Are you moving out of state? The average long-distance relocation cost is just under $5,000, according to Moving.com.
Your own move may be more or less expensive depending on how far you’re traveling, your household size, and other factors. Our guide helps you budget your out-of-state move to keep these moving costs under control.
Table of Contents
Know Your Moving Costs
Your moving budget has three main relocation costs:
- Moving your stuff
- Moving you and/or your family
- Moving out and moving in costs
When you’re budgeting to relocate, it can help to make separate moving checklists so you’re not overwhelmed. It can also help you evaluate what works best for you. You can determine whether it’s more advantageous to fly straight there or go on a road trip, for example.
Household Moving Budget
Moving your stuff includes all the expenses associated with securing moving vehicles, packaging everything up, and transporting it to your new location. These can include:
- Moving truck fees
- Labor and loading rates
- Removal costs
- Moving insurance
- Supply costs (boxes, tape, padding, etc.)
- Gas costs
- Vehicle shipping
- Storage expenses
You may choose to do some or all of this on your own, or hire professional services. Self-moves vs professional moving costs should consider more than just money.
It includes factoring in the additional time, stress, heavy labor, and liability between methods. If you break something valuable during a self-move, for example, you pay for the repair and replacement costs out of pocket.
Travel Relocation Costs
Moving you and anyone else coming with you includes the cost of travel between your old home and the new. This generally means weighing the pros and cons of flying vs driving, although people sometimes use buses and trains as an option too.
When considering costs, flying costs include:
- Airline tickets
- Baggage and carry-on fees
- Insurance fees
- Airport transportation expenses (rentals, Ubers, shuttles, etc.)
- Misc. fees like meals
Moving costs include:
- Gas costs
- Lodging expenses
- Maintenance fees
- Food and other consumable costs
- Optional moving vehicle rental fees (trucks, RVs, etc.)
The overall expense is mostly dependent on how many people are traveling, and how far you’re traveling. It may cost two people about the same to fly cross-country vs driving for example, but they save time and stress by flying.
For a family of four with two pets going just one state to another, however, it may be cheaper and easier to drive or rent an RV. If you have an extra car or fly/rent, you also have to factor in how you’re going to ship car to another state.
Moving Home Costs
Moving out of your old home and into your new home comes with additional expenses. Moving out can include:
- Cleaning fees
- Lease or rental agreement fees
- Repair fees
- Closing costs
- Realtor fees
- Capital gains taxes
Moving in can include:
- Security deposits
- Pet deposits
- Utility deposits
- Property taxes
- HOA fees
- Renters or homeowners insurance
- New registration fees (pets, vehicles, etc.)
Whether your rent or buy, moving comes with many additional expenses people don’t always add to their relocation costs. Moving is already expensive, so don’t get caught with unexpected costs!
Are You Ready for Your Out-of-State Relocation Move?
Moving costs can add up fast. By making a list and knowing what to expect, you can avoid paying too much or getting taken by surprise. You can even find ways to save money.
Looking for more smart money management tips? Our blog offers many more articles like this one! 5elifestyle
