Whether you have rented or bought your new home, it is important to note that in addition to your moving costs, settling in to your new home will cost you as well.  Establishing new utilities will cost you a deposit for about six months to a year, especially if you have not had a history of service with the provider.  Sometimes your good credit can offset this charge.  Additional costs add up when you begin to purchase essentials for your new home.  You may need window treatments, additional furniture, new carpet or paint.  A way to keep these costs to a minimum is to take inventory of your needs when you are selecting your new home.  If you are purchasing the home, you may use these to your advantage when negotiating a price.

As long as you prepare yourself and budget for some unexpected charges, you will be in a great position.  If you are renting, your settling costs will be minimal.  However if your have bought your new home, you will have settling costs but you can control it by staggering the projects by importance, which will minimize the impact on your budget.  The key take away here is preparation.  The better prepared you are, the better you will be able to budget and plan accordingly.