Moving is considered one of the most stressful life events we face, ranking only behind the death of a loved one or divorce. When you add the stress of moving out of state and the considerable costs involved, that stress can pile up.
There’s no question that moving out of state is expensive and disruptive, but it’s also a chance to start fresh and embark on new adventures. This article outlines the cost of moving out of state and includes tips to make the move more budget-friendly, whether you’re moving to a neighboring state or all the way across the country.
According to MarketWatch, you can expect to pay a minimum of $2,000 to move out of state, and that figure can quickly rise well into the thousands. There are several things you can do to control the cost, however. For example, if you are planning a DIY, self-service move, the estimated cost range is $1,000 to $7,500, as opposed to a range of $4,200 to $12,000 for a full-service move.
Knowing how much you should spend on a move requires taking a close look at the circumstances of your move and your overall finances. Specifically, is paying for moving expenses going to put a strain on your income? If the answer is yes, then you’ll need to be careful with how you plan your move and allocate your budget.
Some of the items you’ll need to consider include:
You will also want to look at the cost of living differences between your current state and the state you’re moving to. If your new state is more expensive, you’ll probably have to be more conservative with your budget. On the other hand, if you’re moving to a state with a lower cost of living, your budget could have more wiggle room.
As you begin determining your budget, your first step will be to research moving costs. Call around to find out the cost of renting a truck and/or hiring professional movers. These two costs will likely be your biggest fees, so they can set the tone for how much you can spend on other items like packing supplies.
There are a lot of steps that go into a move, and ideally, you’ll begin planning several months in advance. Creating a checklist can also ensure you don’t forget anything. A sample moving checklist could be as follows:
Whether you’re going the DIY route or hiring professionals, there are several factors that will influence the cost of your move, including:
Transportation costs can add up, especially in an interstate move. You’ll be paying for fuel charges and potential truck mileage fees. Further, if you plan on driving across the country or flying, you’ll incur additional costs for your personal vehicle’s fuel or airfare. Finally, if the trip will take multiple days, be sure to factor in the cost of food, water, supplies, and lodging.
Professional movers can take the hassle out of a move. They do all the hard work, and because they do this for a living, they are probably more efficient than you are! Your items will also be covered by insurance, so if they break something, the moving company is liable.
On the other hand, professional movers are expensive. If you rent a truck, you can save money, move on your timeline, and pack and protect your items in a way that’s up to your standards.
There are pros and cons to each approach, so consider what’s best for your peace of mind and your budget.
In any move, you’re going to need boxes and other supplies to transport everything. There’s a long list of items required for moving, and while you may have a lot of them on hand, there are some you might have to buy or source.
The packing materials you will most likely need for a move include:
The cost of these items can run well into the hundreds of dollars, especially if you have a lot of items or are moving an entire family. To save money, you could source free boxes from neighbors who have recently moved, from grocery and liquor stores, or on local apps like NextDoor or Craigslist.
Another option is to pack items in suitcases, duffle bags, and plastic storage bins. To protect your breakable items, you could use towels and crumpled newspapers as a free substitute for bubble wrap.
Typically, moving companies consider two main variables when providing you with a moving quote:
Other factors that could be considered in the total quote include:
It’s common to tip various service providers, including baristas, restaurant waiters, and housekeepers. It’s also good etiquette to tip your movers.
Though you’re not required to do so, keep in mind that your movers (assuming they didn’t break valuable items or sentimental heirlooms) saved you a ton of time, stress, and back pain. They deserve a break! Also, the average salary for a professional mover is about $16 an hour, so a little extra cash would be greatly appreciated.
Not sure how much to tip? Consider these guidelines:
How much (and if) you tip is entirely up to you, but consider tipping generously for difficult moves and exemplary customer service. You can also show appreciation by supplying water and snacks.
You can drastically reduce your moving bill by following these tips:
After accounting for trucks, movers, and supplies, you’ll also need to consider some of the more “hidden” costs of moving, including:
Some or all of your moving expenses could be tax-deductible, especially if you are moving due to your job. Further, if you donate items to a non-profit charity, you can potentially deduct the market value of those items on your tax return.
Want help streamlining your move? You can get rid of excess items by scheduling a pickup. The items you donate will help fund charitable organizations that assist veterans and their families. Easily donate your unused items with Easy Donation Pickup today.