Buying a home is exciting, but many homeowners underestimate the costs that come after closing. In fact, a 2024 survey conducted by Clever found 81% of homeowners say their expenses were higher than expected. According to a 2025 study by Zillow and Thumbtack, the hidden costs of home ownership average about $15,979 per year per home, with close to 70% spent on maintenance.
Understanding potential expenses and creating a budget can help ease financial stress. Small home improvements can also help rein in costs, such as installing a programmable thermostat to lower energy bills, upgrading insulation, or investing in preventative systems like water softeners that protect your major appliances.
This guide from Culligan breaks down the hidden costs of moving into a new home and how to avoid the ones you can.
What moving can really cost once the surprises start
Even careful buyers can be surprised once the real move-in math begins. Say a couple buys a $275,000 home with a $2,200 monthly mortgage and sets aside money for taxes and insurance. On paper, they feel prepared.
Then the unexpected expenses begin to add up:
- The HVAC system needs an emergency repair.
- Utility deposits and setup fees hit at the same time as the moving bill.
- The new home costs more to heat and cool than expected.
- A few quick safety and functionality updates turn into a bigger weekend project.
By month six, they are thousands over their original plan before touching furniture, landscaping or appliance replacement. That is the financial shock factor of moving. The mortgage may be predictable, but the surrounding costs often are not.
Packing, moving and setup costs
The first costs usually appear before you unpack. Professional movers may charge for hourly minimums, travel time, stairs, long carries or heavy items. DIY moves can still come with truck rental fees, fuel, mileage, tolls, insurance add-ons and one-way surcharges.
Packing supplies can also cost more than expected, especially if you need specialty boxes for dishes, artwork, mattresses or flat-screen TVs. Free boxes from local retailers or community groups can help, but it is still worth budgeting for tape, protective pads, bubble wrap and disposal fees for items you are not bringing with you.
Once you arrive, setup fees can stack quickly. Electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash, internet and cable may involve deposits, installation charges, equipment fees or prorated bills. If you are moving into a condo or apartment building, you may also need to pay for elevator reservations, parking permits or damage deposits.
Home preparation and short-term repairs
A walk-through of your new home can help you plan for repairs. Note any drywall repair, painting touch-ups, plumbing fixes and lock replacements that should be handled before moving in.
Request quotes from professional house and carpet cleaners to get your place sparkling, or look into equipment rental if you’re tackling the cleaning. During your initial deep clean, be sure to look for signs of hard water, such as chalky white buildup around sinks, tubs, showers and plumbing fixtures. These mineral deposits may require specialized cleaning products to remove and can also point to a larger hard water issue that may damage appliances, reduce water heater efficiency and drive up maintenance costs over time.
Hidden property and maintenance costs
The average homeowner spends about $10,946 a year on home upkeep, plus an additional $5,033 in property taxes and insurance, according to the Zillow and Thumbtack study. To stay ahead of costs, factor into your budget:
- Exterior care: Expenses such as landscaping, gutter cleaning, power washing and fence staining can add up.
- Systems maintenance: HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems need regular upkeep and repairs.
- Appliance replacement: An appliance’s operational lifespan depends on age, usage, and local environmental factors. For instance, hard water is common across North America. Its high mineral content can build up inside water-using appliances, reducing efficiency and contributing to premature wear. Internal Culligan research indicates that treating hard water with a water softener can extend the useful life of dishwashers and washing machines by up to 50% and water heaters by up to 33%.
- Taxes, insurance and HOA fees: Regularly review your insurance to ensure you have adequate coverage and plan for annual property tax and HOA fee increases.
Bankrate’s 2025 Hidden Costs of Homeownership Study takes an even broader view, estimating that a typical single-family homeowner spends about $21,400 per year when utilities, internet, cable and a maintenance reserve are included.
Energy and water expenses
Utilities can make up a big part of household expenses depending on your home size and usage patterns. As you settle in, you’ll get a clearer picture of costs and may even find ways to save.
For example, according to Culligan studies on water heating efficiency, homes using gas water heaters can see water-heating energy consumption drop by roughly 23% when switching from hard to soft water. This is because hard water leaves a dense layer of mineral scale inside the tank, forcing the system to work harder and run longer, degrading its energy efficiency.
Heating and cooling costs may be higher in homes with poor insulation, drafts, leaky ducts and inefficient HVAC systems. Older appliances also use more energy than modern, efficient models.
How to avoid or reduce unexpected moving costs
It’s hard to predict exactly what your expenses will be. A 10% to 15% contingency in your moving and home maintenance budget can help cover unexpected bills.
With some planning, you may also be able to reduce costs:
- Move during off-peak periods: Mid-week or mid-month moves are often cheaper.
- Book early: Arrange movers and utility activations in advance to prevent rush charges.
- Lower utility costs: Replace HVAC filters, switch to LED lighting and install a smart thermostat to improve home efficiency.
- Audit your home infrastructure: Test your water quality early alongside checking your electrical panel and HVAC health. Addressing issues sooner versus later can help reduce utility expenses, extend appliance life and lower spending on cleaning products and detergents.
Starting homeownership on solid ground
The cost of a new home is more manageable when you know what to expect. Take the time to research and build a realistic moving and home maintenance budget.
Proactive home maintenance—from improving energy efficiency to understanding your home’s water quality—can help you control costs and prevent unexpected expenses. By planning ahead, you can avoid common homeownership problems and settle into your new residence with a clear plan and solid financial footing.
This story was produced by Culligan and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.