Master Your Moving Budget: Essential Tips to Save Big!

So, you're planning on moving into a new home! You're getting ready to wave goodbye to your current place to settle down in a new suburb, city, state, or country. While planning your relocation, the first thing you'll want to do before you get started is set a moving budget.

It's easy to assume that you'll only need to budget for the rental truck, boxes and packing supplies. However, once you get going, you may encounter many items that you failed to include in your moving budget. Most of the major moving expenses can be anticipated and covered in your original budget with proper planning.

We'll take a closer look at moving on a budget, tips, and tricks you can use for your next relocation. Here's how to get started:

What is a Reasonable Moving Budget?

One question you may have while planning yourmove is, “How much do you need to budget for moving costs?” Your moving budget will vary depending on a few different factors. The main factors you'll need to consider include where you're moving to or from and how much you’re bringing with you.

For example, if you're moving from Florida to California, your budget will need to be higher than if you were moving from California to Nevada. Florida is five times the distance, which means you can expect to pay more on everything from mileage and truck rentals to food and hotel stays.

So, how do you figure out what is a reasonable moving budget for your specific needs? Below is a step-by-step guide on determining how much to budget for moving costs. Use this guide to better understand your individual needs.

Step 1: Calculate Mileage to Avoid Surprise Costs

Do you plan on renting a moving truck and handling your move yourself? Don’t forget to consider the cost of mileage. While the cost of a truck rental may be relatively affordable, you will also be responsible for fueling the vehicle while on the road.

The best way to save on fuel and avoid costly detours is to budget, plan and prepare for the journey ahead.

Here are some tips to help you prepare your moving budget for mileage:

Download the app GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas on your route
Map out your moving trip and compare the average cost of gas in each state you're going to drive through
Map out when and where you plan on buying gas on your moving journey
Have a set budget for gas and an emergency budget for any unexpected charges you may run into along the way
Know the gas mileage of your vehicle or rental truck to calculate miles per gallon

Hiring a moving company can help you avoid calculating mileage and paying for gas. However, most moving companies charge by the pound. So if you’re moving on a budget, it’s recommended that you try to downsize, donate, and get rid of items you no longer use before you move.

Step 2: Choose the Right Supplies and Save on Truck Rentals

Purchasing high-quality moving boxes, supplies and truck rentals can get pricey. To help you save on your expenses, you'll want to:

Book a truck rental at least one to two months in advance
Consider moving on a weekday rather than a weekend
Move during the winter rather than the summer
Use our packing calculator to avoid wasting money on moving supplies

If you hire professional movers to transport your belongings, they will often estimate all the packing costs for you if you choose a full-service option.

Step 3: Plan for Moving and Post-Move Costs

The truck rental, moving supplies and gas prices are just one-half of the budget. There are a few other expenses you'll need to budget for when relocating on a budget. Here's a must-plan expenses checklist you can use to budget accordingly:

Packing supplies
Specialty boxes
Moving insurance
Truck rental and transportation
Emergency fund

Some other expenses you may need to plan for include:

Utilities at your new and current home
Storage unit rentals
Hotel stay costs
Food and beverage
Toll fees
Cleaning services

Step 4: Prepare for the Unexpected – Emergency Fund Tips

According to Murphy's Law, anything that can go wrong will go wrong. This means you should always plan and prepare for the unexpected so you don't overspend. Some unexpected expenses you may be responsible for include:

Childcare
Pet Boarding
Hotel Stays
Car Repair Costs

Even if you decide to hire a moving company, you’ll need an emergency budget. This budget will give you peace of mind if you’re met with the unexpected.

Quick Moving Budget Checklist

Moving doesn’t always have to be expensive. With a little planning and preparation, you can keep your move under budget and minimize unexpected costs.

Here's a quick moving checklist you can use to help you prepare your move budget:

Calculate Mileage
Shop for Moving Supplies
Compare Truck Rental Prices
Make a List of Post-Move Costs
Have an Emergency Fund
Use our Packing Calculator
Download a Moving Checklist

Contact North American Van Lines Today

Did you know hiring a moving company like North American Van Lines can help you save on the overall cost of your relocation? With a moving company, you don’t need to worry about renting moving trucks, calculating mileage or paying for moving supplies. Everything will be included in one consolidated price.

At North American Van Lines, we work with our customers to offer customizable moving services that align with their moving needs. We offer flexible pricing, affordable moving services, and more.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote to get started.