The definitive guide to calculating the cost of relocating
Make a relocation budget based on the size and distance of your move.
Determine whether you need to hire interstate or intrastate movers.
Calculate the cost of moving expenses like packing supplies and renting a moving truck.
Whether you’re leaving your hometown for the big city or relocating for an exciting job opportunity in a different state, budgeting for an upcoming move can be complicated. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
Once you’ve determined your moving day and new location, it’s time to calculate your moving expenses. Let’s break down what you need to know before starting the moving process.
Calculations are based on a local move from a three-bedroom house. 80 to 100 moving boxes and a 20-foot moving truck covers a three-bedroom home. Hiring three movers for 7 hours includes loading and unloading services. Calculations rounded to the nearest whole number.
| Quantity | Cost Range | |
|---|---|---|
| Moving Boxes | 80–100 boxes | $80–$1,000 |
| Moving Labor | 3 movers for 7 hours | $525–$1,050 |
| Moving Truck Rental | 20-foot truck for one day | $120–$200 |
| Full Value Protection Moving Insurance | 10,000 pounds | $600 |
| Optional: Storage Unit Rental | 1 month | $20–$450 |
| Optional: Cleaning Labor | 1 cleaning professional for five hours | $125–$225 |
| Total | $1,325–$2,850 | |
| Total per Room | $440–$950 | |
| Total with Options | $1,470–$3,525 | |
| Total per Room with Options | $490–$1,175 |
To create a relocation moving budget, start with the facts, such as the distance of your move, whether you plan to hire movers, the size of your move (in the number of bedrooms), and your move date. Then, you can factor in the estimated costs of each moving expense.
Keep in mind that size and distance of your move will greatly impact the total bill. For example, you can expect to pay $4,000 to $10,000 for a cross-country move, while a local move will cost about $1,400.
Now that you’re ready to fill in your moving budget, here are some common expenses you’ll need to pay for when you relocate.
You’ll need to budget for the cost of packing supplies, including tape, furniture pads, and moving boxes. You can attempt to find free moving boxes by scoping out big-box stores or your local grocer. If you purchase new moving boxes, you can expect to pay between $1 and $10 per box.
Moving is no small feat, which is why it’s helpful to hire professional movers to help manage your move. Your moving company expenses will vary based on the size of your move, distance traveled, number of movers, and any additional services requested. You can expect to pay $25 to $50 per mover per hour for their services.
Do you plan to rent a moving truck to transport your belongings? If so, you can expect rental truck costs to run about $120 to $200 for a local move or $1,200 to $2,300 for a long-distance move. For a more accurate estimate, determine which moving truck size is best for you.
If you need to put your items in a temporary self-storage unit, it will cost between $20 to $450 per month, depending on its size and location.
Don’t overlook the cost of getting you and your family from point A to point B. Calculate your travel expenses by tallying up the cost of gas per mile, overnight hotel stays, food stops, and toll charges.
Utility companies typically require an upfront deposit or request the first month’s payment in full when you set up service. You should include these figures in your budget so you don’t end up (literally) in the dark once you arrive. Don’t forget to account for any outstanding utility bills at your old location, too.
You may need to hire a professional cleaning service to deep-clean your old space after the last box has been carried out or get your new home in tip-top shape before you move in. Professional cleaners charge between $25 and $45 an hour.
In some cases, it’s easier to ship large furniture pieces rather than transporting them via moving truck. However, shipping items will increase your total moving cost. You can expect to pay about $300 to $800 per item to ship furniture cross-country.
Moving insurance is a worthwhile expense. It protects your belongings if anything is damaged or lost on its way to its destination. The cost of moving insurance depends on whether you have full-value protection, released-value protection, or separate liability coverage. Full-value protection usually costs 1% of the total estimated value of your items, and released-value protection costs about $0.60 per pound per item.
Once you complete the moving process, you’ll have to transition into paying for your new living expenses, including monthly rent or mortgage payments. You should also consider the cost of property taxes, utilities, and new furnishings for your home.
The cost of a long-distance move depends on several factors, including whether you hire movers, use a moving truck, and the size of your move. For a 1,000-mile move, you’ll need to hire interstate movers and ask them for an estimate based on the details of your move. Keep in mind that a 1,000-mile move will likely cost $10,000 or more.
Most moving companies don’t charge by weight or volume unless you’re freight shipping items. The cost of hiring movers typically depends on the number of movers and time spent on the task.
