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The whole process of selling your home, buying a new one, packing and moving is bound to stretch your budget. You may have considered the obvious costs of moving - a moving van, boxes and tape - but there are lots of little expenses along the way that can wreak havoc on your wallet if you aren't expecting them.Follow these steps to create an accurate moving budget.

Step 1: Determine how much you can spend

The first step to creating your moving budget is figuring out how much you can spend. Add together your available financial resources from:

• Current accounts
• Savings accounts
• Credit cards
• Additional financial resources

You may be able to add a little padding to your wallet before you move. You could rake in some cash from:

• The sale of a spare car, extra furniture or other belongings
• The damage deposit on your current home (if it's a rental)
• Profits from the sale of your home
• Other ways to make some quick cash

Add any profit you expect to make to the sum of your other accounts and resources. This is how much you have to spend for your move.

Step 2: Figure out the fixed costs of leaving your old residence and moving into a new one

Before you start planning your move, you'll need to determine the cost of leaving your current home. Determine how much you'll need to pay for:

• Lease termination
• Cleaning and repairs
• Final utility bills

You'll also need to pay to set up your new home. Factor these expenses into your budget, if necessary:

• Rental deposit
• Damage deposit
• Council tax
• Parking permits

Step 3: Based on the amount you have to spend, decide if you should hire a mover or pack and move yourself

If your budget is tight, the most cost-effective way to move is to rent a van for a do-it-yourself experience. If you have a little more money to spend, hiring someone to transport and pack your belongings is less stressful on your mind and your muscles.

If you choose to hire a mover, you'll need to factor in these costs:

• The moving company fee, which will include fuel charges and labour. If your move is local, the price will be determined by the number of movers needed. For long-distance moves, mileage and packing charges will dictate the costs. Be sure to get three in-home estimates before choosing a moving service – prices can vary hugely
• Additional insurance, to protect your belongings while being moved (if moving insurance is not included in your content insurance policy)
• Professional packing services, if you're using them
• Extra services or work. Piano moving, for example, will add to your total bill. In addition, you may be charged extra if you live up several flights of stairs or the movers have to carry your belongings farther than normal. Check with your mover for these rates

If you choose to rent a truck, count on the following expenses:

• Truck rental expenses. Prices vary depending on the size of truck you'll need and how long you want it for. Check prices at three or more companies before making a decision
• Fuel costs. If you're driving yourself, you'll be responsible for filling up the van on your trip and returning it with a full tank. Ask each company about their vehicles’ fuel economy and add extra gas money to your budget in case fuel prices go up before your move

Step 4: Find out what it will cost for your family and pets to make the trip

You've figured out how much it will cost to get your belongings to their new locale, and now it's time to do the same for yourself. Consider these costs:

• Transportation. Investigate the costs of different modes of transportation – car, train, or perhaps even plane if relocating a fair distance
• Lodging and meals. Will you need to stop along the way? Factor in costs for a hotel, if necessary, and food for the journey. You might also need some easy to prepare food when you arrive, as all your things will be boxed
• Meals. Estimate how much you'll spend per person, per meal. If possible, you can pack a cooler with food and drinks to cut costs
• Child and pet care. If you have small children or pets, it's less stressful for everyone if you arrange for child care on the day of the move. Factor in these costs if necessary

Step 5: Determine packing and storage expenses

Once all the moving arrangements are set, it's time to start packing. But before you do, figure out how much you'll spend on:

• Moving boxes - figure out how many boxes you'll need, and how much they'll cost. You can usually purchase box sets based on the size of your home from your mover or an independent website. For a cheaper option, buy recycled boxes or scavenge boxes from local businesses
• Furniture and mattress pads - full-service moving companies often provide these for customers free of charge, and you can rent these protectors from a truck rental company
• Packing materials - tape, markers and packing materials are a must for your move, so make sure you add these fees to your total
• Storage fees - need a space to store your stuff? Get estimates on storage facilities and, then choose the one with the best location, security and price

Step 6: Add up your living expenses for your first month

• Food – as above, you might need to rely on ready-meals more than usual, until you’re settled
• Rent or mortgage payments
• Transportation and/or fuel – these costs might be higher than before
• • School uniforms, if your children are starting a new school

Step 7: Total your worksheet, and add in financial padding

Even after you've added up all the moving costs above, there are bound to be incidentals you weren't counting on. Take your total and multiply it by 5% to account for unexpected costs. This is the total you can count on spending for your relocation