Top 4 Ways to Get 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 all on its own, and moving expenses can make it even more challenging. The good news is that there are ways to get help with moving costs. The resources we’ve gathered will help ease the financial burden of moving so that 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
This moving grant by Move.org is a one-time relocation package of $500 for people who are planning to move. The grant can go towards things like truck rentals, moving services, and car shipping. You must live in the United States and be moving in the next six months in order 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 charities 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:
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. The organization also offers financial help to low-income individuals for relocation assistance. To apply for financial aid, you must live nearby a YWCA office. Once you locate your local YWCA office, go to their website and check out the housing resources that are available.
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.
4. Government moving assistance programs
Low-income families may qualify for benefits 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:
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 GNND 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.
Stories of people using GoFundMe to get help with moving costs
Every day, people start a GoFundMe for their needs and dreams. If you’re in need of rent relief, GoFundMe is here to help. The following are stories of individuals who have created a fundraiser to get help with moving expenses:
Help Greene Family’s Moving Costs
Heather, a single mom, and her two kids were notified by their landlord that they need to evacuate their home. Heather and her family have lived in their home for fourteen years, and her daughter is medically fragile. Heather is also dealing with health problems herself. Her family is barely getting by and can’t afford a moving truck, application fees, a security deposit, and more. Since her daughter uses a wheelchair, Heather will also need to cover the expense of a wheelchair ramp for their new place. Overwhelmed by everything that is happening and needing extra financial support, Heather started a GoFundMe and has raised over $3,700.
Help the Cooke Family with Moving Costs
Brian and his family were faced with losing their California home that they’ve lived in for twenty years. Their landlord decided to sell the property, leaving Brian and his family in a tough financial spot. Brian is the sole provider of his family and works full time to support them. Unfortunately, rent in California has skyrocketed, making it hard to relocate within California. Brian’s friends, Aska, Harpeet, and Benjamin, started a team fundraiser on GoFundMe on behalf of Brian to help him and his family pay for moving costs and their security deposit for their new home. The fundraiser has raised over $6,000 and has helped Brian and his family settle in their new residence in Temple, Texas.
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. It’s easy to start a fundraiser on GoFundMe. Start today to begin raising money for relocation assistance.