Estimate Moving Costs

Moving to a new place or new city can open up new opportunities, but keep in mind that moving is, in itself, expensive and often stressful.

The True Cost of Your Move

Whether you plan to rent or buy your next home, plan ahead to cover moving costs. Every situation is different, so not all of these will apply. Some costs apply to both renters and buyers.

Infographic: Housing moving costs chart

Don’t Count On That Security Deposit

If you are hoping to apply the security deposit from your current place to the deposit on your next apartment, don’t count on it. Check your lease, but most landlords have a grace period of at least 30 days to return your deposit to you. And even then, you are not guaranteed to get the total amount back.

Email Address* NOTE: Your email address will be used as your username to log into the site.

Password* Password required - must be 7 to 14 characters and contain three of the following four types of characters:

lowercase, uppercase, numbers, special characters such as !@#$%^&*( ){ }[ ]

Confirm Password*

First Name*

Last Name*

Please review the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

The benefits of registering:

My SAM
When you create an account on the SAM website, you can save articles, results of your Financial Identity Quiz and personal budget.

SAM Says
Get helpful tips, articles, and ideas for addressing the financial questions and decisions in your life delivered to your inbox monthly.

I want to receive SAM Says emails

You are signing up for SmartAboutMoney.org's free monthly email newsletter, SAM Says. Rest assured that you will not receive spam, product offers or any unsolicited emails and your personal information will not be sold or published. For more details, see our privacy policy.

SAM on-the-go!
Get helpful tips, articles and ideas for addressing the financial questions and decisions in your life delivered to your inbox monthly.

I want to receive SAM on-the-go text messages delivered to the mobile number I provide.

Mobile Number *

By checking this box I agree to receive automated text messages from smartaboutmoney.org to the mobile number I have provided. I understand that I am not required to provide my consent as a condition of purchasing any goods or services.

Pricing: No charge from SmartAboutMoney.org. Message and data rates may apply.

Reply HELP for help, Reply STOP to cancel.

I Accept the SAM On-the-Go Terms and Conditions

SAM won't ask you for personal banking or investing account information.

My Housing Plan

Estimate Moving Costs

The True Cost of Your Move

Don’t Count On That Security Deposit

Other NEFE Resources

My Housing Plan

Estimate Moving Costs

The True Cost of Your Move

Don’t Count On That Security Deposit

Follow us:

The benefits of registering: