Moving can be both an exciting and stressful time. From the physical labor of packing to the financial strain the cost of moving can have, there are a lot of factors that go into making a move. There are all kinds of moving expenses to account for and these expenses can quickly add up. Let’s break down exactly how much it costs to move.
Local Moves
The biggest factor in determining the cost of moving is distance. Are you moving across the country or just across town? Local moves can range from $200 for a 1-bedroom apartment to $2,000+ for a 4-bedroom home. Local moves are typically paid for by the hour and include the truck and services of two movers. The bigger your home, the longer the move will take. For local moves, you may also be charged for the supplies used such as bubble wrap, mattress covers, etc. along with fuel for the truck.
Tip:
Book your movers at least four weeks ahead of time. The earlier you book your movers, the most likely you are to be scheduled for the day and time that works best for you and the more likely you are to nail down an experienced crew. The least expensive days to move are Monday-Thursday.
Cross-Country Moves
For a cross-country move, you will be charged based on weight and distance.
Weight
Before the move, the empty truck is weighed and your moving company will provide you with an “empty weight” truck receipt. Once all of your belongings have been loaded into the truck, they will weigh the truck again to help determine the moving cost. A good moving company will an estimate before you sign the contract, using average weights for homes of your size. The items inside a 1,000 square foot, 3-bedroom apartment have a typical weight of 5,000 pounds. A 2,800-square-foot, 4-bedroom home’s items will generally weigh around 20,500 pounds.
Distance
The farther the moving company has to travel, the more expensive the bill will be. You will likely be charged a per-mile rate in addition to the weight-based charges. Be sure to also ask about any additional charges like tolls or fuel.
Tip:
Book movers for a cross-country move six to eight weeks in advance.
General Moving Expenses:
Truck rental – If you are moving items yourself, you can rent a truck for about $20/day.
Full-service moves – You can hire professionals to wrap and pack your belongings, load them, transport them to your new home and unload them. This is best for long-distance moves. You can expect to pay around $2,000 - $5,000 for the transportation, 50 cents per pound and $25-$50 per hour for packing and unpacking.
Temporary storage – If there is a gap in between your moves, you may need to find temporary storage to keep your things safe. Storage facility rates start around $50 per month for a small unit and can be up to $400 per month for large units. If you’d like the unit to be air-conditioned that will also be an extra fee.
Moving supplies – Take into account the boxes, bubble wrap, tape and other supplies you will need to pack.
Are you in the market to buy a new home? Contact me today! I can work with you to find the house of your dreams.
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