Here’s the Average Cost of a Move Today

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Gearing up to move? Read on to see what it might cost you. 

The decision to move isn’t an easy one. There’s something to be said for leaving your comfort zone and getting settled in a new city or state.

But moving could also do a lot of good things for you. It could open the door to a better-paying job, a lower cost of living, and the opportunity to buy a larger home without being utterly saddled with mortgage debt.

The cost of moving will hinge on several factors, including:

How much stuff you haveThe type of stuff you have (bulky or fragile items might cost more to transport)The distance you’re moving

But it’s important to get a handle on your moving costs, especially if you’re also buying and closing on a home at the same time.

What does the average move cost today?

Data from Angi reveals that the average cost of a move today is $920 to $2,530 for a local move and $2,700 to $10,000 for a long-distance move. Clearly, these are pretty big ranges. So it’s important to get an estimate based on your situation. This especially applies if you’re moving at the same time you’re closing on a home.

When you buy a home, there are closing costs you have to come up with to finalize that loan. Now, the good news is your mortgage lender is required to disclose those fees ahead of time, so you won’t just show up to your closing and learn that you’re required to hand over a $6,000 check on the spot. Rather, your lender will tell you in advance.

But if you’re paying for closing costs and a move at the same time, it could easily add up to a lot. You need to know exactly what you’re in for.

Ways to save money on a move

There are certain steps you can take to make a move less expensive. For one thing, do your own packing. Some moving companies offer packing services that might save you time, but those will only add to your total tab.

It’s also a good idea to take inventory at home before you move and weed out those items you no longer really want or need. You may decide to sell or donate them ahead of time — the choice is yours. But the less you have to move, the less you’re apt to spend.

Timing your move strategically could also result in lower costs. In some cases, this may not be in your control. But generally, spring and summer are popular times to move (summer in particular). If you’re able to move in the winter or fall (especially the former), you might lower your costs.

Similarly, you’ll generally pay more to move on a weekend than during the week. If you’re able to take time off of work, a weekday move could result in a lower tab.

Finally, consider whether you need to hire professional movers at all. If you’re moving locally, you don’t have a lot of furniture, and you have several strong friends who own pickup trucks or larger vehicles, you may be able to pull off a move with their assistance. And thanking them in the form of a nice meal is apt to be less expensive than paying for a moving service.

Moving costs may be an unavoidable expense when you’re relocating, but it’s important to get a sense of what they’ll entail. This especially applies if you’re buying a home and also need to fork over money for closing costs.

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