Estimated reading time: 16 minutes
Understand moving costs and how to budget for your next relocation. Get essential tips on managing expenses efficiently.
Moving to a new house requires careful budgeting. Relocating to a new province also means moving costs must be calculated to fit your budget.
If you are moving overseas, you need to budget for costs properly. A student moving into a dorm room rental must budget for costs as well.
Apartment tenants should also budget for these expenses.
Having No Moving Budget Can Be Costly
When Mrs. CBB and I purchased our home in 2009, we were renting a basement room, so we didn’t have much stuff.
I was still waiting for my moving boxes to arrive by boat from the UK. The process took a couple of months.
Honestly, I was in no rush for the stuff as I had what I needed to get through my days.
I strategically planned and budgeted my moving expenses from the UK to Canada. Yet, we did not consider costs when moving to our new home.
- We had a truck and mini-van to move boxes which we picked up free at the grocery store. (back then they let us take them home.)
- The contents of one bedroom that came fully furnished were minimal.
- Our new home was up the street and about a 2-minute drive.
- I had a friend helping me load the vehicles and unload at our new house.
Mrs. CBB was at work that day as a Human Resources manager. She came home and cooked a beautiful dinner that included our friend.
If you’re thinking our home must have been bare when we moved in, you’re not wrong.
We purchased an air mattress and accumulated items we needed second-hand or for free.
In other words, we didn’t need to worry about costly moving expenses.
But, if you are relocating from an apartment or a furnished home, you will want to consider moving costs.
Calculating Moving Costs
Before making the commitment to move anywhere you will want to budget your costs.
Everything from rent, mortgage, property taxes, home maintenance, groceries, to parking fees.
You’ll want to create a mock budget to see if you can afford to move. If you’re content with the numbers, start the search for a new residence.
In doing so, it’s important to write down all of the moving expenses. You expect to incur some costs and this helps you prepare in advance.
Some people know 6 months to a year in advance they will move. They have time to set aside a projected expense.
That’s a stress-free way to make sure you have money set aside for when the big moving day arrives.
Others will have to create a moving budget. They will need to shop frugally for the best prices for professional movers. This includes moving supplies, storage fees, garbage rental bins, and more.
Depending on the type of move you are making the moving expenses will differ as described in our situation above.
But, if we ever plan to move from this house we will need a moving budget planned in advance.
How To Create A Moving Budget (Free Printable)
First, create a rough draft of all the services you must pay for. Then, put the numbers into your moving budget.
Print the moving budget and pencil the type of expense under the moving expenses column along with the budgeted amount.
For example, packing supplies, $100, and the actual amount you spent according to your receipts.
Always keep your receipts for a move in a folder, container or large envelope.
Can I claim moving expenses on my income tax return?
Yes, in some cases you can claim moving expenses on your income tax return.
You can also deduct these expenses if you have moved to run a business out of a new location.
This applies to employment or self-employment income you earned at your new work location.
If you moved to attend a post-secondary program as a full-time student, you can qualify for certain deductions.
This applies if you are at a university, college, or another educational institution.
You can deduct eligible moving expenses from scholarships, fellowships, or bursaries. Certain prizes or research grants also need to be included in your income.
Generally, you can claim moving expenses you paid in the year if both of the following apply: You moved to a new home to work or to run a business out of a new location, or you moved to be a student in full-time attendance in a post-secondary program at a university, college, or other educational institution.- Canada.ca
Remember that you will have moving expenses that you didn’t plan for. Always keep money aside for these emergency expenses.
You can add these under the miscellaneous expenses column if they come up.
Once you have completed your move, it’s time to tally up your expenses. Check to see if you managed to stick to your moving budget.
If you followed your allowable budget and there were no major issues then your budget should balance.
When you have leftover money either roll it into your emergency savings or a basic savings account.
Cost Of Hiring Professional Movers
Like any business, prices will vary based on the city you live in. They will also depend on where you are moving.
Availability and the number of boxes and furniture you must move also play a role.
According to the website moveit.ca, they say that you can expect to pay between $250 and $4000 for a local move.
This depends on how many boxes you have to move. Long-distance moves can range between $2500 and $12000.
Self-Storage Fees
Sometimes homeowners need to buy self-storage space for whatever reason.
For example, you are downsizing and have too much stuff. Do you plan on selling it or passing it to someone in the family?
Either way you need storage space and that comes with a price tag.
Generally, I’ve found that storage fees are comparable to those of each city in Ontario.
Still, you can expect higher prices in bigger cities like Toronto or Vancouver.
Almost all storage facilities have indoor and outdoor spaces that you can rent.
Indoor is climate-controlled and offers security and anytime access, while the outdoor drive-up choice does not.
According to Apollocover.com, storage unit prices fluctuate based on where you are in Canada.
Smaller cities and towns typically have lower monthly costs, ranging from $50 to $150.
Prices also increase for premium features like 24/7 access, climate control, and enhanced security.
Home Renovation Costs
Some people are willing to buy a house that needs to be fully renovated before it’s livable.
When we purchased our home renovations did not bother us even if we had to live through them.
Over the years, I removed all of the basement insulation. Mice had lived in it with the former homeowner.
We knew this when we bought that house, and it was part of our bargaining power to reduce the price.
Other than the new roof we installed in 2010 everything was cosmetic renovations apart from painting.
Unfortunately, the homeowner smoked the entire 15 years after she built this home indoors.
Before you sign the paperwork for buying a home, make sure that you have the renovation budget ready.
Include it as part of the moving budget if you plan to do the work before you move in. ,
Preparing To Move Into The New House
Canadian Budget Binder reader Christine Weadick purchased a new home that needed renovations before moving that came with costs.
She says that she painted the 3 bedrooms in the home that her and the boys would be using.
The paint was around $40 a can, and we used two cans per bedroom.
In the basement, we pulled up the carpet, and upstairs, we removed the carpet in 2 bedrooms and the hallway.
We put down vinyl plank flooring. It was on sale for just under $2 a square foot.
The total was around $600 for all the flooring.
We had leftover flooring that was used to redo part of the basement floor after we had water damage.
I had to buy more flooring; luckily, it was on sale again that week.
My sons helped pull up the carpets, the older son did the flooring and I painted.
We worked out a system that got things done for the most part before the furniture was hauled in.
House Cleaning
Not everyone has time to do a final house cleaning before moving out of or into a house.
Although it’s nice to leave a clean home for the next owner that’s not always the situation.
Our friends own a cleaning business. On several occasions, they have been called to clean a house that just sold.
They charge $25 an hour. There is a minimum of 4 hours to clean a house. The cost is higher for last-minute requests.
Cleaning your house, whether moving in or out, will always be cheaper. Yet, consider your time an d the cost of cleaning supplies.
Will it be worth it to hire cleaners or do the job yourself?
House Packing Supplies
Typically, most people wait until about 2 weeks before moving to start packing but start decluttering immediately.
Get rid of what you no longer need or use by donating items. Host a garage sale if it’s that time of year. Alternatively, sell items online.
Waiting until the last-minute to collect moving supplies will bite you in the end.
Save time and money by sourcing your moving supplies in advance.
Check Facebook Marketplace to find moving boxes for free. Many people usually offer them along with leftover supplies.
Doing so means they don’t have to break them down for recycling and it’s a gift that keeps on giving.
What should you buy for packing and moving?
Below is a list I created, but there are specific items you’ll need based on your home.
- Variety of moving boxes
- Packing nuts
- Newspaper, sheets, blankets
- Tape gun and tape
- Scissors
- Measuring Tape
- Step ladder
- Box cutter
- Fragile Labels
- Markers
- Bubble wrap
- Household tool kit (hammer, drill, screwdriver, etc.)
- Totes
- Moving dolly
- Lifting straps
Employment – Vacation or Lost Income
Here are a few considerations to consider before setting the closing and moving date when buying a home:
- Have you told your employer you are in the middle of moving and buying a new home?
- Can you get the time off from work?
- Will you get paid time off using vacation, or will it impact your monthly budget?
- How much money do I need to save if I do not get paid time off? I want to make sure my budget will not be affected.
Babysitter/Pet Sitting
Not everyone thinks about the impact moving can have on a child or pet, but they can be stressful.
If your child can’t join in the moving process, you can set up a play date.
Expect to pay a babysitter the going rate. This can be up to $20 hourly. Alternatively, you can set a daily rate.
Pet sitting, on the other hand, is pricey. It can cost upwards of $100 daily. The cost depends on where you place your pet and the type of animal.
Ideally, if you have friends or family that can pet sit, the price will be less. It even be free if you’re lucky.
Food and Drink For Moving Day
No matter what anyone tells you, always have food and drinks for people helping you move.
Unless you hire professional movers who typically will bring lunch and drinks, it’s nice to consider the “free help”.
Foods and snacks that you can have for friends and family on moving day can include:
- Fruits
- Protein sources
- Nuts and Seeds
- Sweets
- Variety of Beverages
- Take-out like Pizza and Wings
- Homemade foods like meatballs, pasta, lasagna, sandwiches etc.
- Savoury snacks
- Vegetable Tray with dip
Make A Homemade Table Of Food And Beverages
Canadian Budget Binder reader Nicole McDonald shares her experience with moving expenses and how she keeps her help fed.
For Nicole, like all Canadians, living is expensive, and buying takeout just adds to that. I’ve done different things depending on the time of year, she says.
I have precooked bacon so I can easily and quickly assemble sandwiches for mid-morning.
After a couple hours of slugging furniture, people are hungry. Men are especially excited when offered a bacon sandwich. They are more productive after.
I make sure I have coffee/tea for the first break and some pop and water.
Depending on how much stuff you’re moving, taking a first break with food is enough. In that case, you will not need to worry about lunch.
As well, you can make buns and meat and hand them out as you leave for the new place.
For dinner, I’ve done recipes like chili, stew, or pulled pork in a crock-pot. I’ve also made a pan of lasagna. Other pasta dishes that you must pop in the oven are also options.
Burgers and hot dogs are on the BBQ if it’s summer. Beer, of course, but that doesn’t come out till the moving is done.
Overall, Nicole feels that preparing ahead of time and eating in is cheaper than ordering food for the moving crew.
Truck Hire For DIY Movers
Create a U-Haul account and enjoy these benefits:
- Skip the line when you pick up your equipment.
- Edit your reservation 24/7.
- Manage your storage account and make payments.
- Store your information to speed up future rentals.
- Return your truck or trailer 24/7 using only your mobile device.
- We will never sell your information.
- Manage extra charges.
U-Haul Rental Prices Canada
The next prices are from Milton, Ontario. These prices can change based on the time of this blog post. Prices can also vary depending on your area.
- 8′ Pickup Truck Home improvement / Small loads $19.95 plus $0.99/kilometer
- 9′ Cargo Van Apartment – 1 bedroom / Studio / Deliveries $19.95 plus $0.99/kilometer
- 15′ Truck 1 Bedroom Home to 2 Bedroom Apt. $29.95 plus $0.99/kilometer
- 20′ Truck 2 Bedroom Home to 3 Bedroom Apt. $39.95 plus $0.99/kilometer
- 26′ Truck 3 Bedroom Home to 4 Bedroom Home $49.95 plus $0.99/kilometer
- U-Box® Containers Starting at $89.95
Another popular moving company is Budget Canada Truck Rental, which also carries moving supplies.
Also don’t forget to ask about the insurance cost for the rental vehicle.
It’s best to buy it on the side. This way, you avoid the risk of your insurance going up if you get into an accident or it’s stolen.
First and Last Month’s Rent
Setting up a mortgage is pretty standard which means the lender will tell you when the first installment is due.
When renting, the landlord can ask you for the first and last month’s rent ahead of time. It’s best to have the money saved and ready when they ask.
Petrol Costs
Whether you are moving across town or to a new city, plan to include petrol costs. These must be added to your moving budget. The same applies when moving to the countryside.
This applies even when moving to another province.
If you are using a rental moving truck, consider the cost of petrol. You should fill up the truck when you return it. Base this on current rates.
The same goes for any vehicles that are assisting with your moving day especially if it’s not your vehicle.
When friends or family members help you move, you should fill their gas tank. It’s a way to say thanks for participating.
Garbage Bin
Before calling any bin company, make sure to get removal quotes from at least three businesses in your area.
A few common questions mean the difference between money in your pocket or out the window.
- What size bins do you have?
- How much does it cost to rent each size of bin?
- What are the dumping costs?
- How long do I get to keep the bin?
- What am I not supposed to dispose of in the bin?
- Can you return the bin once you empty it?
- Where does the driver need to put the bin on my property?
- Do I need to put a deposit down on the bin?
- When am I responsible to pay for the final bill?
I’ve rented many bins since moving to Canada and paid between $250-$300 for one week plus dumping fees above the specified limit
Add an extra $100 for dumping fees if you exceed the bin company’s limit.
If you need the rental bin for longer, you can manage to negotiate a deal with the company. Though, don’t expect much, as they are busy.
Change Of Address
Any time you move, it’s important to complete a change of address with Canada Post.
When you want to transfer mail to a new address, there are many people you will need to contact. Forwarding your mail is the best start.
Start the process 4 to 6 weeks before you move to your new house or apartment. Start by forwarding your mail through Canada Post. Make sure it is sent to your new address.
Over the next year or four months, finish a change of address checklist. You can start making the appropriate changes based on whichever package you choose.
Free Moving Checklist Printable
Take advantage of this free moving checklist printable with everything you need to guarantee your move goes smoothly.
Prepare For Moving Day The Stress-Free Way
I am not a professional home mover. But, I have bought and sold a few houses in my 40-something years.
Mind you, my parents moved us around 20 times before I bought my first house at 21 in the UK.
I didn’t count that. My parents were indeed serial movers. That will never be us. We are staying put.
I’ve shared what I’ve learned today from my moves. I have moved twice within the UK. Then, I moved to a room in Canada with Mrs. CBB and finally to our home.
Out of all the benefits described above, the top priority will always be your moving budget.
Thanks for reading,
Mr. CBB
Discussion: Did you create a moving budget to ensure you had money to cover all the expenses?
Please share your experiences in the comment section below.
