Moving to Borneo was an adventure we had been looking forward to.
The idea of starting fresh in our hometown with stunning views and most importantly close to our family is an exciting journey but we knew it would come with costs.
In this post, I’ll break down the expenses we incurred during our move, from travel to setting up our new home, and offer some tips for anyone considering a similar move.
Travel Costs
Our journey to Borneo started with booking flights. We managed to find a good deal, but the costs still added up:
- Flights, Baggage and seat fee: RM1,068.06
For our flight to BKI, it's claimable and it's including my husband. Thanks God!
Accommodation
Upon arriving in Borneo, we needed a place to stay. Thank you to my in-law and my husband's cousin, we found a suitable rental house in Penampang. That's not too far from our workplaces.
- Deposit: RM2500
- First Month's Rent: RM1000
- Service air cond: RM135
Renting a place in Kota Kinabalu is really expensive. You need at least a budget of RM3500 for the deposit and the first month's rent.
Shipping and Moving Costs
Bringing our belongings from Selangor to Borneo was one of the bigger expenses:
- Shipping Costs: RM2150
Living Essentials
Setting up our new home required quite a few purchases:
- Furniture: RM 0 - We have a full furniture house so no need to buy any furniture.
- Appliances: RM200+ - My in-law helps us to buy so I'm not sure of the exact amount.
- Initial Groceries: RM100++ - This one also, my husband that pay for this.
Transportation
Getting around in Borneo requires our own car as I don't think public transport is reliable here. Since my husband is still in Selangor for two months so we asked for help from my mother-in-law to drive me to work
- Fuel : RM400/month
Miscellaneous Expenses
There were a few unexpected costs that popped up along the way:
- Meals: RM250 for eating out during our first few days when we were too busy to cook.
- Unexpected Costs: RMn for things we didn’t anticipate.
TOTAL COST = RM7,803.06 *This is a rough amount that we spent. I think it's more than this.
Tips for Budgeting
Looking back, we learned a lot about budgeting for a move like this. Here are a few tips:
- Plan for the Unexpected: Always set aside an extra fund for surprises.
- Shop Around: Whether it’s flights, shipping, or furniture, compare prices to get the best deals.
- Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to negotiate rent, moving costs, or even the price of a used car.
- Ask for help: Don't hesitate to ask for help from family. I really appreciate my in-law family's help during our beginning days in Sabah. I don't think we can make it without their help.
Reflection
Overall, the costs were higher than we initially expected, but we feel it was worth the investment. Moving to Borneo has given us a new perspective, and despite the challenges, we’re thrilled to be here. We’ve learned a lot about managing expenses and are more prepared for any future moves we might make.
Conclusion
Moving to Borneo was a significant financial commitment, but the experience has been invaluable. If you’re considering a similar move, I hope this breakdown helps you prepare.
Feel free to reach out with any questions or share your own moving stories in the comments below!
If you're looking for rental house at Kajang,Selangor, please do contact me!
Thank you.
Aya
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