CLEARBORROW · PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 12, 2026

Moving loans: costs, estimates and cheaper options

By Petrov Andriy, founder and editor · AI-assisted desk research

QUICK ANSWER

Know the real cost before you borrow. For interstate moves, federal rules require written estimates; under a non-binding estimate the mover cannot require you to pay more than 110% of the estimate at delivery, and a binding estimate fixes the price unless you add items or services. Then compare a personal loan with cheaper options such as a smaller move, a rental truck or timing it after payday.

YOUR NEXT STEP

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Loan matching

50KLoans

Published amount: $500–$50,000
Cost: Varies; conflicting disclosures

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PersonalLoans

Published amount: $250–$35,000
Cost: 5.99%–35.89% generally advertised

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Alphabetical order, not a ranking. Confirm state availability with the provider. You can review an offer and decline it.

On this page

Get the estimate right first
What to include in a moving budget
What a moving loan costs
Ways to need less
Questions
Sources and limits

Get the estimate right first

Estimate type	What it means
Binding	You cannot be required to pay more than the estimate, unless you add items or services
Non-binding	Not a guarantee; the mover cannot require more than 110% of it at delivery

Rules for interstate moves: FMCSA ↗, FMCSA estimates ↗. A mover may not charge for a non-binding estimate. Local moves follow state rules.

What to include in a moving budget

Movers or truck rental, fuel and equipment.
Deposit and first month’s rent at the new place — see security deposit help.
Utility connection fees and overlap rent.

What a moving loan costs

Our example: $3,000	Monthly payment	Interest
18% APR, 24 months	$149.77	$594.54
35.99% APR, 24 months	$177.13	$1,251.03

Our arithmetic. See $3,000 loans.

Ways to need less

Get at least three written estimates.
Move fewer items: sell or donate before the move.
Ask your employer whether it pays relocation costs.

Questions

Can I get a loan for moving expenses?

Yes, a personal loan can usually be used for moving costs. Compare APR, fees and total repayment.

What if the mover asks for more on delivery?

Under a non-binding estimate for an interstate move, the mover cannot require more than 110% of the estimate at delivery.

Are moving estimates free?

A mover may not charge for a non-binding estimate on an interstate move; it may charge for a binding estimate.

Sources and limits

Sources checked November 12, 2026. This is general information, not legal, tax or benefits advice; rules differ by state. Worked examples are our own arithmetic, not offers. How we use sources.