When you’re planning a move, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement or stress of packing, sorting, and organizing everything for your new home. But there are often hidden costs that can creep up unexpectedly during the process. Here’s a look at 10 common surprise expenses people encounter when moving—and how you can minimize them.

1. Extra Insurance

While your moving company may offer basic coverage, the standard insurance is typically minimal—about 60 cents per pound per item. If you value your belongings and want peace of mind during the move, consider purchasing additional insurance, also known as “Amount Protection.” Whether through your moving company or a third-party provider, it’s a small investment for the added security of your possessions.

2. Packing Materials

Packing might seem like an obvious task, but the costs of materials often fly under the radar. If you’ve hired a full-service mover, they’ll handle the packing, including specialized crating for fragile items. However, if you’re doing it yourself, make sure to factor in the cost of boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and other packing essentials. Check your estimate carefully to see if packing fees are included or if they’ll be tacked on separately.

3. Express Delivery Charges

Need your items delivered within a tight timeframe? Express delivery comes at a price. This charge is typically applied for long-distance moves, where movers consolidate shipments to keep costs low. If you want a guaranteed delivery date, you’ll likely have to pay extra for the privilege of expedited shipping.

4. Handling Bulky Items

Large or heavy items—like pianos, pool tables, hot tubs, or oversized furniture—don’t just move themselves. Your moving company may charge a special fee for handling these items. Be sure to discuss the fate of bulky items with your movers ahead of time so there are no surprises when the bill comes.

5. Temporary Storage Fees

If your new home isn’t ready yet—maybe it’s still under renovation or the sale has been delayed—your moving company might offer temporary storage services. While convenient, storage fees can quickly add up the longer your belongings are stored. Try to minimize the time your items are in storage to keep costs down.

6. Stairs Charges

If your new or old home has several flights of stairs, you may be charged an additional fee for every flight the movers need to navigate. This is often called a “flight charge” and can vary depending on how many stairs are involved. If there’s an elevator, reserve it in advance to avoid this hidden cost.

7. Cancellation Fees

Life happens, and sometimes plans change unexpectedly. If you need to cancel or reschedule your moving day, many companies charge a cancellation fee. Be sure to review the terms of your moving contract so you know exactly what to expect if you need to change or cancel your reservation.

8. Additional Stops

If you want your movers to pick up or drop off items at extra locations along the way, you might be hit with an “additional stops” fee. While this isn’t always necessary, it’s a good idea to be upfront about any extra stops you might require to avoid any surprise charges.

9. Travel Fees

For local moves, some companies charge a travel fee. This covers the time the movers spend getting from their office to your home and back. Ask your moving company in advance if they’ll charge a travel fee, and if so, negotiate it to avoid any unexpected surprises on your final bill.

10. Hoisting Charges

Some large items simply won’t fit through the doors or stairways of your old or new home. In these cases, movers might need to use special equipment to hoist or rig the items out of the house and onto a moving truck. These services, though necessary, can be costly due to the specialized tools and expertise involved. Make sure you’re prepared for this additional charge if you’re moving bulky or oddly-shaped items.

By keeping these hidden costs in mind, you can better plan for your move and avoid unnecessary stress. Understanding these potential fees—and discussing them with your moving company in advance—can help you budget appropriately and ensure a smoother moving process.