If you’ve decided what you’re going to move and how, it’s time to figure out if your moving plans will work with your bank account.

Moving is a very expensive process.  There are many costs involved that need to be considered before you can arrive at an accurate number.

Moving costs

Moving your stuff will comprise the lion’s share of the overall cost of your move.  Here’s what to consider:

• Moving services – If you’ve hired a moving service, they should have given you a concrete price. You can put this price into your over-all calculation.  You can also get an idea of how much your move will cost is by using our moving cost calculator or by getting free moving quotes.

• Moving supplies – If you aren’t hiring full-service movers, you’ll probably need to get boxes, tape, packaging, and rope, among other things.

• Special possessions – If you have a pet, a one-of-a-kind painting or other unique possessions that can’t simply be boxed up, you might have to account for additional costs for moving them.

• Transportation and lodging – If you plan on driving to your new place, think about the cost of gas and any hotel stays.  If you are flying, you’ll need to account for your plane ticket.

Post-move costs

After you move, there will be some unavoidable costs.  While often cheaper than the move itself, these costs can add up, and you need to consider them.

• New license and registration – if you move to a new state, you’ll need to visit your new DMV within the first two weeks of moving.  Getting a new license and registration usually costs between $80 and $150, but it varies.

• Rent and deposit – if you are renting an apartment, get ready to have to lay down first month’s rent and a substantial deposit on move in day.

• Utilities - you might need to pay deposits on certain utilities.

• Storage – if you can’t fit everything into your new place, you might need to find some outside storage for it, at least for a month or two.

• Food & Essentials – you’ll need to stock up your place with some food and basic needs when you first move in, prior to your first paycheck.  So, make sure you have that money on hand.

If the overall cost is too high, don’t panic.  You can lower moving expenses in a number of ways, from finding free moving supplies, to selling your unwanted stuff, to doing everything yourself.  Devise a different moving plan and see if you come up with a price more suitable to you.

Next Step: Getting Moving Supplies

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