Moving Budget Planner — 2026
Most people underestimate their moving costs by 20–40%. A complete moving budget covers more than just the movers — it includes deposits, travel, storage, and dozens of smaller expenses. Use the free planner to track everything in one place.
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Transportation
$800–$7,500Movers or truck rental, fuel, tolls, insurance, packing services
This is usually 50–60% of your total budget.
Travel
$200–$2,000Flights, hotels, meals, gas, rental car, pet transport
Budget per person. Cross-country flights + hotel = $400–$600/person.
Housing
$1,000–$5,000Security deposit, first/last month, utility setup, cleaning
Deposits are refundable but tie up cash for months.
Storage
$100–$600Storage unit, insurance, delivery to new home
Only needed if there is a gap between move-out and move-in dates.
Packing & Supplies
$50–$600Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, mattress bags, wardrobe boxes
Free boxes from liquor stores and grocery stores save $100+.
Miscellaneous
$100–$800Tips, meals on move day, childcare, vehicle registration, mail forwarding
Tip movers $5–$10 per person per hour. Budget for takeout on move day.
Total Moving Budget by Home Size
| Home Size | Local Move | Long Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | $550 | $2,200 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment | $750 | $3,000 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartment | $1,100 | $4,500 |
| 3 Bedroom House | $1,800 | $7,000 |
*Total budget includes moving cost + estimated deposits, travel, and settling-in expenses for a long-distance move.
Moving Budget Timeline
8–12 weeks out
Start researching costs. Get mover quotes. Set your total budget.
6–8 weeks out
Book movers or reserve a truck. Start decluttering — less stuff = lower costs.
4–6 weeks out
Pay deposits on new housing. Set up utilities. Buy packing supplies.
2–4 weeks out
Confirm bookings. Pack non-essentials. Update address with USPS.
1 week out
Final packing. Confirm arrival time with movers. Prepare cash for tips.
Move day
Budget $50–$100 for meals and drinks. Have cash for tips. Keep receipts.
Moving Budget FAQ
How do I create a moving budget?
Start by listing every cost category: transportation (movers or truck), travel (flights, gas, hotels), housing (deposits, first/last month rent), storage, packing materials, and miscellaneous fees. Add a 10–15% buffer for unexpected costs. Our free calculator automates this process.
What costs do people forget when budgeting for a move?
The most commonly forgotten costs are: security deposits ($500–$2,000), utility setup fees ($100–$300), cleaning fees at old/new home ($150–$400), pet deposits ($200–$500), mail forwarding, vehicle registration in a new state ($50–$500), and tips for movers ($100–$200).
How much should I budget for a move?
A local move costs $800–$1,800. A long-distance move costs $4,500–$7,500. On top of moving costs, budget $2,000–$5,000 for deposits, travel, and settling-in expenses. Total budget: $3,000–$12,000 for most moves.
How far in advance should I start budgeting for a move?
Start budgeting 8–12 weeks before your move date. This gives you time to get multiple mover quotes (4–6 weeks out), compare options, and start saving if needed. Last-minute moves cost 20–40% more.
Should I use a spreadsheet or an app to track moving costs?
A dedicated moving cost calculator is more effective than a spreadsheet because it includes pre-built categories and prompts you for costs you might forget. Our free tool covers transportation, flights, housing, storage, and custom line items — all in one place.
How much should I set aside for unexpected moving expenses?
Budget a 10–15% buffer on top of your estimated total. For a $5,000 move, that is $500–$750. Common surprises: stair fees, long carry charges, shuttle service for large trucks, weather delays, and last-minute storage needs.
What is the difference between a moving budget and a moving estimate?
A moving estimate is the price quote from a single vendor (e.g., a mover quote). A moving budget is your total plan covering all expenses — movers, travel, housing, storage, and miscellaneous. A good budget includes multiple estimates and a contingency buffer.
Can I deduct moving expenses on my taxes?
As of 2026, moving expenses are only tax-deductible for active-duty military members with a permanent change of station. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 suspended the civilian moving expense deduction through 2025 and this has not been reinstated.
Build Your Moving Budget Now
The free calculator covers every category — transportation, flights, housing, storage, and custom line items. It totals everything automatically and generates a shareable plan.
Open Free Moving Budget Planner →