The Cost Of Moving

Moving can be an exciting decision, regardless of whether you are moving across town or across the country. However, everybody who is thinking about moving will ask the same question: What's the cost of relocation?

There are many moving expenses that you need to consider. These include the cost of living, paying off two mortgages or rent and mortgage, as well as the cost of getting your stuff from A to B.

Moving Costs Estimates

About half of all people who move employ professional movers.

What Is The Cost Of Moving Across Town?

The vast majority of people who move every year are local. Research shows that 57% of homebuyers also move within the same area as the home they are selling. In addition, 86% also move within the same region.

Local moves are usually charged an hourly rate, which includes the truck and two movers. As a result, your move will take longer if your home is larger. Research shows that sellers spend an average of $475 on local moves with professional movers.

How Far In Advance Should I Reserve Local Movers?

Most people move between May-September, so it's important to book your movers at least four weeks in advance. You will be able to book your movers earlier, which will increase your chances of getting the best day and time for you and a more experienced crew.

Monday through Thursday are the most affordable days to move. You can book movers often with as little as one to two weeks' notice in the offseason (October-April).

What Is The Cost Of Moving Across The Country?

Local movers charge an hourly rate, but cross-country moves are likely to be charged on the basis of weight and distance.

• Weight

  The empty truck must be weighed before the move. Your mover should also provide an "empty weight receipt." Once all of your belongings have been loaded, the mover will weigh your truck once again to determine your final moving cost.

  Are you unsure how heavy your belongings are? Reputable movers can give you an estimate before signing on the dotted lines. They will use average weights for homes your size to provide you with an estimate (more details later).

  A 1,000-square-foot 3-bedroom apartment with a kitchen and a bathroom typically weighs in at around 5,000 pounds. Furniture in a 2,800-square foot, 4-bedroom home typically weighs around 20,500 pounds.

• Distance

  Simply put, the more distance a moving company must travel to transport your belongings, then the higher the bill. In addition to the weight-based fees, you will likely be charged a per-mile rate. Ask about any additional transportation fees, such as fuel or tolls.

How Far In Advance Do I Need To Book Movers For Long-Distance Movers?

Book your movers as soon as you can for an interstate or cross-country move. Ideally, this should be six to eight weeks in advance.

Moving Expenses

No matter what type of move you are planning, moving expenses will vary depending on the level and quality of service you require.

• Truck Rental:

  You will be responsible for packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and unpacking the truck on your own. Based on the truck size, flat rates per day start at $20/day. There are additional charges for gas and mileage.

• Moving, Loading, Transporting, And Unloading:

  You can save your back and have professional movers do all the hard work. This service is available for local moves starting at $200 for a 1-bedroom apartment and going up to over $1,000 for a 4-bedroom home.

• Full-Service Moving:

  Let the professionals handle everything, from packing and loading your belongings to unloading and transporting them to their new homes. Only you will be responsible for packing your belongings and getting settled. This type of move is often used for long-distance moving. You can expect to pay between $2,000 and $5,000 for transportation. There will also be $0.50 per pound for packing and unpacking.

• Temporary Storage:

  If you don't have the right moving dates, you might need to temporarily store your belongings in a moving container or storage unit. Storage facility rates start at $50 per month for small units and can go up to $300 for larger units. You can have a portable storage unit delivered to your home and loaded by yourself. Once you are ready to re-deliver, you will pay $150-300 per month plus delivery and redelivery charges.

• Moving Supplies:

  You don't have to buy and then recycle boxes. Instead, rent hard plastic boxes. Prices start at $50 per week to pack a one-bedroom apartment and $200 for large houses. The rental company will collect the boxes once you are done. You can save money by renting cardboard boxes from a local moving company or a "buy nothing" group. They often have used boxes available.

Additional Moving Costs

These unexpected moving expenses should be considered when calculating your relocation budget.

• Transportation surcharge: If the moving company employs more workers in areas with higher labor costs, it may charge a transportation surcharge

• Movers at no charge usually include full value protection insurance (released-value protection), but it is very minimal -- $0.60 per pound for articles lost or damaged

• Moving vehicle charges, including motorbikes and boats,

• Transport fees for large or fragile items

• Additional charges may apply if the movers need to travel more than 75ft from truck to door or if they have to use stairs or an elevator.

• There may be additional charges for a narrower street. They will need to transport your belongings using a smaller truck.

• If your move company cannot deliver your belongings on time, you may be charged unexpected moving costs.

Agreements On Moving Costs

To provide a quote, a reputable moving company will use the Tariff 400 N, which is the industry-standard rate publication of the Household Goods Carrier Bureau. There are two types of moving quotes.

• Industry-standard is non-binding estimates. These estimates are based on the company's best estimate of what your final bill will look like but can sometimes be incorrect. If possible, choose a quote that is not too high.

• Quotes that do not exceed a certain price are those where the moving company has committed to a maximum price.

Get Moving

Moving quickly is the best way to reduce your moving costs and keep your sanity. If you move quickly, you will save money on moving costs, storage, and overlapping mortgage or rent payments.