How much does it cost to move?

Moving out of your current home is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with plenty of decisions, expenses and logistical hurdles. Whether you’re moving to a new city or just across town, understanding how much it costs to move can make all the difference. This guide will walk you through the essential steps for a smooth transition, from budgeting for moving expenses to picking the right time to make your move.

How to move affordably

Before planning any move, start by assessing your finances and creating a moving budget. You’ll want to ensure your net monthly income – what’s left after taxes – can cover both your recurring expenses and any unexpected costs. If you’re using a checking account, you can easily track these expenses and set up automatic payments for recurring bills like rent, utilities and insurance. Establishing a budget will help you manage monthly expenses while providing a clear picture of how much it costs to move.

Here’s a breakdown of what to consider when calculating your moving budget:

• Rent
• Utilities (gas, electric, water)
• Internet, cable, and phone bills
• Car payments, repairs, gas, insurance, and parking
• Groceries
• Renters insurance
• Subscriptions (streaming services, gym memberships)
• Health insurance

If your monthly income comfortably covers these, plus leaves room for savings and recreational activities, you’re on the right track. However, don’t forget to account for student loans or other personal debts, which will also cut into your budget. Using a checking account to automate your monthly payments can help ensure you stay organized and avoid late fees, helping you stick to your budget.

Budgeting for moving costs

Moving isn’t just about monthly expenses – it comes with significant upfront costs that can strain your finances if you’re unprepared. Planning for these ahead of time is essential and creating a detailed moving budget will ensure you know exactly what you need to save for.

Landlords typically require first and last months’ rent and security deposit before you can move in. These payments are key considerations, especially if your new home has higher rent than your current place. Setting up a savings account can help you manage these one-time expenses by allowing you set aside money gradually, reducing financial pressure when the move comes.

To help you prepare, here’s a breakdown of common upfront costs to include in your moving budget:

• First and last months’ rent
• Security deposit
• Rental application fees
• Moving company costs (or truck rental)
• Packing materials (boxes, tape, bubble wrap)
• Basic furniture (bed, couch, dining table, etc.)
• Kitchen essentials (dishes, cookware, utensils)
• Cleaning supplies (broom, mop, vacuum, cleaning agents)
• Utilities setup (gas, electric, water, internet)
• Pet deposits

If you’re planning a long-distance move or a cross-country move, you’ll need to consider additional costs for professional movers, packing materials and storage fees depending on your circumstances. The size of your home will also impact these expenses. Keeping all of these in mind will help you create an accurate budget and avoid unexpected costs along the way.

By using a dedicated savings account for these expenses, you’ll stay more organized and prepared. This approach not only helps with saving for the move but can also be a useful way to build an emergency fund for any unforeseen costs that may arise.

When is the best time to move?

While you may be eager to move into your new home, the right timing is essential for your finances. The time of year you choose to move can affect everything from the availability of rentals to the cost of moving services. During peak months (typically spring and summer), prices for moving companies, truck rentals and even rent may be higher due to increased demand. Budgeting for these fluctuations is key when assessing how much it costs to move.

Beyond the logistics of timing, consider your personal readiness to move. If you’re adjusting to a new job or another major life change, it may be wise to delay the move until you feel financially stable. Making sure your checking and savings accounts are aligned with your move timeline can give you peace of mind. Automating savings transfers can help you steadily build up the funds you need to move when the time is right. Rushing into a move without the right budget can leave you stressed about meeting monthly expenses.

By waiting until you’re financially prepared and timing your move strategically, you’ll avoid unnecessary financial pressure.

Moving services: how to choose the right option

Once you’ve established that you can afford to move and the timing is right, its time to decide how you’ll handle the logistics. Depending on your budget, you can either hire professional movers or take the do-it-yourself (DIY) approach by renting a truck and managing the move yourself.

When budgeting for moving services, ask the following questions:

• Do you have large or heavy items that require special handling?
• How far are you moving?
• Will you have help with the move, or are you doing it alone?

Both options come with different costs, so weigh them carefully against your moving budget. If you’re trying to save money, DIY moving may seem attractive but don’t forget to account for the costs of a truck rental, packing materials and the time spent packing and loading.

Make your move a success with smart budgeting

Moving into a new home can be one of the most exciting yet challenging experiences in life but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Using both a checking and savings account can help you stay organized, ensuring you can cover monthly expenses and save for bigger financial hurdles.

By planning ahead and sticking to a moving budget, you’ll avoid unexpected financial strain and set yourself up for a smooth, stress-free move. Want to learn more about how Citizens is made ready to help you manage your finances? We encourage you to explore all our checking and savings accounts have to offer!