Forty million people move in our country every year. That’s quite the number, and
transporting your items can cost far more than you first anticipate. Relocating is both an exciting and stressful part of life and can cost you a hefty chunk of change.

Whether you’re moving down the street or long distance moving, moving costs add up quickly so it’s important to organize, set up a budget, and save for all of your moving costs.

If you’re figuring out the cost of moving, you better reach for your wallet and see how much you have saved up. Let us make it a little simpler for you and tell you how much it costs to move in the U.S. Here is part three of ten in our Moving Guide 101.

In 2014, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that the cost of moving for an intrastate move was around $1,179. These values change depending on state. The average cost of moving from state to state is around $5,630.

Whatever the final cost for moving may be, it is often higher than anticipated. Here are some moving costs you might not have considered.

Moving Help

While everyone wants to save money on moving costs, keep in mind that hiring movers can actually benefit you and save you from all the moving stress.

Moving causes stress and disruption from routine, and packing up all of your belongings disrupts our daily schedules. Thankfully, moving companies exist so they can help minimize that part of our lives.

We recommend you to organize and check out moving companies for prices. If you don’t understand how the charges work, best thing to do is just ask! No harm in asking how prices are set up the way they are. It’s better to understand, than have extra fees you didn’t know you had to pay. Remember to read, read, read any moving contracts you sign up for and make sure you research legitimate moving companies.

Expect the Unexpected

Some moving companies charge by the hour. Depending on your location, prices vary by city, state, metro area and travel fees. Prices also vary by the type of service you want. Moving companies will charge by the hour from the time they arrive until the service is complete whether it’s only a loading or unloading job or full service, if it’s from point A to point B.

You may also be charged for packing materials if you want them to pack for you. Most people pack themselves but some prefer the movers to pack their belongings. There are extra charges for packing materials and some moving companies don’t supply the material. You will have to buy it on your own.

This is why it’s essential to organize yourself for your move. All these costs add up and in the end be sure to keep receipts so you know how much you spent when you’re all moved in. Not sure what kind of moving help you need? Our Moving Guide 101 Part 1 shows your options.

Reasons for Moving

The U.S. Census Bureau reported the top reasons why Americans move. About 19 percent of people move due to family, followed by another 19 percent of people that move due to housing. Employment was the third top reason why people move at 17 percent, and everything else fell under 14 percent.

Among that research, a survey shows that males were more inclined to move for job-related reasons than females. Furthermore, the top age group for males and females that moved in 2014 was between 20-24 years, followed by 30-34 years, and in third place, people over the age of 40 moved.

On moving day, extra help is always needed and with good preparation, there are options to fill all budgets.