Whether you live in a one-bedroom apartment or a mansion, the thought of moving all your belongings to a new address can be daunting — not to mention the cost to pack and transport them. If you’re considering a move or preparing for one, here’s what you can expect to pay.
The typical cost to hire professional movers and rent a truck ranges between $868 and $2,383, with the average being roughly $1,624.
If you’re hiring a mover for a cross-country trek, however, things get much more expensive, averaging $6,060. Moving the contents of your two-bedroom house 1,000 miles, for example, can cost between $4,000 and $6,000, according to a home remodeling website.
Keep in mind that every moving company has its own pricing, and costs are generally based on the size of your home and the distance you’re moving, as well as the weight of your furnishings and whether you’ll need them stored for a time while you relocate.
There are always extra expenses, too, like gas and lodging or replacing items damaged during the move. Most people don’t think about moving costs. They don’t think about the transition costs into their new place, such as buying brooms or a lawnmower if they are coming from an apartment to a house.
Unfortunately, most folks who move won’t be able to take advantage of the moving expenses tax deduction, which was pared down significantly by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The deduction is still available for active-duty service members who’ve been transferred, though. If you’re not sure of your eligibility, the IRS has a helpful tool for determining whether you qualify.
Sometimes, even with the best planning, best movers and best intentions, things happen. You could still end up paying more than you thought you would. Beyond the price of the moving company itself, here are some other costs to consider ahead of a move:
The day and month you move can affect the overall cost. For instance, summer months are a popular moving window because kids are out of school, so your costs could be higher then due to demand.
Moving anytime between October and April can be less expensive, as well as during November through the New Year’s holiday. Moving mid-month and mid-week can also get you a deal, because it’s often much more convenient for folks to move on a weekend or at the end of the month.
Here are a few other ways to keep costs lower:
Preparing to relocate
If you’re contemplating a move to a new city, start by determining the cost of living in the area.
Once you know where and when you’re going, do your research and look up moving company profiles through the Better Business Bureau. Check out how long they’ve actually been in the industry — you don’t want a fly-by-night company.
After choosing a mover, inquire how much it’ll cost — get this in writing — and when the company expects payments. You may be on the hook for a 10 percent deposit to hold your moving date, according to the BBB, and then have to pay for at least part of the remainder before the company completes the move.
Lastly, during the time leading up to moving day, get everything as organized as possible. This is your journey, and moving can be tumultuous. Remember to make sure your boxes are labeled for what rooms they go in. That will make everything better for everyone.