Moving Expenses Checklist 2026

When you’re moving, you need to have a checklist so that you can keep track of everything that you need to do, including packing, booking movers, and so on. However, other than this, it’s also important to have a moving expenses checklist at hand so that you can keep track of the various expenditures that you have to make.

Here at Dumbo Moving, we’ve published various checklists, including one for office moves, one for long-distance moving, and so on. Now, we’re going to give you a checklist for moving expenses.

You can download this checklist in PDF form by using the link below. And to read it here, just scroll down.

Checklist for Moving Expenses and Costs

We've broken this down into big costs, moderate costs, and small costs so you can budget accordingly. Each item includes when during the move you'll need to pay for it.

Big Costs (Expect to spend $500+)

Professional movers

• When to pay: a deposit when booking (usually 2-4 weeks before moving) and full payment on moving day
• Average cost: $800-$5,000, depending on distance and volume
• This is usually your biggest expense. Get quotes from multiple companies and book early for better rates.

Truck rental (if DIY moving)

• When to pay: Deposit when booking, full payment at pickup
• Average cost: $500-$2,000 for long-distance, $150-$300 for local
• Don't forget to factor in mileage fees and gas costs.

Security deposit for the new place

• When to pay: Before or at move-in
• Average cost: One month's rent (sometimes more)
• Some landlords want the first month, last month, and security deposit upfront. Plan for that hit.

First month's rent at the new place

• When to pay: Before or at move-in
• Average cost: Varies by location
• If your move-in and move-out dates don't align, you might be paying double rent for a period.

Storage unit (if needed)

• When to pay: Monthly, starting when you need it
• Average cost: $50-$300 per month, depending on size and location
• Useful if there's a gap between moving out and moving in, or if you're downsizing.

Furniture (if buying new or replacing damaged items)

• When to pay: Before or right after move-in
• Average cost: $500-$3,000+
• Moving is when you realize half your furniture doesn't fit or is too beat up to justify transporting.

Utility connection fees

• When to pay: Before move-in or within the first week
• Average cost: $50-$200 per utility (electric, gas, water, internet)
• Some utility companies charge setup fees or require deposits if you're a new customer.

Moderate Costs (Expect to spend $50-$500)

Packing materials

• When to pay: 2-4 weeks before moving day
• Average cost: $100-$400
• Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper. It adds up fast if you're not scrounging free boxes from liquor stores.

Moving supplies (dollies, furniture sliders, straps)

• When to pay: 1-2 weeks before moving day
• Average cost: $50-$150
• You'll need this stuff if you're doing a DIY move. Even with professional movers, sliders help protect floors.

Cleaning supplies for the old and new places

• When to pay: Week of the move
• Average cost: $30-$100
• You'll need to deep clean your old place to get your deposit back and probably clean the new place before unpacking.

Professional cleaning service

• When to pay: Day of or right after move-out
• Average cost: $150-$400
• It's worth it if you're exhausted and want your deposit back without scrubbing baseboards at midnight.

Furniture disassembly/reassembly (if not included with movers)

• When to pay: Moving day
• Average cost: $100-$300
• Some movers include this; some charge extra. Beds, desks, shelving units—all that stuff takes time.

Travel costs (gas, tolls, hotels)

• When to pay: During the move
• Average cost: $100-$500, depending on distance
• If you're driving across states, factor in gas for your car, tolls, and possibly a hotel if it's too far to do in one day.

Temporary housing (if needed)

• When to pay: Between move-out and move-in dates
• Average cost: $80-$200 per night
• If your move-in date is delayed or you need a place to crash for a few days, hotels or Airbnbs fill the gap.

Pet boarding or transport

• When to pay: Day of the move
• Average cost: $50-$300
• Pets don't love chaos. Boarding them for the day keeps them safe and out of the way.

Appliance installation (washer, dryer, etc.)

• When to pay: Right after move-in
• Average cost: $100-$250 per appliance
• If you're bringing your own appliances or buying new ones, you might need professional installation.

Mail forwarding service

• When to pay: Before or right after move-out
• Average cost: $1.10 for 6 months (USPS), $20+ for private services
• USPS mail forwarding is cheap. Private services cost more but catch things USPS misses.

Change of address fees (driver's license, vehicle registration)

• When to pay: Within 30-90 days of moving (varies by state)
• Average cost: $20-$100
• You legally have to update your license and registration. Some states charge fees for this.

Small Costs (Under $50)

Box labels and markers

• When to pay: 2-3 weeks before moving day
• Average cost: $5-$15
• You need to label boxes, or you'll be opening 40 boxes looking for your phone charger.

Trash bags for junk and donations

• When to pay: During the packing phase
• Average cost: $10-$20
• Moving is when you realize how much crap you've accumulated. You'll need bags for garbage and donation piles.

Snacks and drinks for moving day

• When to pay: Day before or day of move
• Average cost: $20-$50
• If you have friends helping or even just for yourself, keep water and snacks around. Moving is exhausting.

Tips for movers

• When to pay: Moving day, after the job is done
• Average cost: $20-$50 per mover
• The standard is 15-20% of the total moving cost, or $20-$50 per person if you'd rather go per person.

Parking permits for the moving truck

• When to pay: A few days before moving day
• Average cost: $10-$50
• Some cities require permits to park a moving truck on the street. Check local regulations.

Extra padding (blankets, towels for fragile items)

• When to pay: During the packing phase
• Average cost: $10-$30 if buying new
• You can use your own blankets and towels for free or buy moving blankets if you want extra protection.

Door and floor protection

• When to pay: Day before move
• Average cost: $15-$40
• Cardboard, plastic sheeting, or foam corner guards to protect walls and floors from damage during the move.

Heavy-duty gloves

• When to pay: Before packing starts
• Average cost: $5-$15
• Protects your hands from splinters, cuts, and general wear during packing and lifting.

Tie-downs and bungee cords

• When to pay: Before loading the truck
• Average cost: $10-$25
• Keeps stuff from shifting around in the truck. Essential if you're doing a DIY move.

Ziplock bags for small parts (screws, bolts, etc.)

• When to pay: During furniture disassembly
• Average cost: $5-$10
• When you take apart furniture, put all the hardware in labeled bags and tape them to the furniture piece.

Tip: Add a 10-15% buffer to your total estimated costs for unexpected expenses. Something always comes up.

Final Thoughts

Moving costs add up faster than you think. The big stuff, like movers and deposits, is obvious, but it's the moderate and small costs that sneak up on you. Packing materials, cleaning supplies, travel expenses, tips—all of it compounds.

Make a budget before you start. Track expenses as you go. And don't forget to account for overlap costs like paying rent at two places or needing temporary storage. The more prepared you are, the less stressful (and expensive) the move will be.