How Much Should I Budget for my Move?

As you create a moving budget, you’ll likely find that there are many factors influencing the cost. Professional movers for a local move can cost anywhere from $400 to $2000, depending on the size of the move and nuances involved. A longer distance move by land can cost around $3000 to $8000, again depending on how many items are being moved and the distance travelled. And finally for an overseas move, costs generally start at around 8-10K and go up from there depending on the move. A variety of factors will impact your cost and quotes.

The more items you haul, the bigger the shipping crate, truck, and the more hands-on deck required to get all of your belongings from point A to B will impact your cost. This means the company will need a larger team, something you will pay for as they make it happen. Looking to cut your costs here? Declutter, donate, and sell items that you don’t need before you move.

Crossing borders, provincial, state lines, or even oceans will increase the distance and paperwork required for your move. A longer distanced move won’t be charged by the hour, costs will be calculated by mileage and weight or volume.

It can be argued that there is no such thing as “an average move” because everyone has unique needs. Moves involving specialty items (antiques, grandfather clocks, pianos, and art) are going to cost extra. Moving items from more than one location or making more than one stop along the way to drop off or pick up goods is also going to be more expensive. For local moves, apartments with lots of stairs, or no access to close parking are going to increase your overall moving price tag.

While many people balk at the idea of hiring someone to pack up their home, the costs involved can save you more than time. Movers are experts in packing, so this means that a professional mover packing a crate for shipping or a truck for a long haul is going to be able to save you space, so less storage containers, or trucks will be required for your move. Added bonus: Their expert packing skills will better protect your goods while they are in transit.

Sometimes a closing date doesn’t match up with a move date, or a temporary move (whether it’s for six months or six years). This means that you need to factor the cost of a storage unit into your moving budget. The cost of storage can will typically start from $100 each month, and will go higher based on the size of the unit or storage crate / container you are using.

Reputable moving companies will offer you a free estimate. To make the most of your budget, seek out a company that is going to provide you with an all-inclusive, up front price, solid track record, and excellent insurance. If a moving quote looks too good to be true, it probably is. Long distance moves through Orbit International Moving Logistics provide you with one contact person to help create a customized move to meet your needs, ensuring a successful transition from one home to the next.

To get a free estimate for your move contact us

We have over a decade of experience moving customers around the world. Some of our customers like us so much, they’ve used us more than once. Why did they come back to Orbit? Our customer service is what sets us apart – customer service representatives answer every question, no matter how small, and our moving crew shows up on time with all the materials they need to get the job done correctly the first time. To learn more about Orbit, call us at 416-661-4228.