Typical Moving Costs Beyond a New Mortgage

Few events in life cause you to stop and take stock like a move. Long-forgotten love notes from your third-grade crush in the back of a closet. The old big screen TV that’ll take an army to lift out of the basement. That unopened pressure canner from your wedding you still have aspirations of using … just as soon as you get around to planting a garden.

Moving can feel like a physical and emotional uprooting. While there’s no telling what you might unearth as you sift and sort through possessions, one thing you shouldn’t have to deal with is surprise expenses.

Aside from a new mortgage, what should you budget for? Here are some of the most common costs to move to help with your moving calculations.

Movers

Are you planning to hire a moving company? Moving rates vary greatly based on the number of movers, distance, house size, and services provided. Depending on the package you select, movers can help with everything from loading up your kitchen appliances to putting together bed frames upon arrival. Sometimes, you can even add on packing services if you’re willing to pay premium fees.

• Moving Company Budget: Moving companies may cost between $75 to $350 per hour; plus tips and add-on services

Truck rental

If you prefer a DIY approach, you may choose to rent a moving truck to drive yourself. Just keep in mind this option is the most labor intensive and may require some extra muscle from friends and family on moving day. Truck rental rates vary based on the truck size and distance.

• Truck Rental Budget: The average cost of a truck rental can range from $130 for a local trip to $3,250 for long distance; plus gas

Storage

In a perfect world, you’d wake up in your bed one morning and lay your head on the same pillow that night in your new home. But closing dates don’t always align to make a direct move possible. If your old house closes before you can move into your new place, you may have to temporarily stay with friends or family, get a hotel, or even rent somewhere in the interim.

In such cases, storage facilities can keep your possessions safe until you can get into your new home. Some moving companies offer storage as an add-on, or you can pursue self-storage, which is typically better for contracts longer than three months. And some companies, like PODS, meld moving and storage containers into one.

• Storage Budget: Storage costs approximately $50 to $350 per month

Moving supplies

Once you’ve sorted through everything and decided what items to keep, sell, or donate, it’s time to pack up. Moving tips suggests stocking up on high-quality boxes, packing tape and tape guns, markers for labeling, mattress covers, and blankets, paper, and bubble wrap for protecting fragile items.

You might already have some of these items at the ready, but this is not a time to skimp on quality. When stress is high, you don’t want to worry if your dishes are going to break through those old boxes or be up until midnight because a time-saving tape gun didn’t seem necessary.

• Moving Supplies Budget: Moving supplies cost $50 to $250 based on your needs

Vehicle shipping

Do you have a car, boat, or other vehicle that needs to get from point A to point B without you driving it? A vehicle shipping company may be the answer. Costs can depend on the size of your vehicle, the distance of transport, how busy the company is, and the type of carrier. Some offer open carriers, which are cheaper, while enclosed auto transport generally comes at a higher cost.

• Vehicle Shipping Budget: Industry average costs to ship a vehicle is $2 per mile for under 200 miles; $0.58 per mile for long distances exceeding 1,500 miles.

Travel costs

If your destination is more than a few hours away, be sure to account for meals, gas, and possible lodging while on the road. Moving to another state can incur additional expenses and necessities you may need to consider.

• Travel Budget: Travel expenses for a move range from $50 to $500+ based on distance and family size

Calculate moving costs

Track your numbers: As you can see below, the difference between the low and high end of each moving expense so far can be pretty wide. It can be helpful to make a chart like this one to create and track your own budget.

Time and energy

Let’s not forget that moving can take a toll on your mind and body. You’re packing up your old life and closing the door on a place you’ve called home. The checklists, decisions, and stuff – everywhere – can get overwhelming. Remember that this process is temporary and there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.

• Time and Energy Considerations: Time to slow down, say goodbye to friends and neighbors, and close this chapter before a new one begins.

Moving calculator

Costs can vary greatly depending on what services you choose, the size of your move, and the distance between locations. For example, the average moving cost of a three-bedroom house ranges from $1,000 for a local move to $12,700 for going over 2,500 miles. Be sure to do your own research or try a cost of moving calculator to help you arrive at an accurate number for your situation.

Considering a move? See how much home you can afford with a Mortgage Affordability Calculator.