How to Budget for Moving Costs (The Real Numbers)
The short answer
Moving is more expensive than most people expect. Here is a realistic breakdown of every moving cost — and how to reduce them.
How to Budget for Moving Costs
Moving is reliably more expensive than people expect. A local move assumed to cost $300 often runs $1,000+. A cross-country move can run $5,000-$15,000. Here is the realistic breakdown.
Local Move (Under 50 Miles)
DIY Move (truck rental):
- Truck rental: $30-200/day (varies by truck size)
- Mileage fees: $0.20-0.40/mile
- Fuel: $40-100
- Dolly, blanket rental: $30-60
- Help (pizza/beer or paid movers): $0-200
- Total typical range: $200-600
Professional movers (local):
- Hourly rate: $80-150/hour per 2-3 person crew
- Most local moves: 3-6 hours
- Total typical range: $400-900 (no furniture), $800-1,500 (full household)
Long-Distance Move (Over 200 Miles)
Professional moving company:
- Depends on weight and distance
- 1BR apartment across 500 miles: $1,500-$3,500
- 2-3BR across 1,000 miles: $3,000-$7,000+
- Full household cross-country: $8,000-$15,000+
Portable storage containers (PODS, U-Pack):
- More affordable than full-service for longer distances
- 1BR apartment cross-country: $1,500-$3,000
Shipping furniture:
- uShip and similar freight marketplaces
- Cheaper for large single items; impractical for full households
Often-Forgotten Moving Costs
- Packing supplies: Boxes, bubble wrap, tape — $50-200 for a full apartment
- Cleaning costs: Professional clean of old unit to protect deposit: $100-300
- Address change fees: USPS mail forwarding ($1.05 online), new license/registration (varies by state)
- Setup costs at new place: New shower curtain, lightbulbs, hooks, shelf liners — easily $100-300
- Overlap rent: Paying rent at two places simultaneously during transition
- Travel costs: Flights, gas, hotels for long-distance moves
- Elevator reservation fees: Some buildings charge $50-200 for elevator booking for moving day
- Utility setup deposits: Some utilities require deposits for new accounts
How to Reduce Moving Costs
Get 3 quotes. Moving company prices vary dramatically. Always get multiple quotes.
Move on a weekday. Weekend and month-end moves cost more. Moving on a Tuesday saves money on trucks and movers.
Purge before you pack. Less stuff = smaller truck + fewer moving hours + lower weight. Sell or donate furniture you do not love.
Pack yourself. Professional packing adds $200-500+. Packing yourself is free (and you know where everything is).
Ask about military or AAA discounts. Many companies offer them.
Use free boxes. Grocery stores, liquor stores, Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor. Free boxes are everywhere if you ask.
Book early. Last-minute moves cost significantly more.
Moving Cost Checklist
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Truck rental or movers | $ |
| Fuel / mileage | $ |
| Packing supplies | $ |
| Professional cleaning (old place) | $ |
| Security deposit (new place) | $ |
| First + last month rent | $ |
| Utility setup deposits | $ |
| New setup purchases | $ |
| Travel costs (if long distance) | $ |
| Total | $ |
Preparing to move into a new rental? Get your Settl Verified Passport before applying — and arrive pre-verified so you can secure your new place faster.
Settl Team
Settl Editorial
Settl helps renters stand out in competitive markets through verified identity, income, and rental verifications. Trusted by landlords across the US.
Turn your savings into an approval
Settl verifies your savings and income and puts them in front of landlords as proof you can afford the place. Let the money you have saved do the talking.
Verify my finances →Related articles
What to Do After Being Denied an Apartment: A Step-by-Step Recovery Plan
Getting denied stings, but it's not a dead end. Here's exactly what to do next — from understanding why you were rejected to building a stronger application that landlords can't ignore.
How to Rent with No Credit History: 5 Strategies That Actually Work
No credit history does not mean no options. Five proven strategies renters use to get approved for apartments when their credit file is blank.
What Is Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) and Why Renters Should Know It
DTI is the ratio of your monthly debt payments to your gross income. Lenders use it, and now landlords can too — but only if you choose to share it. Here is how it works and why a low DTI can help you get approved faster.
How to Document Apartment Damage Before Moving In (And Protect Your Deposit)
Most deposit disputes happen because neither party documented the unit's condition at move-in. Here's exactly how to document everything so you can get your deposit back in full.
Renting Furnished vs. Unfurnished: What's Actually Worth It
Furnished apartments cost more per month — but sometimes that premium makes financial sense. Here's how to calculate whether a furnished rental is actually cheaper for your situation.
How to Add a Roommate Mid-Lease: What Your Landlord Can and Can't Do
Adding a roommate after you've already moved in involves more than just splitting the rent. Here's the right way to do it legally, what landlords can charge, and what to watch out for.