Lets face it, no one likes to move unless you are a person that loves stress. Moving is a life event that can throw you into chaos, it gets more chaotic when you add scenarios to it. Your wife is pregnant, you just lost your job or got a new job – in that case maybe its a happy move! Regardless there is an exorbitant amount of stress. One of those things is planning a budget. MONEY.
There are different types of moves but this blog post will go over what you need to think about for the different types of moves whether its an apartment move, an office move, a local move or an out of state move.
This blog is going to be a practical list of what you might encounter if you were faced with any of these situations. Lets get started!
Home Move (Residential Move)
Lets start with a local move of an apartment or a house. You are planning out what you need to move. Furniture, clothes, kitchenware, personal items, electronics, appliances.
Usually requires fewer people and trucks.
More emotional and personal — involves family logistics.
Often scheduled around life events like school terms or job changes.
With that being said lets thing of the budget planning,
Local Moving Budget
Get out your note pad or your note app. Note these are NOT our prices just a general estimate.
1. Moving Company or Truck Rental
Full-service movers: ~$500–$1,500
Truck rental (DIY): ~$50–$200/day + mileage & fuel
2. Packing Supplies
Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers: ~$50–$200
3. Labor if you are hiring help
Moving help by the hour: ~$25–$50/hour per mover
4. Transportation Costs
Fuel costs (if DIY): ~$20–$100
Parking permits, tolls, or fees
5. Insurance
Optional mover insurance: ~$50–$150
6. Miscellaneous
Cleaning services (move-out): ~$100–$300
Tips for movers (~$10–$20 per person)
Food and drinks for moving day
OUT-OF-STATE MOVE BUDGET
Now lets look at a more intimidating move. Lets see the planning that goes into moving out of state.
1. Long-Distance Movers or Freight Services
Full-service movers: ~$2,000–$8,000 depending on distance and home size
Container services (e.g., PODS, U-Pack): ~$1,500–$5,000
Truck rental (DIY): ~$500–$2,000 + mileage & fuel
2. Travel Expenses
Gas, food, lodging en route: ~$200–$1,000+
Flights (if not driving)
3. Vehicle Shipping (if needed)
~$600–$1,500 depending on distance and type of transport
4. Insurance
Higher-value moves may need extra coverage (~$200–$500)
5. Utility Setup & Deposits
New utility deposits: ~$100–$500 depending on provider
6. Temporary Storage (if needed)
~$100–$300/month
7. Miscellaneous
Same as local: packing supplies, cleaning, tips, etc.
Office Move (Commercial Move)
Purpose: Relocating a business from one office space to another.
Items Involved: Desks, chairs, computers, servers, phones, filing cabinets, specialized equipment.
Planning Needs:
Needs detailed coordination to avoid disrupting business operations.
May involve IT professionals to move and reconnect tech.
Often done after hours or on weekends to minimize downtime.
May require working with building management or IT infrastructure teams.
Complexity: Higher, due to the need for minimal downtime and equipment handling.
1. Set Clear Goals & Timeline
Why are you moving? (Growth, lease end, better location, etc.)
When is the move? (Set a moving date and work backwards)
Define your budget, must-haves, and deadlines.
2. Assemble a Move Team
Assign a move coordinator or project manager.
Include reps from IT, HR, admin, facilities, etc.
Hold regular check-ins and assign tasks.
3. Assess the New Space
Take measurements: Will furniture fit?
Confirm network and power requirements.
Arrange for cleaning, painting, or upgrades before the move.
Check accessibility, parking, and loading zones.
4. Plan for IT & Telecom
Inventory all equipment: computers, servers, phones, etc.
Schedule service transfers or new installations (internet, phone lines).
Back up critical data in case anything gets lost/damaged.
Plan downtime carefully—ideally none!
5. Take Inventory
Furniture: What’s coming with you? What needs to be bought or disposed of?
Supplies & storage cabinets
Sensitive documents (lock them down or digitize)
Label everything by department and destination room.
6. Hire Movers
Get quotes from commercial movers (not just residential).
Ask if they handle IT equipment and furniture disassembly.
Schedule elevator use (if applicable).
7. Notify & Coordinate
Notify:
Landlords (both old and new)
Staff
Clients/customers
Vendors and delivery services
Utility providers
Update address on website, business cards, Google Maps, etc.
8. Schedule the Move
Prefer evenings or weekends to minimize disruption.
Create a detailed timeline: packing, IT shutdown, moving day, setup.
Prepare a floor plan of the new space for movers and staff.
9. Final Checks
Walk through old office to check for damages or missed items.
Cancel or transfer cleaning services and mail forwarding.
Ensure the new office is clean, stocked, and internet-ready.
10. Post-Move Tasks
Unpack and set up desks/workstations.
Test all IT systems.
Hold a quick orientation/welcome meeting for staff.
Celebrate! (Office pizza or doughnuts go a long way.
Hopefully you found these lists to be helpful and somewhat practical. Contact Sweet Home Movers Chicago to help with your move.
