How To Save Money To Move

*This post has been reviewed by an Illinois Registered CPA. However, when making important financial decisions, it's best to speak with your financial advisor.

Last Updated on August 29, 2022

Saving Money To Move

Moving can be exhausting and demanding. Whether you move from one apartment to another or start a new life in another city or country, it can be stressful. When people move out of their former home, they need to determine many things, such as:

• Finding a place to live
• Budgeting
• Timing
• Packing

The biggest question that may arise is the financial situation of the person moving. It is safe to say that moving is expensive and requires a reasonable budget and savings. Plus, if you are a person who can’t save money, moving can be extra complicated for you.

If you plan on moving, do your research and be prepared. This article will help you figure out how to save money to move using some great strategies.

What if I Still Live with My Parents?

Not everyone is ready to leave their current home, especially if you still live with your parents. It is best to consider many factors before taking that big step in your life. First, you should be ready mentally. It may be the most crucial factor in the moving process. If you do not feel prepared or you feel that you won’t succeed right now, do not rush the process.

Here are questions to ask yourself:

1. Will you have money to pay your rent and bills?
2. Are you free of debt?
3. Do you need to fix your credit score?
4. Are you willing to make sacrifices?
5. Do you have an emergency fund to cover any unexpected costs and surprises?

The first question is important because without it you might give up and have to move back to your parents’ house. If you do not feel financially secure, wait a few months and get a better job or a promotion that offers more pay. If you decide to move out, use the half payment method to organize bills and pay them on time.

If you have debt, consider paying it off, then focusing on moving. With debts, rent, and bills, your life may get messy, and cause you to struggle. A good credit score is vital for moving, too. Some lenders may ask you to improve it before renting their place out.

Your first year may not be easy. There will be problems and frustrations, but it should be worth it in the end. For example, you may sacrifice some parties with friends to save money. It will last until you figure out a routine to accommodate your bills and expenses.

An emergency fund is essential. It can save you when there is an unexpected cost, and keep you from using your savings or taking out a loan. Your emergency fund does not have to be that big, either. It is enough if you have the necessary money to live for three to six months. For example, let’s say your monthly expenses are around $3,000. Based on that, your emergency fund should be between $9,000 to $18,000.

How much should you save to move?

There is no correct answer to this because it depends on various factors, such as:

• Location
• Cost of living
• Your lifestyle and needs

Before you take the steps to move out, consider the main expenses and the average cost for each. That way, you can calculate and determine the necessary amount for moving. Also, research the place and cost of living to see if it matches the average prices. Check the table below for the average costs of main expenses:

Main expenses	Average cost
Rent	$1,326
Utilities	$240
Food	$411
Healthcare	$477

How To Save Money To Move Out

At some point, every person starts thinking about moving out and being independent. If you are in that stage of your life, you must be wondering how to do it. First, look at the table above to get an idea of what it costs to live alone. If you have a job or support from your parents and think you can do it, go for it. If that is still not enough, then you can save money with the following tips:

1. Use a budget
2. Find a job
3. Sell any unnecessary belongings
4. Limit your spending on disposable expenses

When you start saving with those tips, utilize budgeting methods to organize your finances. For example, you can use the 50-30-20 method or the digital envelope system.

Moving On A Budget

If you have a fixed budget and stick to it, take advantage of the following tips to move on a budget:

• Do not overbuy
• Try to avoid moving during the busy season
• During packing, sell unnecessary items
• Consider donating what you can’t sell
• Determine if the furniture is the right size for your new home

It is crucial to avoid spending extra money on your new home. Be careful not to overbuy, and go shopping only for necessities. While you shop, check the prices and compare them to other stores. They might have better prices.

The busy season is usually around the summer months. Try to avoid moving during those months since there will be more competition and prices may go up.

When you pack your things, declutter and get rid of what you won’t use. Make a list and sell those things in a garage sale or online. Then, you can use that money for your moving expenses. If you can’t manage to sell everything on your list, ask around in your local community to donate the other stuff.

Finally, check to see if your old furniture fits in your new home. If it does not, sell it and use the money to buy new things.

Save Money On Moving With Smart Packing

Packing is crucial when you are moving. You need to do it correctly if you want to save money moving your stuff. Make a tactical plan and use every space possible. For example, do not throw everything in a box; be creative and pack things in any sturdy container you are moving. Hopefully you will use fewer boxes and save money. You might also save on transportation costs since you will have fewer boxes to transport.

Try to get boxes for free instead of buying them. Ask around at grocery and retail stores, but ensure the boxes are dry and ready to use. Also, ask someone who moved recently if they have extra boxes to give you. Finally, if you have breakable items, use your clothes to pack them. That way, you will save on protective paper, but your item will still be safe.

Save Money By Claiming Moving Expenses On Your Tax Return

You could deduct the moving expenses from your taxes until a few years ago if you were looking for a job. When moving, you were able to use this to reduce your taxable income and save on moving expenses.

From 2018 until 2025, that is no longer an option, unless you are part of the Armed Forces. If you are on active duty and have to move due to a military order, use this to claim moving expenses on a tax return.

Save on Moving Companies

If you do not want to move on your own, you can always do it with the help of moving companies. These types of companies specialize in making your move simple and relaxed. They can take care of everything, while you pay for their services.

Make sure to do your research ahead of time by calling several companies to find out who is the best fit. Moving fraud is a real issue in the United States and it is best if you learn about it in order to keep your stuff safe. Move.org is a great resource to find the best moving companies. When researching, consider the following factors to determine the best fit for your situation:

1. Customer reviews
2. Services you need
3. Prices you can afford

Moving companies offer many services, such as moving your home or office, packing and unpacking everything for you, storage space, and much more. You can choose a company based on specific things, like if you need to move in-state or to another country. Some of the companies even offer a limited time of free storage for in-state moves.

You should aim for the ones that have fast delivery, secure transport, and flexible hours that align with your schedule. There are some companies that offer to move your stuff on the weekend, and they won’t charge you anything for that. For some of them, you can even choose to track the shipment of your things online.

Saving Money While Moving Abroad

It might be more complicated to move abroad, and it can cost you more money. Still, there are ways to do it. Sell everything you own and start over in a new country. You won’t have to spend time and money moving your stuff across several countries. You can leave with one suitcase that you take on the plane or train with you.

Research cost of living, rent and jobs available in the country where you plan to live. There may also be laws that apply to your move, so make sure to learn about those as well. Then, rent a small, cheap place where you found a job and start building your life.

Another option is to check if your current job has a relocation package to another country. That could be the perfect opportunity for you to move to another country and save some money.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What age is best to move out of your parents’ house?

According to the NLSY97, the average age in the US to move out from your parents’ house is 19 years. That usually depends on gender, race, and education. Some people believe the best age to move out is anywhere between 25-26. To move out of your parents’ house, you should:

1. Have a plan
2. Have a stable job
3. Look for a place to live
4. Be able to pay for your expenses

How can I move to another state on a budget?

It is possible to move to another state on a budget. Make sure to calculate your savings and moving expenses first. Then you can transfer stuff with your car, or if you do not own one, you can rent a moving truck. Do not rush the moving process if you want to do it on a budget. Consider asking family or friends for help to make it a fun experience.

What should I move first when moving out?

People who decide to move out have a dilemma on where to start and what to move. You need to be organized and have a plan; otherwise, you can end up with a mess. One option is to start with the smallest items and gradually move up. Another option is to start packing the items in the smallest room or the room you did not use that much. Then proceed with more significant places, like the kitchen and bedroom.

Why does moving take so long?

Moving is often stressful, and it can take a lot of time. First, you must plan everything and see if this is the right time for you to move. Then, find professionals who can help if you can’t do it alone. Also, you may have to look for a new apartment or house, which takes time.

If you plan to move, you can organize everything according to your time. In the table below, you can check an example of how to plan your move:

8 weeks before your move	Make a planner and checklist	Organize documents	Measure furniture	Start packing	Get rid of unnecessary stuff
6 weeks before your move	Start collecting boxes	Label boxes	Take pictures of your things	Repair some things	Look for storage unit
4 weeks before your move	Secure moving coverage	Plan your route	Secure packing supplies	Arrange for essential services for new home	Plan the look of your new home
2 weeks before your move	Change and update address	Cancel subscriptions	Confirm dates	Begin packing	Host a moving party
1 week before your move	Disassemble furniture	Pack final items	Collect keys	Take pictures of the empty space as a proof	Establish unpacking priorities
Moving day	Plan the path and route for items	Make sure to have food for the day	Check paperwork	Final walkthrough	Tip the movers

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