Free moving checklist and moving budget worksheet
Rough guidelines. Prices vary by region and distance.
Costs people forget to budget
Security deposit, first and last month rent, overlap rent (two places at once), truck rental plus fuel and tolls, boxes and tape, utility deposits and hookups, internet install, cleaning both places, repairs and paint, storage, food on moving day, tips for movers, and basics for the new place (shower curtain, light bulbs, trash cans). Add a 10% buffer.
8-week countdown
8 to 6 weeks out: set the budget, give notice to your landlord, get 3 mover quotes or book a truck, declutter every room, sell or donate extras, start collecting boxes.
5 to 4 weeks out: order packing supplies, book time off, transfer school records, request medical and vet records, plan truck parking, photograph valuables.
3 to 2 weeks out: pack rarely used rooms, schedule utility shutoff and start, schedule internet install, forward mail with USPS, confirm movers or truck, use up freezer food.
Last week: pack an essentials box, defrost the freezer, clean the old place, photograph empty rooms, return keys, charge phones and tools.
Who to tell your new address
Bank, credit cards, employer, insurance, DMV, voter registration, subscriptions, doctor, school, family.
7 ways to cut moving cost
Move mid-month or midweek (cheaper truck and mover rates). Get free boxes from stores and neighbors. Sell what you will not use before you pay to move it. Pack yourself, hire help only for heavy items. Compare truck rental on mileage and fuel, not daily rate. Use towels and clothes as padding. Ask your employer about relocation help.
More guides: https://patreon.com/123black
Free copy on GitHub: https://github.com/BlacksGit/moving-checklist-budget-free
To compare a rental truck, a container and full-service movers for your own move, try the free moving cost calculator. It adds the forgotten costs too.
Top comments (0)