Moving can be complicated and expensive… and if you don’t plan ahead, your expenses can skyrocket. But don’t fret: the relocation experts at Wheaton World Wide Moving have compiled a moving budget checklist to follow so that you can accurately estimate your moving costs.
Average Moving Costs in America
According to Moving.com, the average local move costs $1,250 and the average long-distance move costs $7,500. Keep in mind that these estimates are meant as a starting point and are based on a 2-3 bedroom home.
Many factors such as truck rental, packing supplies, type of move and additional fees can raise or lower the final cost for your move. With that in mind, let’s look at how to budget for your moving costs.
How to Put Together a Moving Expense Budget
When calculating your estimated moving costs, you may encounter more expenses than you initially anticipated. To ensure you don’t overlook anything, we’ve compiled a list of everything to consider when creating your moving budget:
1. The Location of Your Move
The distance of your move heavily impacts the price. Before you start on your moving budget, solidify your destination. Be sure to have a clear, numerical distance calculated when soliciting estimates from moving companies.
2. How Much Stuff You Have
Go room by room and make note of your belongings—especially specialty items like pianos that are particularly large, fragile or expensive. This will give you a better idea of what type of moving services you’ll need and any special or additional costs you might need to consider. The Wheaton team is equipped to move virtually any item. Learn more about our specialty moving services.
3. Which Moving Company You Want to Use
Compare three moving companies with positive reviews on Google’s business listings. Make sure all have a moving license and several years of experience. Request an in-home moving estimate and throw out any exorbitantly high or suspiciously low estimates. Choose the company that is the most trustworthy and has the best customer service. Avoid rogue moving companies that may appear to offer a good deal upfront but will likely become a moving nightmare once they have your stuff.
Get Moving on Your Budget: What to Include
1. Moving Company Expenses:
Choosing the right moving company is the biggest decision you’ll make. With Wheaton, it’s easy to request an in-home moving estimate so you can get a price range for each of the categories below. Our free quotes and attentive agents make it easy to get a clear estimate on this portion of your moving budget.
2. Personal Expenses:
Beyond the cost of renting a truck or hiring professional movers, there are other estimated moving costs to tally. These include:
- Food
- Gas
- Packing Materials
- Lodging
- Extra Funds
Long distance moves unsurprisingly create more logistics and expenses. You’ll need to factor in the time you’re on the road, the price of food, gas and lodging along the way and the time lost at work. Your Wheaton moving agent is a good resource for planning and can help you avoid unforeseen costs. Additionally, you can find tips for moving on a budget in our blog. Helpful posts include:
- How a Professional Mover Makes Your Move More Cost-Effective
- Keep Your Costs Under Control During a Long-Distance Move
- Quick and Easy Food Options for Moving Day
- What Can I Get Rid of Before I Move?
Manage the Cost of Moving
In this blog, we’ve covered many of the typical moving costs, but every move is unique. If you have more questions about what to expect and how to create a moving budget that aligns with your needs, we’re here to guide you through the process. Get in touch with Wheaton today! We are passionate about providing you with a hassle-free move while doing what we can to stick to your budget.
