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About 28 million Americans made a move in 2021, with about 5 million moving interstate. As you’re probably painfully aware, a move can cost several thousand dollars, whether you’re going across town or cross-country. Amid the chaos of purging and packing, it’s easy to forget some of the moving-related costs you might face.

The key to paying for a move without a load of stress is planning. We’ve drawn up a Moving Expenses Checklist that aims to include every little thing that needs to be accounted for in your budget, from supplies to cleaning to a new driver’s license and car registration.

Your Moving Expenses Checklist

Like a lot of things in life, moving costs aren’t entirely predictable. Much depends on how far you’re going, whether you’re crossing state lines, how much stuff you have, and so on. Our aim is to cover the basics — truck, strong movers — as well as the costs that sneak up on you midway. Keep on reading to find out what they are.

1. Moving Your Stuff

There are at least three different ways to get your stuff from one place to another: Rent a moving truck, pay professional movers, or rent and move a storage container.

Renting your own truck. Yes, this is usually the cheapest route. The downside is that you — and possibly your friends — will be putting in many hours of hard labor.

At first glance, renting a moving truck or van for an across-town move seems like a great deal. You may be familiar with companies advertising van rentals for $19.99. Except that figure doesn’t include gas, tolls, parking, damage protection, and cost per mile. Suddenly, that $20 becomes more like $100.

If you enlist friends and family to help, factor in the price of pizza, beer, or gift cards to lure them to your aid and keep them motivated. Also, long-distance moves may involve shipping some boxes, which adds up quickly.

Hiring pros. Get estimates from a few companies to make sure you’re getting a good deal. A local move is usually considered under 100 miles. A long-distance move is anything more than 100 miles. Expect to pay $800-$2,500 for a basic local move with two movers, and $2,200-$5,700 for a long-distance move.

The price of a local move is often based on an hourly rate; some companies may offer a flat rate. In some states, if you’re moving more than 50 miles, the cost may be based on the weight of the truckload instead of the hourly rate.

A packing service can add a chunk to these costs. You may also want to purchase “full value protection” insurance through your mover to protect your belongings in case of loss or damage.

Hauling a container. Moving a self-storage container, those units popularized by PODS®, is typically less expensive than using full-service movers. Three factors influence your cost: the size of your home, the distance you’re moving, and seasonality. A local container move can range from $1,100 to $1,600, including the container and transport. A 1,000 mile move costs on average $4,430 for the contents of an average-size home. Prices tend to be higher during “moving season,” typically March through August.

If you’re comparing quotes, know that each company handles costs differently. Some itemize the costs for each part of the move; others include everything in one quote.

Recommended: Get Your Personal Loan Approved

2. Transporting Yourself

Short or long move, you’ll have to get yourself there, too. That could mean a road trip, which includes gas, tolls, possibly lodging, and meals along the way. An online fuel cost calculator can help you tally how much you’ll spend on gas. Otherwise, it means the cost of a plane ticket, getting yourself to and from the airport, and possibly the price of shipping your car.

3. Moving Supplies

You probably know that you’ll need boxes. But don’t forget the oodles of tape, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, labels, and protective blankets for furniture. And you’ll need to rent or buy a dolly if you’re planning a DIY move.

You may be able to save by asking for free boxes from local grocery stores and using recycled newspaper as packing material. But the little things can still add up.

4. Costs Upon Arrival

If you’re renting, you might owe a security deposit and first month’s rent to your new landlord. You may also be responsible for a pet deposit or fees for getting utilities hooked up.

If you’re moving into a home of your own, you might need to make repairs before you settle in. Some new homeowners also invest in changing locks, putting in security alarms, or replacing smoke detectors.

You may also want to take care of renovating some areas before all your stuff is in the way, and if you have a lawn for the first time, you might need to buy a mower or hire a service.

Will you need a storage unit? Plan on $100 to $300 a month.

Recommended: Personal Loan vs Credit Card: What’s the Better Option?

5. Cleaning Costs and Supplies

You might be responsible for leaving your old place in tip-top shape. That means paying for stuff like floor cleaner, mops, brushes, and wipes. You may also need to hire a carpet cleaner or house cleaners if you’re short on time or your place needs serious attention.

On the other end, you might need supplies to clean your new apartment or house before you unpack everything.

6. Furniture and Other Items

Even if you’re bringing a lot of things with you, chances are you’ll need to buy some furniture for your new home. You might save by searching online or perusing garage sales and flea markets.

Still, if you need any substantial pieces, like a bed, couch, or table, you could be looking at a few hundred dollars. Beyond furniture, if you’ve moved far away, you might need to stock your new place with all kinds of everyday items, from groceries and pantry staples to toiletries.

7. New License and Vehicle Registration

If you’re moving to a different state and have a car, you’ll need to apply for a new license and register your car with the local department of motor vehicles. This comes with a fee, of course. Vehicle registration can cost up to $225, depending on the state. A new driver’s license can cost around $30 to $60.

Preparing for Moving Costs

When making a moving-cost checklist, the worst budgeting mistake you can make is underestimate your needs because you’re not sure how you’ll pay for them. If anything, you want to pad your budget so that unexpected costs don’t make the experience harder than it has to be.

If you’ve got the cash to cover your move, great. That’s what emergency savings are for. You can also use a 0% interest credit card, crowdsource from friends and family, or consider a personal loan.

Personal loans are a form of installment debt, where you receive a lump sum that you then repay in equal monthly payments. There are different types of personal loans, so you can choose the terms that best fit your budget and circumstances.

Believe it or not, moving expenses are one of the most common uses for personal loans. And because of their relatively low fixed rates compared to high-interest credit cards, you can roll in related new-home expenses like new furniture and painting.

The Takeaway

Moving is a major financial commitment, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. When planning a move, first decide whether you’re going to DIY or hire pros. Then make a list of packing supplies, cleaning supplies and services, and the cost of moving yourself if it’s long-distance. Next, consider your costs upon arrival: security deposit, prepping your new space, replacement furniture, and new household items. If you’re moving interstate, there may be car-related expenses, such as a new license and registration. And it’s always wise to pad your budget — 10%-20% — to accommodate anything unexpected.

Planning a move and need money to help? A SoFi personal loan can be a smart way to cover your costs without adding emotional baggage. Our personal loan calculator can help you choose the terms that are right for you.

^* Same-Day Personal Loan Funding: 86% of typical SoFi Personal Loan applications, excluding Direct Pay Personal Loans and Personal Loan refinance, from January 1, 2021 to December 1, 2021 that were signed before 7pm ET on a business day were funded the same day.
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Dental care is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as oral health is connected to health issues in other parts of the body.

The demand for dentists, like other health care professionals, is on the rise, partly due to an aging U.S. population and partly due to more attention on dental health with each generation. The aging population is likely to need additional oral care, some of which can include complicated procedures.

By learning about the average tuition costs and ways to pay for dental school, prospective students can figure out if a dental career is the right choice for their future.

Employment Outlook for Dentists

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects there to be a 6% increase in available dentist jobs from 2021 to 2031. Dentists can work in a variety of settings, such as in private practice — either on their own or with a partner — or in an outpatient care center, among others.

The median annual salary of a general dentist was $163,220 in 2021. For perspective, the median annual U.S. income in the same year was $70,784.

While dentistry pays well, it also costs a lot to become a dentist. Dental school programs typically take four years to complete after students have already completed a bachelor’s degree. A degree from an accredited dental school will be either a D.D.S. — Doctor of Dental Surgery — or a D.M.D. — Doctor of Dental Medicine.

Individual universities determine which degree is awarded, but they are both approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), a part of the American Dental Association (ADA). Whichever degree a dental graduate is awarded, chances are they may also have hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of student loan debt to contend with after graduation.

How Much Does Dental School Cost?

The range of dental school costs depends on whether a student is in state (resident) or out of state (non-resident), and whether attending a public or private school. In-state public school tuition is typically going to be the least expensive option for most students.

According to the ADA, the average first-year cost of dental school (public or private), including tuition and mandatory fees, in 2021-2022 was $53,601 for residents and $71,742 for non-residents.

The cost difference between public schools and private schools can be substantial. The average resident cost for the first year of a public dental school program was $39,662, while the resident cost for private dental school was $72,271. After four years in school, students are looking at between $158,648 and $289,084 worth of debt, on average.

According to the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), in 2021, 81% of dental school students graduated with dental school debt. The average debt for a dental school graduate for the same year was $284,855.

Prospective students can compare the cost of dental schools and then determine how much they are willing to pay for their education. According to the ADA, there are 70 accredited dental schools throughout the United States and 10 in Canada.

Ways to Pay for Dental School

Even though dental school tuition can be expensive, students have options when figuring out how to afford it. Students can explore scholarships, grants, fellowships, or service programs to help pay for dental school.

Federal or private student loans are also an option. After graduating from dental school, some borrowers may consider refinancing their student loans as they pay off dental school debt. Continue reading for more details on ways to pay for dental school.

1. Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are awards that, in most cases, don’t have to be repaid. For students without the means to pay for tuition and other costs from personal savings, exploring these options may be a good place to start.

Dental schools may offer scholarships and grants to students who meet certain academic standards or who are working towards a certain type of degree, for example. When researching dental schools, prospective students may consider asking financial aid offices about available scholarships and grants.

Along with reaching out to schools, students may want to research scholarships and grants through organizations like The American Dental Association, The American Association of Public Health Dentistry, or The American Dental Education Association. There are also a variety of online scholarship search tools that students can use to find scholarships.

Recommended: What Is a Scholarship & How to Get One?

2. Employment

Dental school is rigorous, but if students have the time and energy, they may want to consider working to supplement their educational costs. The Federal Work-Study program is available to graduate and professional students with financial need, and has the same eligibility requirements and position availability as it does for undergraduate students. Financial aid offices at individual schools will have information pertaining to this program.

Training grants and fellowships, an option some dental students might find appealing, are sources of funding that often include a stipend and sometimes cover part of a student’s tuition.

These programs are designed to further a student’s education in a specific research area that interests them. They differ from simple grants in that there is a work component to them.

3. Service Programs

The Bureau of Health Workforce offers scholarships, loans, and loan repayment programs to eligible healthcare students and workers, including those in the dental field. One program, the National Health Service Corps (NHSC), provides scholarships to eligible students pursuing degrees in certain health professions.

In exchange for two years of full-time service in an underserved area, recipients will receive one year of scholarship support, up to a limit of four school years. The Bureau of Health Workforce also offers grants to eligible applicants through the Oral Health Workforce Development programs.

Service programs are also offered through the Indian Health Service (IHS). Eligible American Indian and Alaska Native students can apply for the IHS Scholarship, externship programs, or loan repayment programs. Scholarships are available to eligible students in pre-dental programs or for those completing dental school.

Recipients agree to serve a two-year commitment with the IHS. Third-year dental students can choose to apply for an externship, which typically spans two to four weeks, with placement in an Indian health facility. Loan repayment programs are either through the IHS or the NHSC. Both include a service commitment.

Students willing to serve in the military may want to consider programs through the United States Army, Navy, or Air Force. Each branch offers scholarships through the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP).

Military scholarships cover full tuition and other related costs, plus a monthly stipend. Recipients agree to serve on active military duty in exchange for scholarship funds — the number of years varies with the branch and the number of years the student receives the scholarship.

4. Federal Student Loans

Completing the FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form is the first step students should take to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. To fill out the form, they will need to provide personal identification and financial records.

Federal student loans for graduate and professional school students are either Direct Unsubsidized Loans or Direct PLUS Loans. Students may borrow up to $20,500 each year in Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and eligibility is not based on financial need.

If a student has costs in excess of that borrowing limit, they may want to consider a Direct PLUS Loan. Like a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, eligibility for a Direct PLUS Loan is not based on financial need, although a credit check is required.

Students are encouraged to ask the financial aid office at their school about school-based loans that might be available. Some federal funds are offered to schools instead of directly to students and are tied to certain eligibility requirements.

5. Private Student Loans

It’s always recommended that students exhaust all federal student loan options before considering a private student loan. But if there is still a financial need, a private student loan may be the right choice for some students. Private student loans are available from private lenders and are awarded based on factors including your income, credit history, and credit score, among other factors.

Considering Student Loan Refinancing

After graduating, now-dentists may consider refinancing their student loans to secure a more competitive interest rate or more favorable terms. Refinancing also allows borrowers to combine all their loans into a single loan. This won’t be the right choice for all borrowers because when you refinance federal loans you’ll lose access to any federal benefits — like any loan forgiveness options.

Should you refinance your student loans? The answer is personal and will depend on factors including the amount of student debt you currently have, your credit score, income, and whether you are refinancing without a cosigner.

A cosigner is someone who agrees to repay the loan if you are unable to do so for any reason. Adding a cosigner can potentially strengthen your application, allowing you to secure more competitive terms than without the cosigner.

Recommended: Student Loan Refinance Guide

To get an idea of what refinancing could do for your student loans, take a look at SoFi’s student loan refinancing calculator.

The Takeaway

Dental school can be expensive but can lead to a fulfilling and lucrative career. When determining how to pay for dental school, students can explore dental school scholarships, grants, federal student loans, and private student loans. After graduating, former students may consider student loan refinancing, to combine their existing loans and hopefully secure more competitive terms.

Graduate school loans from SoFi have competitive rates, no fees, fixed and variable loan rates, and multiple repayment options. Pre-qualification can be completed in as little as three minutes.

SoFi members can access live customer support seven days a week, may qualify for rate discounts on additional SoFi loans, and have access to other exclusive member benefits.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs. SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

SoFi Student Loan Refinance
If you are a federal student loan borrower, you should consider all of your repayment opportunities including the opportunity to refinance your student loan debt at a lower APR or to extend your term to achieve a lower monthly payment. Please note that once you refinance federal student loans you will no longer be eligible for current or future flexible payment options available to federal loan borrowers, including but not limited to income-based repayment plans or extended repayment plans.