PLANNING TO MOVE? TRIM YOUR COSTS

Staying on budget can reduce the stress that comes with relocating.

- BY SANDRA BLOCK

MAY marks the beginning of peak moving season. More than 80% of Americans who moved in 2024 said the experience was stressful, and 42% said the process brought them to tears, according to a survey by Anytime Estimate, a website that helps consumers estimate the cost of selling their homes. For some, moving was more stressful than having a baby, getting divorced or even losing a loved one, the survey found.

A major reason for the stress: unanticipated costs. Nearly 80% of those surveyed said they experienced unexpected expenses when they moved, and 40% said they went over budget. While many people relocate to improve their financial prospects—to get a better job, for example—nearly 40% of those surveyed said the move worsened their personal finances.

The average cost of moving was $2,050 in 2024, according to the survey, while Americans who moved more than 100 miles spent an average of $3,291. Hiring movers added significantly to the cost: Americans who used a moving company spent an average of $2,907 on their move, compared with an average of $1,334 for do-it-yourself movers.