How much buffer do you need for moving costs?

A move is often seen as a fresh start, but financially it can be quite a challenge. In 2026, the costs of transport, labor and materials increased, putting a tight budget under pressure more quickly than before. Many people make the mistake of only calculating the costs of the moving van and the new rent or mortgage. The reality, however, is that moving involves a series of “invisible” expenses that only come to light when the moving boxes are already in the hallway.

How big does your financial buffer really need to be in 2026 to avoid the stress of unexpected costs? In this article, we dive into the structure of moving costs and why a margin of 15% to 25% is now the norm.

Direct moving costs: More than just a van

The basis of your budget consists of physically moving your belongings. In 2026, we will see that the rates for professional movers are highly dependent on the timing and the level of service.

• Professional movers: A fully arranged move for an average family home costs between €1,200 and €2,200 in 2026. This includes staff, insurance and fuel surcharges. If you move on a Saturday or during the popular holiday months, these rates can increase by up to 20%.
• DIY moving: Renting a truck yourself seems cheaper, but don't forget the additional costs. Think of the deposit, the insurance with a high deductible, the fuel and the extra kilometers. The costs for aids such as hand trucks, moving blankets and straps are also often forgotten in the initial calculation.

The hidden costs of the new home

Once the key is turned, a new series of expenses begins. Even if a home is sold or rented “ready to move in”, adjustments are always necessary that directly affect the budget.

• Cleaning and basic necessities: Having a home thoroughly cleaned before you move in will cost an average of €250 to €500 in 2026. In addition, you will often spend hundreds of euros on small things in the first week: new filters for the extractor, toilet brushes, cleaning products, smoke detectors and lighting.
• Connection costs: Transferring or disconnecting the internet, television and utilities often involves one-off activation costs. Although this is only €25 to €50 per mail, the total amount for all services quickly adds up to a considerable sum.

Modifications and “Quick fixes”

One of the biggest reasons why budgets will be exceeded in 2026 is the need for minor technical adjustments. In the excitement of the viewing, you often don't see that the curtain rails don't match your curtains or that one wall really needs a second coat of paint.

Buying paint, brushes, cover film and tools for minor repairs costs an average of €400 to €800 for a standard home. Because prices for construction materials are volatile in 2026, this item is almost always more expensive than planned. Without a buffer, you often have to remove these costs from your daily grocery money, which causes immediate financial tension.

The overlapping monthly payments

This is the item that is most often underestimated: the period in which you pay double charges. In 2026, due to the shortage on the market, it will be difficult to perfectly coordinate the transfer of your old and new home.

On average, tenants and buyers have to deal with an overlap of two weeks to one month. This means that you pay rent or mortgage twice, municipal taxes twice, and twice the basic fixed rights for energy and water in one month. Without a buffer that covers at least one full month of housing costs, you are guaranteed to be in trouble at the end of the moving month.

Calculate the ideal buffer

So how do you determine the exact amount? Experts recommend working with a layered buffer strategy:

• The 20% rule: Take the total amount of your estimated costs (mover + interior + paint) and add 20% by default for unforeseen issues such as a broken washing machine during the move or extra parking permits.
• The “Double Month” Buffer: In addition to your moving costs, make sure you have an amount in your account that equals one month of your new housing costs. This covers the overlap and the first unexpected collections from utilities.
• Service and administration costs: Take into account around €300 to €500 for administrative actions, such as registering with a new municipality, arranging parking exemptions for the moving van and any mediation costs for new contracts.

Why a large buffer gives rest

In 2026, moving is more than just moving boxes; it is a logistical operation in an expensive economy. The psychological peace that a financial buffer provides is priceless. Nothing is more annoying than sitting in a beautiful new home and worrying about whether you'll be able to eat properly in the coming week because the mover had to work unexpectedly due to a faulty elevator.

By proactively budgeting and taking into account the rising prices of 2026, you ensure that the focus remains on what matters: feeling at home in your new place. A good buffer is not an “extra”; it is an essential part of a successful move.