Moving can be a significant and often costly endeavor. Whether you are moving for a new job, a change of scenery, or to be closer to loved ones, the expenses of moving can quickly add up. Of course, how much it will actually cost to move will depend on distance, how much stuff you’re moving, and how much assistance you receive. The costs will vary widely from person to person, but here is a moving expenses list of the different expenses that will be associated with a move.

Moving Company Costs

One of the biggest expenses of moving, especially out of state, is the cost of hiring a moving company. The cost of a moving company can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the distance of the move, the weight of your belongings, and the services you require. It’s essential to research moving companies and obtain several quotes to find the best value for your money.

If you find a company you like best but receive a better quote from someone else, give the quote to your preferred company and see if they can beat it.

If you’re shipping or towing vehicles, this will be a large part of your moving expenses.

Packing Supplies

Packing supplies can be a significant expense when moving. Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts can add up quickly, especially if you have a lot of belongings to move. To save money, consider gathering used boxes or borrowing boxes from friends or family members.

Stores are often happy to pass on their used boxes because you’ll be saving them time not having to dispose of them. Try grocery stores, liquor stores, and big box stores.

Another good place to find used packing supplies is on Facebook groups or yardsale pages. Often times, people who have recently moved will offer them up for free if you’re willing to pick them up. If no one is offering them up- try asking. Lots of times people have what you’re looking for, they just don’t know you’re looking for it.

Transportation Costs

Transportation costs can also be a significant expense when moving out of state. Whether you are driving or flying, you will need to factor in the cost of gas, rental cars, or airfare. If you are driving, it’s essential to plan your route carefully to avoid unnecessary tolls and expenses.

For long distance drives, you may need to budget for hotel stays. If you’re traveling with a moving truck or trailer, be sure to ask the hotel if their will be safe parking for your vehicles.

If flying is your method of moving transportation, keep in mind added fees for extra bags or if your bags are above the 50 lb weight limit. Pets may have extra traveling expenses associated with the move as well.

Storage Costs

If you are unable to move all of your belongings at once, you may need to consider storage options. Storage costs can vary widely depending on the size and location of the storage unit. To save money, consider using a portable storage container, which can be more affordable than traditional storage units. They can also save you the time and hassle of having to load and unload multiple times during a move.

Utility Deposits

When moving out of state, you may need to pay utility deposits for services such as electricity, water, and gas. These deposits can add up quickly, so it’s essential to factor them into your moving budget.

If you’re buying a house- odds are you will have other up front expenses as well such as a home insurance premium, closing costs, and taxes.

If you’re going to be renting, the first and last months rent may be expected as a rental deposit, as well as other pet deposits which are usually non-refundable.

Miscellaneous Expenses

Finally, don’t forget about the miscellaneous expenses of moving out of state. These can include expenses such as changing your address with the post office, updating your driver’s license, and purchasing new furniture or household items.

They may also include speeding tickets, lost or broken items of value, car snacks, and kid’s bribery items like a trampoline or a puppy. 😅

To get a general idea of how much it will cost for your move, gather a few quotes in each of these categories. You can use moving expense calculators online, but there is just no way to get an accurate idea of your moving expenses until you speak about the details with a professional.