Hidden Costs You May Not Have Considered When Moving During Divorce

Hidden Costs You May Not Have Considered When Moving During Divorce

By Sarah Jacobs, Co-owner of Jacobs Berger On 10/01/2025

Moving and divorce—they’re both life experiences that bring a lot of change, likely a lot of stress, and a lot of financial questions. And when these two events coincide, the change, stress, and money issues can start to pile up.

But there are proactive measures you can take to reduce the pressure and put yourself in the best financial position possible.

At the top of the list? Understanding the hidden expenses of relocating. Consulting with an attorney early on can help you understand the legal and financial implications of your decisions during this process, setting you up for a smoother transition.

Being aware of these potential expenses—from changes in insurance premiums to unexpected neighborhood fees—can help you avoid surprises, make informed decisions, and better protect your financial future.

Your Insurance costs might change

Updating your insurance might already be on your to-do list, but expect more than just changing your address.

For many partners who are married, shared insurance policies bring financial benefits, like family discounts and special rates for certain industries. Switching to an individual homeowner or renter’s policy may increase your premiums, so it’s important to factor this into your budget. An attorney can help you understand how these changes might impact your divorce settlement and guide you in negotiating adjustments with your former spouse.

Where you move also influences insurance costs. Proximity to water can increase premiums due to flood risks, while older homes or those far from a fire department may also come with higher rates.

Even if you’re not buying a home, insurance expenses still matter. Renter’s insurance can cover your personal property, offer liability coverage, or pay for living expenses in a disaster.

It’s essential to request quotes from multiple companies to get the best deal for your new living situation and account for all the expenses associated with moving as you navigate your divorce settlement.

Your new neighborhood might come with a price tag

You’ve found a neighborhood you love, but at what cost? Stay budget-minded by asking the following questions before you sign a lease or make an offer:

• How much is the security deposit? Security deposits often include the first and last month’s rent plus any pet deposits.
• Are there Homeowners Association fees? Many communities have HOA fees for maintenance, trash collection, and other amenities.
• Are there transfer fees? Transfer fees may apply when selling or buying a home in an HOA, often a flat rate or a percentage of the sale price.
• Are there building fees? If moving into a condo or apartment building, there may be specific building fees for shared facilities, separate from regular HOA fees.

And your new home might have an unexpected price tag, too

We’re not talking about the monthly mortgage or rent payment, although that’s a key consideration. We’re talking about the expenses that come with your new place, such as:

• Repairs and upkeep: Unless you’re buying an immaculately renovated home or a new build, it’s common to have at least some repairs when you move into your new residence. Big-ticket items like appliances or home systems might be pointed out during an inspection, but some issues are overlooked. Some are small (replacing outlets, a leaky faucet), but some can be costly (roof issues frequently go unnoticed).
• Yard maintenance: If you’re buying or renting a home with a big yard, you may imagine afternoons spent planting a vegetable garden or lounging in a hammock. But what about the time (and money) required to trim hedges, remove tree limbs, or fix a bad retaining wall?
• Replacements: Toilet seats, lightbulbs, smoke detectors, and window blinds are just a few potential items to replace when moving into a new home. They’re not necessarily expensive, but they can add up.

The reality is that any home comes with expenses. Acknowledging the potential for these costs can help you figure out a realistic spending plan—and help your divorce attorney advocate for a settlement that meets your future needs.

New furniture and decor

Your new living space might require a whole new approach to furniture and decor. This can be an exciting aspect of your new beginning—but it can come with a price tag.

Here are a few things to think about as you’re planning your new space:

• Size matters: Invest in furniture that complements your space and your style. Consider whether your new place is permanent or if you plan to move or downsize further. Instead of getting pieces that are specific to your new space, buy ones that will work in a variety of settings.
• Function first: Beyond the aesthetics, you need to consider how your existing pieces might fit in a space in the most useful way and what potential additional furniture you might need. Maybe you didn’t need a dining table in your previous home, but for your future plans and space layout, you’ll need to factor a new dining table into your budget.

Remember, you don’t have to furnish your new home overnight. You can start with the essentials and add on as needed or as your budget allows. And don’t be afraid to get creative! Thrift stores, online marketplaces, and connections from friends are great resources for fun and affordable finds.

Storage costs

Not everyone who moves is in the market for new furniture. Many wonder what to do with all the stuff they’ve accumulated, especially if they are downsizing or staying with a friend.

Storage units offer a temporary or long-term solution, but monthly storage fees can add up quickly. Even getting items into storage isn’t cheap when you consider moving and packing costs.

The best way to minimize these expenses is to decide what items you want as you divide assets with your former partner. Your attorney can guide you through the asset division process, helping you decide what’s worth keeping and what can be let go, potentially reducing the need for storage solutions.

Miscellaneous costs can add up quickly

And let’s not forget these harder-to-categorize costs that come with moving:

• Taking time off work: Moving can feel like a job unto itself. Even when you hire movers to haul your belongings to a storage unit or new home, you still have packing, organizing, planning, and supervising to do. If you don’t have available paid time off, this may impact your income.
• Moving expenses: Physically moving your belongings can be expensive and time-consuming. Remember to plan for packing materials, moving insurance, truck rental costs, and paying a moving company.
• Cleaning services: While having your home professionally cleaned isn’t required, doing so before staging or listing the house for sale can improve buyer interest and shorten its time on the market.
• Setting up services: Getting settled in your new place means getting connected. From utilities like gas, electricity, and water to internet and data services, you may need to pay transfer fees to move service to your new address or pay deposits. You’ll also need to factor in new account charges for various streaming services.

Consider enlisting professional help from an attorney, financial advisor, and real estate agent who can help you examine the financial implications of selling your home, develop a strategy to manage associated costs, and protect your financial well-being.

 As with any home sale, knowledge is power. The better informed you are, the more easily you can make decisions for your financial stability and peace of mind.

Tagged with: Divorce and Finances, Moving During Divorce, Hidden Relocation Costs, CDFA® Guidance, Financial Planning for Divorce, Divorce Transitions, Divorce and Housing, Financial Stability After Divorce, Guest Blog, Divorce Professionals

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