This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
Keep your pockets full
Typical Moving Costs
You know how it goes; you got to pay for everything and things you didn’t even think about when it comes to your move, which might include:
Transportation Costs: Moving truck and fuel
Labor Costs: Movers
Housing Costs: Lease termination, rental or mortgage applications, closing costs, furnishings, account closing fees, account initiation fees (i.e., wifi, water, sewage, electricity, garbage, etc.)
Miscellaneous: Storage, food, lodging if you’re moving cross states or countries
The fees continually add up, and they often pop out of nowhere; this is precisely why I’m a firm believer in living as a hybrid minimalist, so I never have much stuff to concern myself with since I like to move around.
Two Strategies To Offset Your Moving Expenses
If you happen to have a lot of stuff and you’re preparing for a move, here is an excellent way to offset your expenses:
1. As you’re packing all of your stuff, ask yourself the following questions:
“Do I really need or want this?”
“When is the last time I used this item?”
“When is the next time I will use it?”
“How often will I use this item?”
If the answer to these questions signifies that you barely or never utilize the item, let it go or put it up for sale. There are tons of sites that offer you the ability to sell your stuff. Many don’t even charge fees (i.e., OfferUp). All of the items you sell can essentially pay for your move if you have enough stuff or enough items that equate to your total moving costs.
2. The second way to decrease your moving costs if things don’t sell is to give it all away or at least a significant amount of stuff so you can travel extremely light to your next destination. The lighter you travel, the less your pockets will be affected, and the more money you’ll have left over after the move.
The Broke Period After Moving
Usually, there is an intermission of being broke after completing a move. Recently, a lady moved from Colorado to TX. She told me she is broke and has no money to spend. It doesn’t have to be this way, people.
If you can, try to plan as far in advance for your move as possible (a year is excellent). Then you can put away money each month to prepare for all your moving costs so that you can continue business as usual at the end of the move.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.