Experts Reveal How Much Money You Should Save Before Moving Out — And It’s A Lot

For anyone wondering how much money should you should save before moving, Credit Karma’s Chief People Officer, Colleen McCreary, says, “A general rule of thumb is to have at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses in savings.” Matt Gromada, Chase’s Managing Director, Head of Family, Student and Starter Banking, agrees, saying, “Your emergency fund should be several months of monthly expenses at your new location.”

When you move to a new place, you need to be able to cover not just your rent, but also a security deposit (which is typically first and last month’s rent), utilities, any new furniture you may need, and other expenses, like movers or a building fee, according to McCreary. You might think three to six months is a long time, but this cushion should be there should you need it down the line.

If you’re having trouble setting aside some extra funds, Gromada suggests using some tools your bank offers to help. “For instance, Chase offers Autosave, which allows customers to set up a repeating, automatic transfer from their checking into their savings account. You set it once and then don’t have to think about it again,” Gromada says. Even the tiniest amount each week can accumulate a lot over time.

When saving up for a big move, Matt Gromada, Managing Director, Head of Family, Student and Starter Banking at JPMorgan Chase, tells Elite Daily that you want to aim to save for one-time moving expenses and an emergency fund. According to Gromada, those one-time expenses includ a “security deposit or down-payment and any moving costs (e.g., transportation to get you there, moving costs for your stuff).”

“Location plays a major role in how much you should save when moving out,” McCreary tells Elite Daily. If you’re asking yourself, “how much money should I save before moving to a city,” you’ll need to factor in transportation, dining out, and even parking. However, if you’re moving out of the city, McCreary mentions you need to “consider things like the increased cost of [your] commute as gas prices remain elevated.”

The minute you decide it’s time to move, you need to set up a personal budget for yourself that’ll allow you to start saving. McCreary suggests you calculate how much you need to save for your move and divide that by how many months you have left. The amount you get is how much you need to save each month to reach your goal. By planning ahead, McCreary says it can help you keep your moving costs within your financial bounds.

One of the ways to save money to move out and to lighten your boxes is to sell the things you don’t need. McCreary suggest getting rid of things like small kitchen appliances, outdated furniture, used books, and clothes you no longer wear. Going through your items will also help you organize the items that you do want to bring along as well.

When you get to your new place, McCreary says, “Don’t rush into furnishing the whole space.” Buying new furniture can be expensive, so only get the items “that are essential to your everyday.” This includes a dining table, your bed, and possibly a couch. Any home decor — unless it’s something you absolutely can’t live without — can wait. This is how to save money on your move.

When it comes time to shop for these unnecessary items, make sure you’re looking out for good sales. One hot tip from McCreary is that many retailers offer steep discounts during holiday weekends and throughout the year. Create a wish list and chip away at it over time.

It doesn’t hurt to ask friends or family if they’re willing to help with your move. It can be a difficult task, but if someone wants to help, this can save you a ton on moving costs and be a way to save money on your move. Plus, as McCreary points out, “It’s a good excuse to spend some quality time with your loved ones.” Just make sure you treat them all to pizza and a round of drinks after everything is done.

If you do go with a moving company, you want to find the best one for your budget. McCreary recommends you “shop around.” One way to do this is by asking friends for recommendations and getting different quotes to compare before you settle on a moving company. It also helps to check reviews, because you don’t want to go with a budget-friendly company that’ll put a dent in your furniture or drop your fragile box of dishes.

McCreary also warns that many moving companies have a number of hidden fees that you may not be aware of until you get hit with the bill. “These include things like packing supplies, moving insurance, and furniture disassembly and reassembly,” she says. Make sure to factor in for that or check the reviews as well to see if someone mentions that.

If you’re dealing with the dreaded question, “how much money should I save to move without a job,” Gromada says that you should save a longer emergency fund. While your moving expenses won’t differ, you need to save at least six months of emergency expenses in your savings account if you’re moving without a job. McCreary agrees, but also recommends that to avoid running through your savings, “commit to prioritizing your job search throughout your moving process.”

While you may be dealing with moving stuff, it doesn’t hurt to take a break every once in awhile to look for jobs. McCreary also says that you should plan to live below your means until you find a steady income. This will help you stay out of debt and maintain financial independence. So, instead of going for a Starbucks run, try brewing some coffee in your new home.