Breaking Down Moving Costs: What You Need to Know Before You Relocate

Relocation: We Break It Down

Relocating to a new home across town, to a new city, or even across the USA is beyond exciting for the entire family! While you might already be familiar with some of the major moving costs, like hiring movers or renting a truck, many of the expenses involved in a move can surprise you. Don’t let the moving industry catch you with your pants down, from packing materials to unexpected fees at the last minute.

1. Professional Movers

Hiring professional local moving companies is often the first expense that comes to mind when planning a move. 

• Hourly Rates vs. Flat Fees: Most moving companies charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $70 to $170 per hour, depending on location, amount of items being moved, and the complexity of the move. Flat rates are also used for long-distance moves and prices depend on the size of your home and the distance traveled. A small apartment move will cost $500 to $1,500, while a larger home / long-distance move could run $5,000+.
• Extra Services: If you want the extras, such as packing and unpacking, disassembly and reassembly of furniture, or storage, these services come with extra chargesFull-service movers will add $300 to $1,000 for packing and unpacking services. This should be looked at with opportunity costs kept in mind.
• Insurance: Basic moving insurance covers damage or loss of goods up to a certain limit, but you should add additional coverage so that the premiums won’t be expensive if something goes wrong. This can add $300 to $500.

Master Tip: Get at least three quotes from moving companies with good reviews, and be sure to ask about hidden fees like fuel charges, extra miles, tolls, or additional costs for heavy or awkwardly shaped items.

2. Truck Rental and DIY Moving Costs

If you decide to take on a DIY move to your move and rent a truck, the costs will be based on the size of the truck, the distance of the move, and the length of the rental period. Make sure to calculate the total cost of everything below to make sure it isn’t cheaper to hire movers. For shorter moves, DIY can be a more affordable option, but for larger homes or long-distance moves, the cost difference may not be as relevant.

Costs:

• Rental Truck: Rental companies charge based on the truck size and how far you plan to travel in miles. For a local move, you will pay a flat rate of $20 to $100 per day, plus additional mileage fees aof round $1.00 per mile over their given limit. Long-distance moves cost between $500 and $1,500, depending on truck size and distance.
• Gas: In addition to the rental fee, you’ll need to pay for fuel. Trucks get terrible miles per gallon, and fuel costs add up quickly. Plan to spend $200 to $500, depending on the distance traveled.
• Insurance:  DIY moving insurance usually costs an additional $70 per day.

3. Packing Supplies

Packing supplies add up quickly, especially if you’re moving to a large home with many breakable or valuable items. 

Costs to Consider:

• Boxes: Standard cardboard boxes cost $1 to $5 each, with specialty boxes (like wardrobe or dish boxes costing $10 to $20 per box. You’ll also need a variety of box sizes to pack all of your belongings. Some of the boxes can be sourced for free in the neighborhood or from local stores.
• Tape and Packing Materials: Packing tape costs around $3 to $5 per roll, and you will need a few rolls for a larger move. Make sure to have enough on hand to lose a few rolls in the chaos. You’ll also need bubble wrap which will cost $10 to $30 per roll.
• Furniture Protectors: If you plan to move large furniture on your own, you will need moving blankets, furniture pads, and stretch wrap, which can cost between $10 and $30 per item. Many movers provide these supplies, but these materials can quickly add up if you’re doing it yourself and need to buy them.

4. Storage Costs

If your new home isn’t quite ready, your contract hasn’t yet started, you are going on vacation, or you simply need to store some items temporarily, renting a storage unit adds more fees.

Costs to Consider:

• Monthly Storage Fees: Storage unit costs depend on the unit’s size and the location. A small 5×5 unit in the city will cost $30 to $75 per month, and a larger 10×20 unit can cost anywhere $100 to $300 or more per month. Prices can vary based on the demand and location.
• Climate-Controlled Units: If you’re storing temperature-sensitive items, electronics, antiques, or even certain clothing, you will need a climate-controlled storage unit. These units typically cost 20% to 50% more than standard units. That AC and heating adds up quickly.
• PODS: If you need storage for only a short time, think about portable storage solutions, like PODS or U-Pack, which deliver a container to your home, let you pack it at your own pace, and then move it to storage or directly to your new spot.

5. Utilities and Closing Costs

Take a moment to consider some admin fees as well:

Costs to Consider:

• Utility Set-Up Fees: Setting up electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable services at your new home may involve connection or activation fees. Depending on the service provider, it can cost around $50 to $200.
• Closing Costs: If you’re buying a home, the closing costs can be significant. These include appraisal fees, inspection fees, loan fees, and title fees, which usually total 2% to 5% of the home’s price.
• Home or Renters Insurance: New homeowners will need homeowners insurance, which can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 per year, depending on the value of your home. For renters, renter’s insurance costs between $15 to $30 per month, depending on the value of your belongings.

6. Other Hidden Fees 

Several other random costs may have to be paid during the moving process:

• Parking: If you live in a busy city or if parking near your new home is non-existent, you might need to pay for parking for the moving truck. This can cost $10 to $50 per day, depending on your location.
• Tolls: Long-distance moves might involve toll roads, which can add up depending on the route. Plan to spend anywhere from $20 to $100 on tolls during your move depending on the roads used.
• Cleaning: Whether you’re renting or selling your home, you will need to hire cleaners to be sure your old place is in good condition unless you plan to do the clean yourself. You will want to do this for your new place as well. Cleaning can cost between $150 and $500, depending on the size and condition of the home.

Smart Budgeting for a Clean Move

When moving, the costs add up quickly, especially if you’re not fully in the know. By breaking down the different costs associated with moving, such as the services, truck rental, packing supplies, storage, utilities, and other expenses, you can better understand the total cost and can plan accordingly for all your finances.

Take the time to compare options, and track your spending during the move to avoid surprises. With careful budgeting, your move can be a smooth and successful transition to that new casa.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to declutter before the move?

Make 3 piles, keep, donate, and trash.  Start room by room, and the moment the pile becomes full, get it out of your house so you can feel lighter. It will feel overwhelming at first, but embrace it, and once fully packed up, stack your cartons in a central place that allows you to Dyson and mop all the floors. You will thank yourself for getting rid of all the excess, and you will save on the move with less weight. 

What are the top pro moving tips?

When you plan your move date and book assistance from your friends, family, and the younger generation ahead of time, you are preparing for success. I highly recommend knowing a list of dates that work best for your close family members who have agreed to help with the move so that you can find a mover who can work around these time and date limitations.

How long does it take to pack up a bedroom?

This depends on multiple factors such as size, clutter, clothing preferences, and other items. It’s more of a question for yourself if you plan to declutter and go wild or if you plan to throw everything in a box and call it a day. Plan according to this. Don’t forget to label as you go!

Where can I find cardboard boxes?

There are ways to purchase or source free cartons. Most movers are happy to deliver you boxes for a fee when you book with them. You can also buy them at hardware stores. Another option is to go to major chain and grocery stores and request their boxes from their daily deliveries for free. If you are shipping your goods you might even want to consider plastic cartons instead. 

What is the important to do before moving?

Research and set goals. The second most important thing is building your personalized moving inventory. Plan ahead of time your moving schedule, checklist, and book your affordable movers to keep prices in line with your budget. Planning ahead and getting rid of all that excess clutter before moving day will save you more than you would ever imagine. Don’t take my word for it; check out our clients’ tips and tricks!

Also Read: A Traveler’s Guide For Moving To Woodbridge, VA