Your Move-Day Budget: Residential Moving, Packing Supplies, And More

What should you include in a moving budget? This is your first move—and you're not sure how much you should spend. Before you budget for packing materials, residential moving services, and more, take a look at the questions to ask. 

How Much Does the Average Move Cost?

According to the National Association of Realtors' Moving.com website, the answer to this question is $1,250 for the average local move for a two- to three-bedroom home. A long-distance move could average $4,890. While these are the national averages, it's possible your move could cost significantly less or more than either figure. 

The more you need to move, the higher the cost (in most cases). There are three types of moving estimates—binding, non-binding, and binding not-to-exceed. The weight of your to-move haul affects each of these estimates. If you have heavy furniture or other high-weight items, the movers may charge more. Some furniture movers may also charge more for awkwardly-shaped, oversized, or specialty items. 

Are the Average Moving Prices the Total Cost—Or the Cost For A Mover?

These costs represent the average total price tag of a move in the United States—and not just the money you need for residential movers. Move-related expenses could include the money you pay to the moving company, extra services the mover offers (such as packing or a full-service move), packing materials/supplies and containers, travel costs, or storage (if you can't bring everything to your new home right now).

How Much Should Budget For Packing Supplies?

The answer to this question depends on how much you need to move, the types of items you plan to bring, and the packing supplies you feel comfortable using. You can minimize your overall costs with found or reused packing materials. Instead of buying plastic bins, upcycle old appliance boxes or ask a local grocery store (or other similar retailers) if they have extra to give away. 

Along with cardboard boxes, you can also reduce packing materials costs by switching out bubble wrap for old towels and other fabric items. Instead of store-bought wrap, cover delicate or breakable belongings with clean towels You can also reuse old bed sheets, blankets, or clothing (especially soft winter sweaters). 

Should You Include Food In Your Moving Day Budget?

You will need to eat at some point during your move-out/move-in day. But this doesn't mean you need to devote a significant portion of your moving budget to food. A local move may include a lower food budget than one that's long-distance. If you move within your city or town you can eat at home. But if you need to travel across states, you will need to budget for several days' worth of meals at restaurants.

Reach out to a company like Worth Moving to learn more.

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