
Additional Moving Advice: Make A Budget
Between the movers, fuel and supplies, the costs can add up. The national average for a short-distance move is $1,400 but it could cost significantly more if you’re moving out of state. According to the same data, you could pay $5,600 for 1,200 miles of travel. Both numbers assume 7,400 pounds of stuff.
Whether you decide to handle the move yourself or outsource to professional movers, there are also many unexpected expenses that can arise during a move, which is why it’s a financially sound strategy to prepare a moving budget.
Below are the important items to factor into your budget, depending on how you and your family plan to complete your move. As a starting point, it may also be beneficial to check out a moving coat calculator for a very broad and basic estimate of what a move in your zip code could cost.
Professional Movers
Hiring professional movers, whether your move is local or out of state, will be the most expensive option. While costly, professional movers do take a lot of the stress and headache out of a move as they physically handle the loading and unloading of boxes, assembly and disassembly of furniture, and can even help pack for an additional fee.
Below are some of the most common costs that come baked into a professional mover’s fees:
- Cost for labor: This charge is usually billed on a per hour basis.
- Cost of the truck rental: This charge is usually billed as a flat fee plus fuel charges.
- Moving insurance: Some moving companies will require you to purchase a minimum level of coverage to protect your breakables and fragile items.
- Specialty item fees: Certain items like pianos, expensive artwork, pool tables and safes are sometimes subject to a specialty fee, depending on the mover.
- Specialty packaging: Professionals use specifically designed materials such as mattress bags, TV boxes, packing paper and plastic wrap to help protect items during the move.
- Extras: This category could include cash for tipping the movers or buying them lunch on moving day.
DIY Move
Even if you’re not paying for labor with a professional mover, most self-moves do require the rental of a truck, along with other expenses:
- Specialty moving equipment: Since you won’t have professional movers that use their own equipment like carts and dollies, you’ll need to find your own.
- Packing supplies: You’ll need to find or purchase boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, garbage bags, box cutters and any other materials required for the moving process.
- Cost of the truck rental: This expense may also include mileage if you’re driving the truck long-distance.
- Gas for the truck: You’ll also need to account for the rental truck’s fuel.
- Food and beverage: Make sure to include the cost of feeding yourself and any friends or family members that help out.
Out-Of-State Move
Buying and moving to a new house out-of-state requires additional planning and (likely) cost. Whether you are using professional movers or doing a self-move and renting a truck on your own, out-of-state movers should budget for the items listed above as well as additional considerations, such as:
- Overnight lodging: If you’re driving over several days, you’ll need a place to park and rest.
- Travel costs for multiple days: Factor in expenses for food and gas for your car.
- Additional fuel charges: Professional movers might add an additional fee for long-distance relocations.
- Short-term housing: If you can’t move immediately into a new place, you’ll need to find a hotel or rental to live in temporarily.
Additional Costs
Regardless of the way you choose to move, there are also additional costs that may vary depending on your specific set of circumstances. These costs should all be considered and factored into your budget in order to get the most accurate estimate of moving costs, such as:
- Childcare: If you have children, you may need to hire someone to watch them while you pack and move boxes.
- Pet care: You’ll also need to find a safe place for your pet to stay on moving day.
- Professional cleanings: You can hire someone to clean either the house you’re leaving or moving into.
- Storage fees: If you need to move some items into a storage unit while you’re showing your home, you’ll have to pay for it.

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Reposted from Lauren Bowling
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