorry that is too small

The first cost that most people take into consideration when they are moving is the cost of renting a lorry. Depending on the number of things and how heavy and big the items are, the size of the lorry will also vary.

At TheLorry, you can book a lorry ranging from one tonne to five tonnes, or even a van if the items you are moving are less than 500kg.

The common mistake that most people make is not getting the lorry in the right size. By getting one that is too small could end up costing you more since you would need to make two trips or find another way to move!

Estimate the size of your moving transportation as accurately as possible, as the price of a three-tonne lorry is double the price of a one-tonne lorry (RM150). If you book a one-tonne lorry only to find out that you need another lorry or another trip to transport all your items, you will need to fork another RM150!

One of the most common and costly moving mistakes is underestimating how much stuff you actually have. Booking a lorry that’s too small can seem like a way to save money—until you realize you’ll need a second trip or an additional vehicle. That’s when the real expense begins.

How to Estimate the Right Lorry Size

Start by inventorying everything you’re moving—furniture, boxes, appliances. Use online calculators or consult with the moving service to determine the lorry size that fits. Companies like TheLorry offer vehicles ranging from one-tonne vans to five-tonne trucks.

Cost Comparison of Lorry Sizes

Here’s a quick comparison table to illustrate how costs can escalate:

Booking a smaller lorry might seem cheaper at first, but a second trip could double your cost unnecessarily. Get it right the first time.

 

2. Cost of manpower

Getting a lorry to move your items is just half of the work done. The cost of transportation does not include manpower to help you move the item into the truck and also off the truck when it reaches the destination.

The cost of labour vary depending on the type of property you are moving to and from. High rise properties with no lift will see a higher cost of about RM150.

However, if you are moving from a landed property to another landed property, the cost of manpower will likely be about RM90 per person, and if you do not have anyone helping you (read: friends and family you’ve bullied into helping), you will need at least two people to help you do the moving for a one-tonne lorry. This will come up to RM180. And don’t expect the driver to help, because his job description is only driving the vehicle and does not include moving items.

The more items you have, the bigger the lorry you will need, and also the more manpower you will. Don’t overlook this cost and be shocked when it’s time to pay. Plan ahead, remember 2 guys won’t be enough to move your piano down the stairs.

You’ve got the lorry, but who’s going to carry all that heavy stuff? Many people forget that the cost of manpower isn’t always included in the transport fee. And no, the driver isn’t going to help carry your fridge up the stairs.

Typical Manpower Rates Based on Property Type

• Landed properties: RM90 per mover

• High-rise buildings without lifts: RM150 per mover

• Minimum needed movers: 2 (RM180 – RM300 depending on property type)

Why You May Need More Than Two Movers

Think about heavy or awkward items like pianos, large wardrobes, or gym equipment. Two movers might not be enough, especially if stairs are involved. Fewer movers may also slow down your move, adding time-related costs if your movers charge by the hour.

 

3. Packing of your belongings

Now that you have the transportation and manpower settled, you need Packing Expenses: Materials, Damage Protection & Professional Help to start packing your belongings and furniture. Most of the transportation services available do not include packing materials and packing service in their cost, which makes it easy to overlook when moving.

If you book a lorry at TheLorry, they provide end-to-end moving services, from disassembling to packing. The cost of packing includes packing materials such as boxes, shrink wrap and bubble wrap. If you expect your things to arrive at the destination and inside your new home in pristine, or at least it their original condition, make sure the packing is done properly.

Fragile items, like a really expensive oak furniture, must be shrink wrapped properly to avoid scratches and damages. Vases and breakable items should be bubble wrapped to avoid breaking them during the possible bumpy journey.

Boxes can cost up to RM14, while bubble wrap is RM200 per roll, and shrink wrap is RM50 per roll. All these costs must be factored in when you are budgeting for your move.

Let’s talk boxes, bubble wrap, and shrink wrap—oh my! Packing may look easy on paper, but poorly packed items can lead to damage and breakage, costing more in the long run.

Breakdown of Packing Materials Costs

DIY vs. Professional Packing Services

DIY packing may save money but adds time and risk. Professional services, like those offered at TheLorry, handle everything from disassembly to shrink-wrapping delicate furniture, ensuring safer transport.

 

4. Broadband subscriptions

Among the chaos of moving boxes, don’t forget your digital lifeline—broadband and utility subscriptions. You may continue paying for a service you no longer use, especially if you forget to cancel or transfer accounts.

Hidden Costs of Active Subscriptions at Old Addresses

• Overlapping bills

• Early termination penalties (if you’re under contract)

• Missed installation appointments at the new address

Switching Providers for Better Coverage and Cost

Check for better broadband deals in your new area using services like iMoney Broadband Comparison. Sometimes, switching providers not only improves coverage but also reduces monthly costs.  Moving can definitely be stressful, having to coordinate the packing, moving and assembling of furniture. This leads to most people overlooking subscriptions such as satellite TV, telephone land line and even broadband. And we all know that the most important thing when you get to your new place is internet!

If not planned in advance, you could be paying for service that you are unable to enjoy at your new home. Things like broadband subscription can easily be managed by checking if you are still under contract with your current provider. If you are no longer under contract, you will be free to shop around for a cheaper and faster broadband package in your new area. There is also the problem of coverage. Some areas may not have coverage for your existing broadband package, or better packages may be available to you at your new location.

To ensure you always get the best and most value-for-money broadband package, check for coverage and packages at iMoney.my by comparing all the available plans in your areas.

5. Deposits

If you are living in a condominium facility, don’t forget the various deposits you need to pay the condominium management when you are moving or making repair or renovation. Some condominium requires about RM1,000 in deposit before they allow your movers to get into the compound. Though deposits usually can be returned, if nothing in the compound is damaged, it is still a lot of cash you need to fork out. If you do not plan for it when you are planning your budget for the move, you could easily run out of cash for the deposit.  Put aside some cash for deposit on the day that you are moving, so everything will run smoothly without hiccups.

Condo and gated community residents—beware. Managements often charge a moving-in deposit, which can reach RM1,000 or more. These are usually refundable but can cause cash flow issues if you’re unprepared.

Common Deposits Required by Condos and Apartments

• Security deposit for movers: RM500 – RM1,000

• Damage deposit for lifts/common areas: RM300 – RM500

• Advance booking fees: RM100 – RM200

How to Prepare Your Budget for These Charges

Call your building’s management early and ask for a breakdown of fees. Set aside a deposit budget envelope to avoid last-minute panic or having your movers turned away.

Wе undеrѕtаnd that іt іѕ not easy рlаnning а bіg mоvе bу уоurѕеlf. However, with www.thelorry.com/my to аѕѕіѕt уоu in booking for your moving services, you will be able to manage your cost of moving well and also stick to your moving budget. Rеmеmbеr, cover all bases to minimise any unpleasant surprises on the day you are moving and рrоtесt уоur budget from unехресtеd moving ехреnѕеѕ.

Source: https://www.imoney.my/articles/5-ways-cost-of-moving-can-sneak-up-on-you

 

Tips to Avoid Budget Blunders During Your Move

Moving doesn’t have to be a financial disaster. A little planning can go a long way in keeping your costs under control.

Create a Moving Budget Checklist

• Lorry rental

• Manpower

• Packing materials

• Broadband/utilities

• Condo deposits

Book Services That Offer End-to-End Moving Solutions

Companies like TheLorry streamline the process by offering packing, transport, and manpower as a bundled service. It saves time and can often reduce the total cost compared to booking services separately.

 

Beware of Hidden Charges

Why “Cheap Movers Near Me” Can End Up Costing More

Let’s face it—everyone loves a good deal, especially when searching online for “cheap movers near me”. But sometimes, going for the cheapest option can come with hidden costs, unreliable service, or even outright scams.

We’ve seen this firsthand. In fact, we documented several real-life customer cases where people were cheated by unregistered lorry rental operators. You can read those shocking stories in this article (in BM). These scams include surprise charges, delayed arrivals, or worse—movers not showing up at all.

So, why take the risk?

When you choose TheLorry, you’re not just hiring a truck—you’re trusting a company that has been established since 2014, with a solid track record and customer trust. Our professional ecosystem includes:

• A user-friendly app and website

• Fully vetted and trained drivers

• Coverage across all states in West Malaysia

• A dedicated customer service team ready to assist

We operate transparently. You won’t find us sneaking in surprise charges because we believe cheap shouldn’t mean confusing.

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TheLorry House Moving Packages – Transparent Pricing with Real Value

Wondering how much TheLorry price really is? Here’s a simple breakdown of our House Moving Packages—clear, affordable, and value-packed:

These packages are designed to give you the best value—no fine print, no hidden charges.

📲 Want live pricing? Use TheLorry App or visit our official website to get real-time quotes based on your location and needs.

Want to know about more of or Package or Prices? Head to our Lori Sewa Kuala Lumpur – Your Reliable, Nearby Rental Lorry & Cheapest House Moving Service Article!

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Plan Smart, Move Smart – Keep Costs in Check

The cost of moving doesn’t just come from the truck you hire—it creeps into packing supplies, manpower, utility bills, and even surprise deposits. By planning ahead, budgeting carefully, and choosing comprehensive service providers like TheLorry, you can dodge unexpected expenses and make your move smoother and smarter.

 

Written by Iris Lee on 14 January 2016.

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FAQs About the Hidden Cost of Moving

 

What’s the average cost of moving in Malaysia?

For a basic move using a 1-tonne lorry and two movers, expect to pay around RM300–RM500. Costs rise with distance, manpower, and additional services.

Are moving services usually inclusive of manpower?

No. Most lorry bookings only cover the vehicle and driver. Manpower is an added service.

How can I estimate the right lorry size for my move?

Consult with your mover, use online volume calculators, or base it on your home size—e.g., a 3-tonne lorry suits a 3-bedroom home.

Is professional packing service worth the cost?

Yes, especially for fragile or high-value items. It ensures better protection and reduces the risk of damage.

What utilities should I cancel or transfer when moving?

Cancel or transfer your broadband, electricity, water, and satellite TV services. Notify providers in advance to avoid extra billing.

Can I get deposits back after moving into a condo?

Yes, if no damage occurs during the move. Always request a receipt and document the condition of shared areas before and after.