Moving Expenses

The average cost of a local household move is $1,250. Any household move that is over 1,000 miles is typically considered a long-distance household move. They cost more (about $4,890 on average) because they require factoring in gas prices tolls and compensating drivers. Obviously, how many items you have to relocate is the biggest factor. You should also factor in expenses for packing, materials, insurance coverage, etc.

Relocation Assistance

Roughly half of all people who move use professional movers to get their belongings from point A to point B. For local moves, you’ll typically pay an hourly rate that includes a truck and the services of two movers. You’ll likely be charged a per-mile rate in addition to the weight-based charges. Remember: The more time you have before your move, the easier it is to plan in advance — and the more time you’ll have to research said plans.

If you're in the early stages and still deciding where you want to move, you should definitely look into long-distance relocation programs. Some states are offering to cover moving expenses or to forgive student loans if you move to their region. These are great incentives that "pay" you (in a sense) to join their community.

Moving Supplies

Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, furniture pads, and rolling carts can make or break your moving day. You might have to pay for professional assembly/disassembly of furniture or crating of fragile items. While these products can be helpful, they are going to cost extra and aren't necessary. You can cut costs by using what you already have, borrowing supplies, or purchasing used items.

Packing and Unpacking

Opting to pack your own belongings is a prime way to save money on moving costs. Professional packers are there to do the job for you if you don't have the time or energy to do it yourself. You can also have them unpack for you once you arrive at your new home. Call the moving company to get a quote of what it will cost to hire movers.

Storage Facilities

When looking for a storage facility, make sure to research the prices and amenities offered by each facility. You may also want to look for facilities that offer discounts for long-term storage or for military personnel. When packing your items for storage, make sure to label each box clearly and make an inventory of the items in each box. 

Insurance

Should you decide to go with professional movers, most will offer some form of insurance as part of their service. To ease your worries, added insurance is available to cover items that are lost, damaged, or stolen while in transit. Make sure to ask your mover about the different types of coverage they offer and the cost of each option.

Checklist for Hiring Movers

Book movers at least four weeks ahead, especially between May and September when most people move; book earlier gives one more flexibility in terms of availability and experienced crew selection; opt for not-to-exceed quote helps avoid surprises with high moving costs among others.

Moving Truck Rental

Renting a moving truck for a local or long-distance move is a popular and cost-effective way to move. When renting a truck, you’ll need to factor in the cost of the rental, fuel, and insurance. You’ll also need to consider other costs such as packing materials, loading and unloading services, and any additional help you might need. If you’re not comfortable driving a large truck, you can also look into renting a trailer to pull behind your own vehicle. If you don’t want to drive a moving truck yourself, you can look into hiring a professional driver to transport your belongings. This can be a great option for long-distance moves or for those who don’t have the time or experience to drive a moving truck.

Conclusion

Lastly, we suggest comparing different companies and services to ensure you are getting the best deal. Additionally, you can research different tax benefits and incentives offered by your state or city to help you save money on your move.

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