You just sold your home for a larger one, and that means it’s time to pack up your belongings and get moving.
Depending on where and how you plan to move, the experience could be quite different for you than your neighbor. But rest assured, you’re not alone. According to the US Census, in 2016, 11.2 percent of Americans moved for reasons related to housing, family, and employment.
And where do people generally relocate? Zillow research says, 57 percent of home buyers who also sell a home move within the same city, and 86 percent move within the same state.
Whatever way you look at it, moving can time consuming, and costly.
For example, in 2016, the American Moving and Storage Association, reported the average cost of an intrastate household move was about $4,300 (distance of 1,225 miles). It also found the average cost of an intrastate move was about $2,300 (4 movers at $200 per hour). Both average moving costs are for 7,400 pounds.
In addition to hiring a moving truck there are all kinds of moving expenses to keep in mind, including changes in cost of living, paying two mortgages (or a mortgage and rent) during the transition, and in general, the physical headaches, according to Zillow.
Here’s more information that could help you as you get ready to relocate:
Estimating moving costs
Typically, when moving most people opt for professional movers, whether they’re moving near or far from their current location.
While local movers typically charge by the hour, for a cross-country move you’ll likely be charged based on two key things: weight and distance.
How much does it all weigh?
Before the actual move, and once you hire a mover, the empty truck is often weighed. Once this is recorded, the moving company should provide you with an “empty weight” receipt. Next, after your belongings are loaded, the truck will be weighed again to help determine your moving costs.
Also, reputable movers will give you an estimate before you sign the contract, using average weights for homes of your size.
Zillow uses this example: the goods inside a 1,000-square-foot, 3-bedroom apartment typically weigh about 5,000 pounds. A 2,800-square-foot, 4-bedroom home’s furnishings typically weigh in at around 20,500 pounds.
Distance and timing are important
Note the farther a moving company must transport your belongings, the higher the cost. It’s possible you will be charged a per-mile rate in addition to the weight-based charges. Ask if there are any additional transportation charges, such as fuel or tolls. For local moves, movers are typically paid by the hour and this includes a truck and two movers. The larger your home, the longer your move will take and the bigger crew you will need.
If you know when you want to move, it’s best to schedule out a date with the movers as soon as possible. The most popular months according to Zillow to move are between May and September; it is suggested you book movers at least four weeks ahead of time. The sooner you book, the more likely you will get the day and time that works best for you, and the more likely you are to get an experienced crew.
Zillow says the least expensive days to move are Monday-Thursday. In the off-season (October-April), you can often book movers with only one to two weeks’ notice.
Type of move
Zillow adds that whatever kind of move you’re planning, the moving expenses you’ll incur will vary based on the level of service you’re looking. For example, will you be renting a truck and doing most of the job yourself or hiring the pros to do it all from A to Z?
When you get ready to move, be sure you hire a reputable company, ask for references and have them figure out what the best type of move is for you and your pocketbook.