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Apartment Rental Moving costs 240% more than a year ago: how much to pay and what to keep in mind to avoid headaches - Infobae

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Moving costs 240% more than a year ago: how much to pay and what to keep in mind to avoid headaches - Infobae

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September 07, 2024


Types of moving, prices and key tips for efficient packing. Which rooms should be packed first



By Jose Luis Cieri


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Moving house is a challenge. There are several steps to follow to make the operation successful and to ensure that nothing breaks (Illustrative Image Infobae)

Moving from one home to another has increased by 240% in the last 12 months. This increase includes expenses related to salaries, fuel and materials needed for the move, such as packing boxes. Inflation (only now declining) has had a strong impact on these costs.



When moving house, in addition to the costs of the transaction (rental or purchase/sale), it is essential to consider the cost of the move. Uncertainty about expenses, fear of damage to valuable belongings and the stress of coordinating the details can turn an exciting new beginning into a stressful experience.

According to Zonaprop, these are the most important factors that influence the rate, depending on the different levels of services available:





  • Basic : the customer packs their belongings and the freight company only loads and transports them. If the available budget is tight, this is the best option.
  • Premium : the client delegates the entire moving process to the company, from packing to transport and unloading. Ideal for a stress-free move, according to the real estate market.
  • Moving planner (a planner will take care of the whole operation): hiring a person who will take care of everything, from packing to arranging, assembling and organizing furniture and belongings in the new home. This is the most expensive, of course.


Cristian Hernán Castro , from the company Castro y Regini, told Infobae that, although prices have risen, the pace of work has not declined. On the contrary, they have observed an expansion in the number of people and families moving from the city of Buenos Aires to other destinations in Greater Buenos Aires and the interior, and vice versa.





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It is essential to make a detailed calculation of the money that will be needed before starting the search for a new home, including the cost of moving (Illustrative Image Infobae)

The busiest periods are usually from the 25th to the 5th or 6th of the following month, coinciding with the end of rental contracts and the change of residence of individuals or families. “Although there is activity throughout the month, those days are the most dynamic,” Castro added.



Moving costs can vary significantly depending on several factors: the company chosen, the condition of the building, and the amount and type of furniture to be moved.

Castro advised: “Have the moving company hired carry out an inspection before the move to avoid surprises and additional costs. An in-person estimate is more reliable than one via video call or photos, as it allows for a better analysis of the conditions of the place, such as the availability of elevators.”



It is advisable to evaluate the expenses involved, such as the deposit, the guarantee (if it is a rental), commissions, deeds and the cost of moving. Also, consider possible additional disbursements such as the purchase of furniture, appliances and possible repairs.


In most cases, moving involves a major change and requires careful consideration of what items will not be moved to the new home.

Once you have decided on the date for your move, whether to a purchased or rented home, it is vital to request two or three quotes. It is advisable to take smaller items separately or to personally pack items with emotional value, such as family pictures or photographs, leaving the rest to the selected company.





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When the transport arrives at the new house, whoever drives the vehicle, whether it is a utility vehicle, van or truck, must remain in the outside area in case it needs to be moved so as not to obstruct traffic (Illustrative Image Infobae)

For security reasons, valuable items may be moved to another address, such as that of a family member or friend, a day in advance and the move completed later.

Effective structure

To organise your move, it is advisable to contact the company at least 15 to 20 days in advance. This will facilitate the delivery of materials in sufficient time and will allow the necessary permits to be obtained from the consortiums or building administrations.

“Some towers with multiple apartments require reserving shifts for moving, especially at the end of the month or at the beginning of the next, when there is more demand due to expiring rental contracts,” said Castro.

The cost of a move also depends on the accessibility of the properties of origin and destination. Factors such as narrow stairs, lack of elevator or restricted parking complicate the move, raising the price.





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In addition, an additional charge applies per floor, even when the furniture is moved by elevator if it is a building (Illustrative Image Infobae)

Castro stressed that although they provide their clients with wicker baskets and cardboard boxes, they always advise special handling for high-value items, such as watches and jewelry. “In the event that these items must also be moved, we urge clients to provide specific details on how to handle them, to prevent incidents or theft during the move.”

When moving does not include a full turnkey service, it is key to ensure that the packaging is adequate, especially using quality boxes to protect fragile items such as tableware, glassware, digital devices, glass mirrors and televisions, among others, to avoid damage during the move.





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Packing well is key to securing belongings and avoiding damage to household items and appliances when moving (Pexels)

Rates

The cost of moving within the city of Buenos Aires varies depending on the number of rooms in the home. A one-bedroom apartment can cost between $800,000 and $900,000, while a three-room apartment can cost up to 1,100,000 pesos.

For a three-bedroom apartment, the average price ranges between $1,400,000 and $2,000,000, and costs increase if the home is larger or has four bedrooms.



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Once everything has been moved and to avoid inconveniences, it is key to organize even the smallest detail (Freepik)

Jorgelina García , from Verga Hermanos, explained that, although moving within a 30-kilometer radius does not usually have cost differences, each situation is evaluated individually. “Moving a house on the ground floor is not the same as lifting furniture from the outside of a building,” she explained.

As for more expensive operations, such as moving from a three-room apartment in CABA to a private neighborhood in Tigre or Escobar, the initial turnkey cost is 1,600,000 pesos.

“This service includes disposable boxes and baskets available for up to 96 hours, which are collected once the move is complete and the items are reorganized in the new home,” García said.





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These are the baskets that are usually used in turnkey removals. Those who do not hire this service use the typical cardboard boxes that they reinforce with adhesives for packaging.

Location also influences cost. Sometimes, a move within the same neighborhood can cost as much as moving a considerable distance, due to factors such as the accessibility of the building and the type of goods to be moved.

For example, moving within Belgrano can cost the same as moving to Pilar, despite the 60 km difference, because in Belgrano and other neighborhoods of Buenos Aires furniture often has to be moved up stairs or to high floors without large elevators.

As for packaging, new boxes cost approximately $4,200 each. Some suppliers offer recycled boxes, but these are not always suitable for keeping items safe during the move.



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The use of furniture storage spaces is growing, another service provided by large moving companies

Castro highlighted a growing trend in storage: the use of furniture storage. “It is an increasingly popular option that allows you to store everything from appliances to furniture, available for collection at another time. This service costs $80,000 plus VAT and storage per month, with a minimum of 10 cubic meters. It does not include additional packaging that may be necessary.”

Details and how to set up the new home

Finally, proper organization of the move is vital depending on the type of home.

If it is a house , the last thing to be set up is the bedroom, and if it is an apartment , the first thing to be set up is usually the dining room and the living room to free up boxes and have more space.

Moving companies offer a variety of services, such as mobile wardrobes for transporting hanging clothes and furniture storage for those who cannot move directly.





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Once moved in, it is advisable to set up kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms, so that these spaces are ready to be inhabited (Illustrative Image Infobae)

“We also implemented automatic online auctions to sell used furniture,” added García.

When it comes to packaging, it is crucial to distribute weights correctly in boxes, especially with dishes, and to use specific techniques to protect furniture and fragile objects.

Additionally, some companies provide unpacking services to organize almost any room after the move.

García pointed out: “Once you have moved in, it is a good idea to start arranging the new home with the essentials, leaving the decorative elements for later.”

In residential areas, moving hours are restricted to business days, while in buildings and towers, especially in CABA and GBA, Saturdays are also included.

In general, the number of people working on the move varies depending on the size of the apartment, and the driver must remain in the vehicle to manage moving needs.


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