Moving cost checklist: How to budget for moving expenses

Relocating can be a costly process, especially if you don't take the time to plan ahead. According to Moving.com, the average cost of a local move is $1,250, while long-distance relocation expenses average $4,890. However, the actual cost will depend on your current and new locations, your home size, and what your move will entail.¹

Creating a moving expenses checklist can help you prepare and also save some money.

What are the most common costs associated with moving?

The expenses you'll incur during the moving process will depend on several factors, such as where and how far you're moving, how much stuff you need to relocate, and the amount of assistance you need.

With that said, here are some of the more common costs you'll want to plan for.

Movers

Moving companies typically charge between $38 and $75 per hour for local movers.¹ For a long-distance relocation, however, you may need to hire two separate moving services to help with loading and unloading. You may also pay extra if the movers need to:

Pack and unpack your belongings
Carry items up multiple flights of stairs or an elevator
Make multiple stops
Expedite a long-distance move
Move bulky, valuable, or especially heavy items

On the flip side, if you don't have a lot to move and decide to "hire" some friends and family members, you may only be out the cost of pizza and drinks for those who show up.

Moving truck or container

If you opt for a DIY move, you may pay anywhere from under $100 for a single-day local move to thousands of dollars for a cross-country relocation.²

On top of the rental cost, you may also want to purchase insurance protection for your belongings and the vehicle. Insurance typically costs $20 per day³ but can be higher or lower than that based on the type of coverages you choose.⁴

Some companies offer portable moving containers you can use instead of—or in addition to—a moving truck. Depending on how much stuff you have, the distance you need to travel, and the company you choose, you may pay anywhere from under $500 to more than $5,000.⁵

Travel expenses

If you're moving to a different state or country, you'll need to consider potential travel expenses. Depending on how you plan to make the trip, costs may include:

Airfare
Baggage fees
Airport transportation
Fuel
Hotel stays
Meals

Packing supplies

If you need to purchase boxes for your move, you can expect to pay between $1 and $4 apiece depending on the size and provider.⁶ On top of that, you may also need packing tape, bubble wrap, moving blankets, permanent markers or labelers, ratchet straps, box cutters, heavy-duty trash bags, and a padlock for the truck or storage container.

Other costs

Some of the other moving expenses you'll want to plan for may include the following:

Cleaning services
Security deposit for an apartment lease
Utility connection fees and security deposits
Renters or homeowners insurance premiums (monthly or annual)
Temporary housing, if needed

How to make your moving expenses checklist

The moving costs you incur will be unique to your situation, so it's important to create a checklist based on the details of your relocation. Here are some steps to help you get started.

1. Price out packing supplies

Start by figuring out which packing supplies you already have on hand, then list the supplies you still need. Take stock of your belongings to determine how much you'll need of each, and don't be afraid to buy a little extra.

While it's important to look for opportunities to save, underestimating the number of boxes, spools of packing tape, blankets, and other materials you'll need can leave you scrambling for supplies at the last minute.

2. Compare moving methods

When it comes to the logistics of getting your belongings from Point A to Point B, you can opt to hire movers or do it yourself with a moving truck or portable storage container. If you decide to enlist the help of a moving company, shop around so you can compare services and prices for different movers in your area.

If you have a willing support network, though, you may be able to cut your costs considerably by asking for help instead of hiring professional movers. That said, you'll still want to carefully compare costs between truck and storage companies to minimize your expenses. Pay special attention to mileage costs and insurance fees.

3. Map out your travel

If you're making a long-distance relocation, determine how you plan to get to your new residence. If you expect to fly, research flights with different airlines based on your travel dates, and consider other incidental expenses.

If you plan to drive, you can use average prices for gasoline or electric vehicle charging and the distance to get an idea of what your costs will be. Depending on the distance, you may also need to consider the cost of snacks, meals, and hotel stays along the way.

4. Make a list of other expenses

Once you've covered some of the major costs you'll incur, take some time to make sure you have all your other potential costs written down. Again, that may include things like cleaning services, utility setup fees and deposits, and renters or homeowners insurance premiums.

5. Look for opportunities to save

After you've laid out your expected costs, take some time to pinpoint areas where you may be able to save money.

For example, instead of buying cardboard boxes, you may be able to find some for free—or at least much cheaper—through local classified ads and marketplaces. You may also opt to pack and unpack your belongings on your own instead of paying professional movers to do it for you.

The bottom line

Moving can be both expensive and hectic, but making a moving expenses checklist can help make the process go more smoothly. What's more, it can help you cut down on your costs, which is particularly important if you're moving out of state.

While it's best to save up for moving expenses, that may not always be possible. If you need help financing your relocation, consider a personal loan.