I have a guest post today; it is an article all about moving!

 

Jacksonville, Florida, has seen a big rise in people moving out of the state. If you're one of the many planning to relocate after selling your home, you're probably excited — and maybe a little stressed. Selling your house is a huge milestone. But what happens next, especially if you're heading out of state, can get expensive fast.

A long-distance move involves more than just putting your things in boxes and hitting the road. You’ll need to think about travel, storage, packing, and even hotel stays.

In this article, we’ll walk through the key costs and how to stay in control of your money throughout the entire moving process.

1. Know What You’ll Walk Away With

Before you make any plans, figure out how much money you’re really getting from your home sale. It’s not just the final sale price that matters. You’ll need to subtract a few things first — like the real estate agent’s commission, closing costs, and the balance on your mortgage. These deductions can take a big chunk out of your sale total.

If you’re unsure how much to expect, ask your real estate agent or title company for a seller net sheet. This will show you a detailed estimate of what you’ll receive after the sale.

2. Get Multiple Moving Quotes

Hiring professional movers is often the largest part of a moving budget, especially for an interstate move. Start by getting quotes from at least three different companies. Make sure each one offers estimates that reflect the real size and weight of your move.

Reach out to local Jacksonville, FL long distance movers with solid reputations. Prices can vary a lot depending on when you’re moving, how far you’re going, and whether you need extra services like packing or storage. Be sure to ask about what’s included — and what’s not — so you’re not hit with surprise fees later.

3. Plan for Short-Term Housing

It’s not always possible to move directly from one home to the next. Your new place might not be ready when you leave the city. Or your home sale might close before your new job or lease begins. This gap means you’ll likely need to stay in a hotel, short-term rental, or with family or friends.

Even a few nights can cost hundreds of dollars, especially if you’re traveling with kids or pets. Add these possible housing costs into your moving budget early. That way, if it happens, you’re prepared. And if it doesn’t, you’ll just have a little extra cushion.

4. Count Your Travel and Food Costs

Travel expenses are often underestimated. Depending on your destination, you may be driving or flying. Either way, you’ll need to pay for gas, plane tickets, meals, and possibly hotels along the route. Even quick fast-food stops can add up when you’re feeding a whole family for several days.

Look up how far you’ll be traveling and think through each step. If you’re flying, you may also need to ship some belongings or rent a car once you arrive. Include all these costs in your moving budget so nothing catches you off guard.

5. Include Utility Fees and Setups

When you move out, you’ll need to close your utility accounts. This might include your electric, water, gas, cable, and internet. Some companies charge disconnection fees. Others may refund deposits if you’ve had an account for a while.

Once you get to your new place, you’ll be opening new accounts — and that often comes with setup charges or new deposits. These small amounts can easily total a few hundred dollars. Plan for them early so you’re not short on cash when it’s time to connect your lights or get online.

6. Prepare for Storage If There’s a Gap

A lot of people end up needing storage — even when they don’t plan to. Maybe your new lease doesn’t start right away, or you’re still house hunting after leaving the city. In that case, you’ll have to store your belongings somewhere.

Ask your movers if they offer storage options. Some companies include a few days at no extra charge. Others charge a daily or monthly rate. You can also rent a storage unit near your new place if you need something more flexible. Either way, storage should be part of your move budget, even if you think you won’t need it. It's better to plan for it and not use it than scramble at the last minute.

7. Look Into Insurance and Extra Protection

Most long-distance moving companies offer basic liability coverage. This type of coverage pays by the pound, which usually isn’t enough to replace damaged or lost items. If you’re moving anything valuable — like electronics, antiques, or instruments — it’s worth paying for additional insurance.

Ask your moving company about full-value protection or check if your homeowners or renters’ insurance offers moving coverage. You may need to list specific items ahead of time. This small extra cost can save you a lot if something gets broken or goes missing during the move.

8. Set Aside a Safety Net for the Unexpected

Even with the best planning, things can go wrong. Movers might run late. A truck might break down. A closing date could change with short notice. These kinds of problems come with extra costs — like extra hotel nights, added storage time, or new travel arrangements.

To be safe, add about 10 to 15 percent of your total moving budget as a buffer. If you don’t use it, great. But if you need it, you’ll be glad it’s there. This kind of cushion helps you stay calm and avoid financial stress during an already busy time.

After selling your home, it’s easy to focus only on what you earned — but if you’re not careful, you can lose more than expected during the move itself. That’s why budgeting ahead of time is so important.

Think through every stage, from packing to storage to travel. Plan for both the expected and the unexpected. The more prepared you are, the more control you’ll have over your finances. A detailed, realistic budget won’t just save you money — it’ll make the move less stressful from start to finish.