Understanding Moving Costs: What to Expect and How to Save

As the housing market continues to evolve and inflation remains a key concern in many parts of the U.S., moving costs in 2025 are experiencing notable shifts. If you’re planning to relocate, understanding the components that make up moving costs and identifying ways to reduce expenses can make a significant difference in your moving experience.

So, whether you are moving into your first apartment in Los Angeles, CA,  eyeing a rental home in Baton Rouge, LA or buying a Meriden, CT home, check out the tips we’ve gathered from our experts across the country to make your move as streamlined as possible!

Best ways to save money on your move

Let’s be honest, moving is a taxing enough experience in itself before considering the stress it can put on your wallet. Saving money during a move in 2025 often comes down to proactive planning and flexibility.

We recommend that you opt for mid-week or off-peak season moves and obtain estimates from at least three moving companies for comparison. Ensure each quote includes all potential costs, such as packing, transport, and unloading, to make an informed decision.

For more unique recommendations, check out the tips below from experts at Public Administration Today, a great resource that provides content for public administration professionals:

• Negotiation: “You’d be surprised by what moving companies can offer, especially during slow months.
• Tax-deductible expenses: Some moving expenses may qualify as tax-deductible if they’re related to new employment and meet distance requirements.
• Media mail: If you’re planning on shipping books, USPS offers media mail rates, which are much more affordable compared to other rates.”

Making a moving checklist can reduce the overall cost and stress of a move, so make sure that you take time to make a moving plan. Also keep an eye out for discounts, memberships like AAA offer discounts with various moving companies, potentially saving you up to 20% on services.

Rental fees to watch out for

Moving often involves a host of rental expenses, like moving trucks and temporary housing. However, there are also fees that you should be prepared to pay. Shuvrajit, founder of Sparrowlane, an innovator in the realm of AI-powered smart real estate investments, shares great insight on rental fees that you might have overlooked:

“Budget for more than just the first month’s rent when you move. Expect a non-refundable application fee of roughly $40–$100 per adult, then either a security deposit equal to about one month’s rent or a non-refundable move-in fee of $150–$400 (Chicago landlords commonly charge a $300–$500 move-in fee instead of a deposit). Pet owners pay extra too, about a $150–$500 pet fee or deposit, plus $25–$50 in monthly “pet rent.”

All told, upfront costs can climb to two to three months’ rent, so always ask for a written fee breakdown and check local caps.

Cleaning costs

Cleaning services in 2025 are often more expensive due to rising labor costs and increased demand. The team at Cleaning Buddha shared that “In 2025, the average cost of a professional move-out cleaning for a 2-bedroom rental ranges between $200–$350, depending on condition and region.

We recommend scheduling your cleaning 1–2 days before your final walk-through to maximize your deposit return.” Cleaning costs can come into effect not only when moving out of your old rental, but moving into your new home as well. Make sure that you allow for these costs in your moving budget.

Decluttering before the move

 

Reducing your belongings can lead to savings. AOA Moving Services recommends the following:

• Sell or donate: “Decluttering and reducing household inventory before a move is a highly effective way to manage costs.”
• Donate and sell: “Donating or selling unneeded items not only lowers expenses but also promotes sustainability.”
• Use the 20/20 rule: At Rent., we also recommend that if an item is replaceable for under $20 and can be replaced within 20 minutes, consider letting it go.

Moving with pets or children

Tyler Baptist suggests that “If you’re moving with kids or pets in 2025, add extra time (and patience!) to your moving plan. Planning ahead for their comfort can make a huge difference, so consider booking pet boarding for moving day and preparing a ‘first-night’ essentials kit for kids can ease the stress — and prevent unexpected last-minute expenses.”

The team at Cleaning Buddha also advises that “Renters with pets or young children deep clean quarterly, and add protective measures like washable slipcovers and scratch guards to significantly reduce wear and tear — saving you from surprise charges during move-out.”

Storage pods vs. full-service movers

 

Choosing between storage pods and full-service movers is a key decision that affects cost and convenience. “While storage pods offer flexibility, they often come with hidden delivery fees and limited loading help,” advises Michael from Bayou Movers. “Full-service movers may cost more upfront, but you gain professional handling, time savings, and reduced risk of damage, especially helpful in long-distance or specialty item moves.”

The Educated Home Buyer Podcast chimed in to share that “Portable storage options, like PODS, offer flexibility but can still run $1,000–$3,000 depending on distance. Smart movers budget extra for seasonal demand surges and prioritize locking in quotes early.” In 2025, many consumers are opting for hybrid solutions, such as using moving containers or self-packing to cut down on costs.

Are moving costs increasing in 2025?

 

As mentioned above, moving costs in 2025 will vary based on the area in which you live and where you are planning to move. The AOA Moving Services team notes things to consider when budgeting:

• Local vs. long-distance moves: “As of 2025, moving expenses continue to vary widely based on factors such as distance and regional demand. Generally, local relocations within metropolitan areas range between $800 and $2,500, while long-distance moves frequently exceed $4,000. We strongly advise booking moving services 4–6 weeks in advance to secure more favorable rates and ensure availability.”
• Where costs will increase: “The increase in moving costs this year can be attributed to a combination of rising insurance premiums, ongoing labor shortages, wage growth, inflationary pressures, and elevated fuel prices. We encourage consumers to inquire specifically about these factors when requesting quotes, in order to gain a clear and accurate understanding of total projected costs.”

While an increase in moving costs in some regions can be attributed to several converging factors, don’t let the pressure get to you. Early planning and understanding the market in which you live will go a long way in saving money and reducing stress.

Peak moving season

While the current political atmosphere and tariffs may cause an increase in moving costs as 2025 progresses, it’s important to keep in mind that as in years past, moving during peak season means paying premium rates.

“What you should consider when planning a move is seasonality. Most families can move when kids are out of school, and therefore cost of moving can be significantly higher as mover resources are limited,” shares Jitka Bedford, operations VP at LeaseRunner.

Jitka adds that “Moving season heats up in May and lasts through August. We, at LeaseRunner, see up to 100% uptick in tenant screening requests during the moving season, which is also when there are more rental properties available for rent.” Booking early is one of the best ways to avoid inflated prices and limited availability. Some moving companies also charge surge pricing based on real-time demand, making last-minute summer moves especially costly.

Tariffs and trade: Hidden costs in moving supplies

 

Tariffs (extra taxes on imported goods) and global trade tensions have seen a rise since the start of 2025 and are affecting moving costs. Shuvrajit, from Sparrowlane, shares insight into the effect of tariffs on moving costs:

“When tariffs make steel, trucks, or packing supplies cost more, movers soon raise their prices to make up the difference. Additionally, just before a new tariff starts, companies hurry to bring in goods early to beat the tariff deadline.

Many moving trucks get pulled into better-paying commercial freight, and owners naturally choose those higher-margin jobs, leaving fewer and pricier trucks for household moves. Even a short truck shortage can add hundreds of dollars to a long-distance move, so if you are planning to move, lock in a written quote early when tariff talk heats up.”

 

While tariffs can indeed have an effect on the cost of moving trucks, they can also have an impact on other moving costs. The team at The Educated Home Buyer Podcast adds that “While 2025 tariffs on steel and aluminum could cause minor bumps in moving and storage costs, the real budget-buster remains fuel and labor. A smart mover focuses on what’s controllable — timing, choosing flexible service providers, and avoiding peak season.”

It’s also helpful to note that the price of materials like cardboard boxes and bubble wrap has increased due to supply chain issues and import taxes on raw materials. For individuals who choose to pack themselves, this adds a layer of unexpected cost.

Additional economic and political dynamics at play

 

In addition to tariffs, broad economic and political factors are also influencing moving costs this year. Tax experts at ProTitleUSA share their take on how these factors can affect moving costs in 2025:

“The U.S. rental market is expected to see robust demand in 2025, fueled by a complex mix of economic and political dynamics reshaping housing needs across the country. As large corporations and government entities ramp up their “back to office” initiatives, a growing number of employees who previously worked remotely are being prompted to relocate closer to urban job centers.

This shift is anticipated to inject fresh demand into metropolitan rental markets, particularly in cities that had seen declining interest during the height of the remote work trend.

Conversely, Sun Belt states like Florida, which experienced a surge in rental demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, may face a cooling-off period. As remote work becomes less prevalent and migration patterns stabilize, rental pressure in these high-growth regions is expected to ease.”

Also keep in mind that political tensions and shifts in immigration or labor policies have caused labor shortages in some regions, reducing availability and driving up the cost of hiring professional movers.

2025 moving trends to watch

 

Staying informed of current moving trends can save you time, money, and stress when planning a move. Check out the top trends our experts have found in 2025 below:

Flat-rate and transparent pricing gains popularity

With unpredictable costs on the rise, it’s important to carefully select a moving company for the best experience.” One of the most noticeable trends we’ve embraced is the shift toward transparent, flat-rate pricing,” advises Michael from Bayou Movers.

Michael adds that  “Customers no longer want vague estimates — they want upfront clarity, itemized quotes, and no surprise charges. We’ve made transparency a pillar of our service because trust begins before the first box is moved.” In 2025, reputable movers are leaning into digital quote tools, virtual home assessments, and itemized contracts to make pricing more accessible and trustworthy.

Regions see emerging trends

This year, several trends are shaping how people move. “Moving south or west? You’re not alone — Southern states like South Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida continue to top the charts for inbound moves in 2025. If you’re relocating to high-demand areas, prepare for slightly higher moving costs and book early,” says The Educated Home Buyer Podcast.

Experts agree that the South is attracting a lot of attention this moving season, with Shuvrajit, from Sparrowlane, noting that “Right now, the South is the clear winner: about 46 % of relocations are headed that direction. Myrtle Beach, SC, pulls in 2.5 new arrivals for every person leaving, while pricey hubs like New York City see the opposite trend.”

Demographics play a role

Shuvrajit also explains that demographic plays a role in moving trends, sharing that “Millennials are chasing jobs and lower rents in places such as Alexandria, VA, and Cambridge, MA, whereas many retirees still favor sunny Florida and Arizona — though demand there has cooled a bit since last year.”

Remote work continues to allow flexibility in where families live, prompting an uptick in relocations to smaller cities and rural areas. Meanwhile, mobile apps are streamlining the moving experience, from scheduling and payment to inventory management.

The landscape of moving costs in 2025 is more dynamic than ever. A combination of economic shifts, seasonal demand, and lifestyle changes has made planning and budgeting for a move more important than ever. By understanding what’s driving prices and exploring flexible options, consumers can make informed decisions and keep their relocation within financial reach.