Ultimate Guide to Finding Help with Moving Costs
There is a lot of time and effort that goes into moving to a new place. Aside from packing and cleaning, there are additional factors such as transportation costs and security deposits. All of these expenses add up and can be pricey.
The physical labor of moving is stressful enough on its own, and moving expenses can make it even more challenging, especially for low-income families or vulnerable groups.
The good news is that there are low-income moving assistance programs to help with the financial burden of moving house. We’ve gathered resources to help ease the financial pressure, so you can comfortably settle into your new place.
4 Ways to Get Help with Moving Expenses
1. Apply for Moving Grants
From transportation grants to grants for housing, families can get low-income moving assistance to help cover expenses. One nationwide grant is offered by Move.org. It’s free to apply, and it only takes a few minutes to fill out the application.
Move.org moving grant
There is a moving grant offered by Move.org. The grant is a one-time relocation package of $500 for people who are planning to move. The grant can go towards things like truck rentals, paying a moving company, and car shipping.
You must live in the United States and be moving in the next six months to apply. Move.org offers five grants each month. Once you apply, Move.org will be in contact with you within 30 days of your move-in date to see if you qualify for one of their grants.
2. Use Crowdfunding to Get Financial Help
Crowdfunding can help you quickly and easily overcome the financial barriers you may face while moving. When dealing with a personal financial crisis, it can be difficult to ask for help. But with crowdfunding, it’s easy to share your fundraiser with friends and family on social media.
An advantage of online fundraising on GoFundMe is that there isn’t an application process to start raising money. Additionally, you can secure funds faster than other forms of financial aid from the government or nonprofits. This is helpful because you can access the donations you receive throughout your fundraising, even before your fundraiser reaches its goal.
3. Get Charity Support for Moving Costs
There are multiple nonprofit organizations that provide financial aid for low-income individuals and families. Financial support ranges from short-term to long-term assistance based on each program and an individual’s situation. The following are some charities that offer help with moving expenses, including some local organizations and national support services.
Modest Needs
Modest Needs’ Self-Sufficiency Grants provide help to low-income individuals or families who are not eligible for most conventional types of assistance. These grants offer short-term aid for emergency expenses such as relocation assistance. There are certain criteria to qualify for this grant, so be sure to check the guidelines before you apply.
The YWCA
The YWCA is one of the largest women’s organizations in the US helping women and their families. This nonprofit works to empower women, promote justice and peace, and eradicate racism through support services. The organization also offers financial help to low-income individuals for relocation assistance. To apply for financial aid, you must live near a YWCA office. Once you locate your local YWCA office, go to their website and check out the available housing resources and eligibility criteria.
Salvation Army’s Housing Now Program
The Salvation Army’s Housing Now program offers short-term rental and housing assistance for low-income families who are experiencing homelessness. Aside from rental assistance, the Housing Now program also provides home visits, case management, and other resources. To be eligible, all applicants must live in the Denver metro area. View their website for more eligibility guidelines.
The Salvation Army also runs long-term housing support services for vulnerable groups, including affordable housing programs for low-income seniors to apartment assistance for vulnerable young adults.
4. Government Moving Assistance Programs
Low-income families may qualify for housing programs offered by the US government. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has multiple moving assistance programs. Take a look at their website to learn more about their services.
Below are other government resources that help with moving costs and more:
The Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Housing Choice Voucher (also known as Section 8) is a federal program providing housing assistance to over 2.3 million American households, including low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Recipients who receive the voucher can use it to help pay for privately owned housing.
Good Neighbor Next Door
The Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program is offered through HUD. This program helps teachers, emergency medical technicians, firefighters, and more buy a home with a 50% discount off the listing price. Only certain, eligible single-family homes in revitalization areas are listed for purchase through the program. Take a look at the listings in your state to get started.
Federal Relocation Assistance Program
The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) offers grants through the Federal Relocation Assistance Program. If your home is affected by a natural disaster, this program can provide you with resources to help with moving expenses. Additionally, this program can also help with temporary housing or home repairs.
Veterans Affairs Housing Assistance
Through the Department of Veterans Affairs, housing assistance is offered to veterans and service members. The housing assistance grants can help refinance a loan or purchase a home. The VA also offers resources to help veterans improve, build, or keep the home that they have now.
USDA Rural Housing Service
The various programs offered by the USDA’s Rural Housing Service aim to improve housing and facilities in rural areas. Families and individuals who live in rural areas are eligible for grants, loans, and loan guarantees. They also work with nonprofits and other agencies to provide technical assistance, grants, and loans.
The Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG)
The ESG program helps vulnerable people find stable housing after experiencing homelessness or being at risk of homelessness. It can provide funding for street outreach, emergency shelter, rapid re-housing assistance, and homelessness prevention. The program supports both shelter providers and individuals in need, so read the ESG requirements to see eligibility requirements.
Can I Write Off Moving Expenses?
In 2018, tax laws changed in the US, which now means that in most states, you can’t write off your moving costs. This means you can no longer claim this deduction on your federal return. This change is set to stay in place until 2025.
There are a few exceptions to the rule, including people who are in the military who meet certain circumstances. Certain states still allow people to write off their moving expenses. These states are:
- New York
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- Arkansas
- California
- Hawaii
- Pennsylvania
However, each state has a different interpretation of the tax deduction, so be sure to do your research.
Stories of People Using GoFundMe to Get Help with Moving Costs
Every day, people start a GoFundMe for their needs and dreams. If you need rent relief, GoFundMe is here to help. The following are stories of individuals who have plucked up the courage to ask for donations and have created a fundraiser to get help with moving expenses:
Help Nora and Kassandra with Moving Costs
Nora and Kassandra are facing eviction from their apartment and have spent the last 2 months trying to find another place. Unfortunately, during their search, they fell victim to a scam and lost nearly $600 after responding to a fake listing. Now, they have found a home to move into, but they need some help with the moving costs. They have launched a GoFundMe to help offset the cost of their deposit, the cost of movers, and all the hassle of getting set up in a new apartment. So far, they have raised more than $6,000.
Help Alyssa’s Family with Urgent Moving & Medical Costs
Alyssa’s father has been undergoing grueling treatment for pancreatic cancer and has sadly been given 2-4 months left to live. In order to care for him, Alyssa has had to drop her hours down to part-time, and she is struggling to make ends meet. In order to continue to care for her father, she wants him to move in with her. She has started a GoFundMe to help with the moving costs, and she has raised more than $3,000 so far.
Start Raising Money to Cover Moving Costs
Moving to a new home comes with a lot of expenses. If you need emergency rental assistance or emergency financial assistance, GoFundMe is here to support you every step of the way. Crowdfunding takes the fear out of asking for help from your network of family and friends and can help you fund essential life moments. It’s easy to start a fundraiser on GoFundMe, and we are on hand to show you how it works and to answer any questions you may have. Start today to begin raising money for relocation assistance.