Moving Costs Checklist: What You’ll Need to Spend on a Move

Moving into a new house or apartment signals an exciting next chapter in life. However, the moving process can be stressful, especially when considering the expenses that pile up. Knowing all the costs beforehand saves time, eliminates stress, and makes budgeting easier and more effective. This moving cost checklist will help you plan, whether you’re moving locally or long-distance.

Packing Materials

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There is a lot to organize before moving day, but it’s also important to stay organized with your budget. The average cost of packing materials during a move ranges from $170 to $740.

• Cardboard moving boxes: $1–$10 per box

• Plastic storage bins: $5–$30 per bin

• Scissors: $3–$18

• Furniture sliders: $5–$10 per pack

• Furniture covers: $5–$15 each

• Packing paper, foam, or bubble wrap: $10 –$40 per roll

• Packing tape: $2–$4 per roll

• Labels: $1–$10

• Pens, pencils, and markers: $1–$15

Moving Vehicles

You won't need to rent transportation if you hire a full-service moving company. However, there may still be a few vehicle-related fees, which we’ll cover below. For anyone going the DIY route, the price range for renting a moving trunk is $30 to $3,500, with a national average of $1,000. The cost largely depends on the size of the vehicle and the duration of the rental. 

• Cargo van or pickup truck: $20 per day, plus mileage fees

• Standard-sized moving truck (10–22 feet): $20–$130 per day

• Large moving truck: (22 feet or larger): $40–$150 per day

• Mileage fees: $0.20–$1 per mile

• Rental insurance: $10–$35 per day

• Towing: $45–$100 flat fee

• Fuel costs

Moving Equipment

Moving equipment can help you with the heavy lifting and protect your belongings from any bumps, drops, and scratches during the big day. Most of these items can be rented from hardware stores or moving companies at a lower cost than buying them outright.

• Dolly: $15–$50 each

• Hand truck: $30–$100

• Moving straps, also called shoulder dollies: $25–$40

• Moving blankets: $5–$20 each

• Moving ramp: $30–$120

• Floor protectors: $15–$75 per roll

Travel Expenses

Travel accounts for a significant portion of moving expenses, especially long-distance or cross-country moves. Whether you’re driving a moving truck to the new destination or meeting the movers there, it’s important to factor in the costs of getting from A to B. 

• Fuel

• Tolls

• Food

• Lodging

• Airfare

• Pet transportation: $300–$1,500

• Storage units: $20–$450 per month

• Moving insurance: $215–$2,500

Moving Services

Hiring professional movers costs $25 to $50 per hour for each mover. In addition to the base cost, you can purchase several add-on services to make the move easier.

• Furniture assembly and disassembly: $35–$90 per piece

• Packing and unpacking services: $280–$2,200

• Car shipping: $550–$2,500

• Piano moving: $259–$590

• Moving pods: $500–$5,000

• Appliance installation: $75–$150 per appliance

• Move-out cleaning: $120–$450

• Moving insurance: $0.60 per pound

New Home Costs

Even after you’ve packed up and hit the road, there are still some costs to consider. These final details will help you settle into your new home.

• Home inspection: $185–$512

• Pet deposit or fee: $100–$500

• Security deposit: usually one month’s rent

• Renters insurance: $100–$200

• Homeowners insurance: $900–$1,800

• Furnishing: $3,500–$40,000

• Closing costs: 3%–6% of the purchase price

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers?

The cost to hire professional movers depends on the distance of the move and the number of items. The time of year, the method of moving, and the addition of services like packing, installation, and storage also influence the cost.

If you’re moving within a 100-mile radius, you’ll pay between $880 and $2,565, with a national average of $1,710. Long-distance moves involve a much wider price range, varying between $2,700 and $10,000. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

In most situations, moving by yourself is significantly cheaper than hiring a moving crew. The average DIY moving cost is $1,200, with a standard range between $120 and $2,300. If you can access suitable moving vehicles and receive help from friends and family, the only expense may be paying for packing supplies. Of course, the distance of the move and the number of items you have are the biggest cost factors, just like when you hire a pro.

Even though a DIY move is cheaper, there are several major reasons to hire professional movers. A moving company will complete the job faster, better protect your belongings, and save you time and energy. It’s also possible to injure yourself while moving, especially without proper experience.