How to Get Help with Moving Expenses?

Moving to a new home can be an exciting but expensive process. The costs quickly add up between hiring movers, renting a truck, buying packing supplies, and paying for travel. Many people wonder if there are ways to get help with moving expenses. The good news is that there are various programs, charities, and resources available to assist with the financial burden of relocating.

Let’s explore who can help with relocation expenses that may ease the financial strain:

Who can Help with Moving Expenses?

1. Employer Relocation Assistance

One of the most common ways to receive help with relocation expenses is through your employer. Many companies offer relocation assistance to employees who need to move for a new job or a job transfer. Employers may provide a variety of services and financial support, including:

• Hiring a Moving Company: Employers often cover the cost of hiring professional movers. This includes packing, transporting, and unloading your household goods at your new location.
• Travel Expenses: If you are managing a long-distance move, employers may help cover travel expenses for you and your family, including airfare, hotel stays, meals, and transportation.
• Temporary Housing: In cases where you cannot immediately find permanent housing, some companies will cover the cost of temporary housing for a period of time.
• Real Estate Assistance: Some employers provide financial assistance for selling your current home or buying a new one. This may include paying for realtor fees or offering home-buying programs.

Note: It’s important to check with your HR department to understand what relocation benefits your company offers. Not all employers provide relocation assistance, but large companies or those with employees who frequently relocate often offer substantial packages.

2. Charities That Help with Moving Expenses

If you are facing financial problems, several charities can assist with your moving expenses, particularly for people who are in vulnerable situations, such as low-income families, individuals facing eviction, or individuals who need to move due to domestic violence. These organizations may offer direct financial assistance or connect you to local resources that can help cover moving costs.

3. Government Assistance for Moving Expenses

There are also government programs that provide support for moving expenses, especially in specific circumstances such as military relocation or low-income housing assistance. Below are some examples of how government programs may help with moving costs:

Military Relocation Assistance

Active-duty service members can take advantage of military relocation assistance when they are required to move due to a change in their duty station. The government covers a wide range of moving-related expenses for military personnel, including:

• Transportation of Household Goods: The Department of Defense covers the shipping cost of military members' belongings to their new station, whether through government-arranged shipments or authorized movers.
• Travel Costs: If the move requires significant travel, the military reimburses service members for airfare, lodging, meals, and other travel-related expenses.
• Temporary Housing: If there is a delay in getting into permanent housing, the military may provide funding for temporary accommodations.
• Storage Fees: If you need to store your belongings temporarily before or after the move, military personnel can be reimbursed for storage costs.

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Note: Military personnel can get all the details about relocation assistance by contacting their military base or relocation office.

2. Charities That Help with Moving Expenses

If you are facing financial problems, several charities can assist with your moving expenses, particularly for people who are in vulnerable situations, such as low-income families, individuals facing eviction, or individuals who need to move due to domestic violence. These organizations may offer direct financial assistance or connect you to local resources that can help cover moving costs.

3. Government Assistance for Moving Expenses

There are also government programs that provide support for moving expenses, especially in specific circumstances such as military relocation or low-income housing assistance. Below are some examples of how government programs may help with moving costs:

Military Relocation Assistance

Active-duty service members can take advantage of military relocation assistance when they are required to move due to a change in their duty station. The government covers a wide range of moving-related expenses for military personnel, including:

• Transportation of Household Goods: The Department of Defense covers the shipping cost of military members' belongings to their new station, whether through government-arranged shipments or authorized movers.
• Travel Costs: If the move requires significant travel, the military reimburses service members for airfare, lodging, meals, and other travel-related expenses.
• Temporary Housing: If there is a delay in getting into permanent housing, the military may provide funding for temporary accommodations.
• Storage Fees: If you need to store your belongings temporarily before or after the move, military personnel can be reimbursed for storage costs.

If you are looking for storage options while moving you can click here!

Note: Military personnel can get all the details about relocation assistance by contacting their military base or relocation office.

Low-Income Housing Assistance

For individuals or families with low incomes, the government provides programs designed to help with moving expenses and housing costs. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers public housing programs, housing choice vouchers, and other services that can assist with the cost of moving to a new residence. While HUD typically focuses on helping with housing itself, there may be additional resources or grants available to assist with moving-related expenses.

4. Get Help from Family and Friends

Sometimes, the people closest to you can lend a hand. Whether it’s financial help, a spare truck, or even their time to help pack and move, your loved ones can be an invaluable resource.

• Packing and Loading: Your friends and family can help with packing boxes and loading them onto the truck.
• Transporting Smaller Items: If you’re renting a truck, your friends may be able to help drive the truck or transport smaller items in their vehicles, reducing the cost of professional moving services.
• Providing Supplies: Some family members or friends may have extra packing materials like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap that they can provide to you.

5. Personal Loans and Credit Cards

If you cannot secure help from employers, charities, or government programs, another option to cover your moving expenses is by applying for a personal loan or using a credit card.

• Personal Loans: Many financial institutions offer personal loans that you can use to cover the cost of moving. These loans typically have fixed interest rates, meaning your payments will remain the same throughout the life of the loan. This can help you manage the cost of hiring movers, renting a truck, or purchasing moving supplies.

Helpful Note: If you're looking for an easy way to finance your move, Van Lines Move offers moving loans to help with your relocation expenses. Our loans don’t require collateral, making it easier for you to secure the funds you need without putting any property at risk. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, we can help make your move more affordable and less stressful.

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Credit Cards: If you have a credit card with a favorable interest rate or a 0% APR offer for a limited time, you may choose to use it to pay for your moving costs. However, it’s important to be mindful of the interest rates once the introductory period ends, as high interest charges can quickly add up.

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Tips to Reduce Moving Expenses

While moving can be costly, there are many ways you can save money during the process. Here are some tips to help reduce your moving expenses:

• Declutter Before You Move: Moving is the perfect time to get rid of things you no longer need. By donating or selling unwanted items, you can reduce the number of things you need to move. It will lower your costs, especially if you’re paying for movers or a larger truck.
• Compare Moving Companies: Don’t settle for the first moving company you find. Get quotes from multiple companies and compare their services and prices to find the best deal.
• Pack Yourself: If you have time, pack your items yourself instead of paying for them.
• Consider Off-Peak Moving Dates: Moving during peak seasons (like summer) can be more expensive due to high demand. If possible, plan your move for a less busy time of year, such as fall or winter, when prices may be lower.

By planning and using some of these strategies, you can reduce the overall cost of your move and make the process more affordable.

Manage Moving Expenses with Available Resources

Moving can be costly, but there are several ways to reduce these expenses. Top resources are available to help with moving expenses. Employers often provide relocation assistance, and charities can help low-income individuals or those in difficult situations. Government programs, including military relocation support and low-income housing assistance.

While federal moving expense deductions are mostly unavailable, military personnel can still benefit, and some states offer deductions. Personal loans and credit cards are also options if other resources are insufficient.

By exploring these options, you can make your move more affordable and less stressful.