So, you've found a new home and are beginning the process of moving. Everything seems to be falling into place, but have you thought about the expense of the move itself? According to results of a 2016 Mid-Year Consumer Survey by Georgia Credit Union Affiliates, 29 percent of respondents plan to move within the next two years.
 
Nearly 10 percent of U.S. residents are dissatisfied with their current housing to the point that they want to move, according to a U.S. Census Bureau report released in March of 2015. Some of the reasons listed in the report included dissatisfaction with local safety, neighborhood and public services. However, only 18.3 percent of the 11.2 million respondents (about 2 million) who wanted to move actually did.
 
Forty-seven percent of respondents to the Mid-Year Consumer Survey said the biggest moving expense is paying movers, 13 percent said connecting utilities at the new home, 12 percent said renting moving equipment and 10 percent said taking time off from work is the biggest moving expense. It's important for consumers to become educated about the various costs of a move and learn what their financial options are. Whether a potential mover needs financial advice or a short-term loan to help with moving expenses, a credit union can help.
 
Hiring professional movers is likely one of the largest moving expenses. However, the calculation of a moving price is done on a case-by-case basis, according to an article on Mymovingreviews.com. The relocation costs consumers incur will be dependent on factors such as moving distance, shipping weight and additional services.
 
According to the American Moving & Storage Association, the average cost of an intrastate move in 2015 was $1,170 and the average cost of a move between states was $5,630. The cost is based on a load size of 7,100 pounds.
 
While connecting utilities can be costly, if possible, some companies allow customers to transfer services to a new address for a minimal fee, or at no cost at all. Next to hiring movers, start-up costs can put a dent in the wallet. According to The Simple Dollar, when renting an apartment or home, start-up costs usually include things like a security deposit, first and last month's rent, an application fee and a pet deposit. Average closing costs typically range from 2 percent to 5 percent of the cost of a home, according to Zillow.
 
Insider's Perspective:

"When moving, sometimes it's easy to think about the cost of the rent or mortgage but, there is so much more," said GEMC Federal Credit Union President Denise Swan, whose daughter recently moved into her first apartment. "Each utility such as gas, electric, cable, water that is turned on requires some type of hookup fee or deposit. A deposit will also most likely be needed for an apartment, especially if a pet will be living there."
 
Swan suggests people should pack and move as many of their belongings as they can. This will save money on a moving service, which could charge by the hour and the weight of the load.
 
"Instead of buying boxes, visit package, grocery or warehouse stores for boxes and use extra clothing or linens for protection of fragile items," Swan suggests. "There are many non-traditional moving companies to just help with the big pieces of furniture and you can move the smaller items in your own vehicle or borrow a friend's or family's. Those last minute expenses can come out of nowhere, so credit unions can help with a short term personal loan or here at GEMC, we offer a one-time payment deferral if needed."
 
Swan says that it's important to have a cushion of extra funds because unexpected expenses always come up.
 
"And clear out clutter and purge unnecessary items before packing," said Swan. "Don't take it with you."
 
Tips to cut moving costs:

Insure your belongings - Check licenses and insurance of the moving company you choose. Hiring a non-reliable company can cost you big in damages to your possessions.  Always look for an experienced company with professional employees for a stress-free move. You should also get all your items insured so you don't have to worry about unforeseen circumstances.

Don't buy boxes - Instead of purchasing boxes and packaging materials, visit local grocery, packaging and warehouses for boxes. Use clothes, linens and old newspapers to wrap fragile items.

Purge clutter - Movers often charge clients who are moving out of state based on the weight of the truck. Throw out anything you don't need or want anymore. Or even better, hold a garage sale and use that money to help pay the movers or to purchase new items for your new home.

Check with a local credit union - Many credit unions offer short-term loans to help with circumstances such as a move. Some credit unions may also offer a one-time payment deferral.