How Much to Budget for Moving Costs

Moving is often ranked alongside switching careers or renovating a home as one of life’s most stressful events. Between the packing, the logistics, the expenses, and the pressure to get everything done on time, it’s a lot to handle. Even when you’re excited about where you’re going, the process itself can feel like too much. You can’t pack away the stress entirely, but you can make things run more smoothly. If you’re looking for ways to keep your sanity intact, here is how to prepare and how much you might expect to spend.

Get Your Finances in Place

Start by creating a moving budget spreadsheet. Include all expected costs, from packing materials to legal fees. This reduces stress and helps you stay grounded in numbers. Include an emergency buffer of 10 to 20 percent. Unexpected expenses often surface in long-distance moves, short-term rentals or emergency repairs. Allowing yourself time to build this buffer before you move will reduce pressure later. A clear, detailed budget brings control and calm to the process. If you’re asking how much should I budget for moving costs, this step is the most important.

Packing Materials

If you’re moving between homes, packing materials are one of the first costs to hit your budget. Fragile items like glassware, electronics, or keepsakes need sturdy double-walled boxes, packing paper, and bubble wrap. Books and kitchenware go best in smaller, stackable boxes to avoid strain. Clothes, pillows, and linens can be packed in large boxes, plastic bins, or soft-sided bags. Furniture may need light wrapping or padding, such as moving blankets, plastic wrap, and mattress covers, to help protect surfaces during loading and unloading. If you’re figuring out how to create a moving budget, be sure to account for supplies early in the process.

Aiming for a low-budget moving setup? Look for ways to cut costs without cutting corners. You can source budget moving boxes from local stores, recycling centres, or online community boards. Many people already have containers at home that can double as packing supplies, like suitcases, plastic bins, tote bags, laundry baskets, or clean garbage bags. Instead of bubble wrap, use towels, sweaters, or newspaper to cushion fragile items. For those trying to decide how to budget for moving, reusing materials is a practical way to reduce expenses without sacrificing protection.

Storage in Between Moves

Sometimes, move-in and move-out dates don’t align. Maybe you’re waiting on closing, there’s a delay in possession, or your new place simply isn’t ready yet. In these cases, short-term storage becomes a practical stopgap but one that comes with added costs you’ll want to plan for. Across Canada, a small self-storage unit typically runs between $150 and $250 per month. Portable containers, sometimes called mobile pods, fall into a similar price range, though delivery and pickup can add another $100 to $200. If you’re working within a low budget moving plan, these numbers can add up quickly. It’s worth comparing traditional storage facilities with portable options to see what makes the most sense for your timing and overall costs. If you’re wondering how much should I budget for moving costs, storage should be part of the estimate. Keep in mind that you may not need a full unit. Splitting a larger space with a friend or using storage only for a single month are ways to keep things manageable.

DIY vs. Professional Movers

One of the biggest choices you’ll make when planning a move is whether to handle it yourself or bring in professional movers. Going the DIY route doesn’t mean free. Renting a truck in Canada for a day usually costs somewhere between $100 and $300, depending on the size and distance. Then there’s fuel, mileage charges, and possibly extra insurance. If you don’t already have equipment like a dolly or moving straps, you might need to rent those too, which can add another $50 to $100. It’s still usually cheaper than hiring a full crew, but it comes with a lot more work. If you’re working with a low budget moving plan, a hybrid approach often makes the most sense. Pack everything yourself, do the small stuff, and just hire movers for the heavy lifting. It’s a good compromise, especially for bulky furniture, appliances, or anything too awkward to handle solo.

Hiring professionals can be worth it for convenience, especially if you’re short on time or moving out of province. Moving companies typically charge around $100 to $150 an hour for a two-person crew, with a minimum of three or four hours. That means even a simple move could land in the $500–$700 range. Full-service moves, where they pack, load, drive, and unload, can cost $1,500 or more for a two-bedroom place. If you’ve got specialty items like a piano or antique furniture, costs go up from there.

Figuring out how to create a moving budget comes down to knowing where you want to save and where you need support. Decide what you can handle yourself and what’s better left to the pros to keep your move manageable and avoid last-minute stress.

The Extras That Creep In

Some moving costs are easy to miss until they show up at the worst possible time. Cleaning fees are one of the most common. If you’re moving out of a home and want to leave it spotless for the next owner (or just avoid the stress of doing it all yourself), a professional cleaning service can cost anywhere from $150 to $300, depending on the size of the space. If your new place wasn’t cleaned properly before you arrived, you might need to schedule one there too or spend time and money doing it yourself.

Parking is another hidden expense. If your move requires a truck in a downtown area, you may need a temporary permit or risk a parking ticket. In some cities, that means applying ahead of time and paying a fee through your local municipality. If you’re figuring out how to budget for moving, it helps to include a buffer for these unpredictable extras. They’re not always big on their own, but together they can push your spending well beyond what you originally planned.

How much you spend on a move depends on things like distance, timing, and how much help you need. A clear plan helps avoid surprises. If you’re figuring out how to create a moving budget, it’s worth listing all your expected costs early. For a low-budget moving setup, small adjustments like sourcing budget moving boxes from community groups or local stores can keep expenses down. Focus on the essentials, and make choices that match your time, energy, and priorities.

Ready for a change of address? REMAX connects you with experienced agents who know the market and understand what matters to buyers and sellers. From pricing and listings to viewings and offers, we’re here to help you move forward.