How to Make a Moving Budget

6 steps to creating a moving budget

When creating a moving budget, it’s best to start with the type of move you’re planning and then consider your needs and personal budget.

1. Budget according to the type of move

Start by establishing what kind of move you’re planning. This will help you to determine a budget. For example, movers usually charge by weight and distance for long-distance moves and by the hour for short moves.

• Local move: If you plan to hire movers, local moves typically cost about $50 to $200 per hour for a two-person moving crew. From start to finish, a local move might take anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day.
• Long-distance move: Long-distance moves, or moves of 100 miles or over state lines, typically range from $2,000 to $10,000 for hiring a moving company, depending on the distance and volume of your belongings.
• International move: International moves may have a higher price tag than long-distance moves, with costs varying by destination.

2. List out all moving expenses

Now that you have a basic idea of how much the move itself will cost you overall, it’s time to think about all the associated costs that come with moving.

“Creating [a list of moving expenses] will help you determine what types of services you are able to afford,” said Chris Knowles, founder and president of True Friends Moving Company in Tennessee. “The obvious things include packing supplies, moving services or a rental truck and storage fees.”

When moving, consider expenses like:

• Hiring movers: Consider if you want to hire individual movers or a moving company.
• Extra moving services: Most moving companies offer extra services like packing and unpacking, temporary storage, furniture assembly and disassembly, and special packing services for high-value or fragile items.
• Truck rental: If you’re not hiring movers, think about what size truck you’ll need. U-Haul suggests a 15-foot truck for a two-bedroom move and a 20-foot truck for a two- to three-bedroom move.
• Packing materials: Think about supplies you’ll need, such as boxes, tape, cushioning material and padding.
• Insurance: Professional movers include some insurance, but it might not cover expensive items. Consider additional coverage if needed.
• Travel expenses: Account for costs like gas, tolls, meals and hotel stays if you’re moving long-distance or flying. Don’t forget pet fees if you’re traveling with animals.
• Temporary housing: If there’s a gap between moves, plan for short-term housing.
• Storage: If you need to store your belongings temporarily, research storage options in both your old and new location.

3. Research costs

Now it’s time to gather quotes from several providers and compare their pricing and services. Generally, you’ll want to start with your largest expense: the movers. Get quotes from at least three reputable moving companies and compare their prices and services. Ask if moving on a certain day could lower the cost.

Next, research costs according to your list of moving expenses. Depending on the type of move, you might want to start with researching travel or temporary housing costs.

» MORE: How Much Does It Cost To Move?

4. Review and cut expenses if needed

Once you’ve got an idea of costs, it’s a good idea to review your expense list to find ways to trim costs if needed.

• Declutter: One of the best ways to save money is to declutter before you move. Have a yard sale or donate items you no longer need. The less you move, the more you save.
• Consider replacing some items: Sometimes it’s cheaper to replace bulky items than to move them.
• Recycle packing supplies: Look for free boxes online or ask local stores, restaurants or bars.
• Do-it-yourself (DIY) packing: Packing yourself can save money, but it takes more time and effort.
• Disassemble bulky items: Take apart large furniture before moving to make it easier to move or to avoid extra fees for disassembly and reassembly.

5. Save for unexpected costs

Regardless of your budget, it’s generally a good idea to save for unexpected costs like junk removal, last-minute repairs or car troubles.

“Know this about moving: There’s likely to be a surprise expense,” said Knowles. “Plan for this ahead of time so you won’t be caught off guard.”

“Some expenses that people often forget about include hotel costs for any overnight travel, insurance costs to protect belongings during the move and cleaning expenses,” he added. “It's also a good idea to set aside an emergency fund for any ‘just-in-case’ situations, like a flat tire during travel or an unexpected expense that wasn't planned for.”

6. Track and evaluate expenses

Keep a detailed record of your spending. Use a spreadsheet or a budgeting app to record every expense so you can see how each cost affects your overall budget. As moving day approaches, update your budget with actual costs. This helps you adjust spending and avoid running out of money before the move is complete.

Tips for sticking to a moving budget

It can be challenging to stick to a moving budget, especially if some unexpected expenses come up. But here are some moving tips to help you stay on budget:

Make the budget realistic

Set a budget that reflects your actual needs and resources.

“In my experience, the best place to start when making a moving budget is with how much money you have available to spend on the move,” Chris Knowles said.

Plan ahead

For local moves, it’s typically best to start planning a moving budget at least two to three months in advance. For long-distance or international moves, you might want to start planning a budget six months or more in advance.

Stay organized

Keep your packing and paperwork in order to avoid last-minute expenses, and make sure you give yourself plenty of time to pack and move items.

Enlist help

If you need to cut expenses, ask friends or family for help moving. They might be able to help you pack, move items on moving day or lend a pickup truck.

» MORE: Moving Yourself vs. Hiring Movers

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