How Can I Get Help Moving Out? Where to Find Assistance

Moving can be a challenging and expensive undertaking, often involving more than just transporting belongings. Many individuals and families encounter hurdles such as securing upfront costs, coordinating logistics, or navigating personal circumstances that make relocation difficult. Fortunately, various forms of assistance exist to alleviate these burdens, spanning financial aid, physical moving support, and specialized community-based resources.

Securing Financial Assistance for Moving

Financial support is often a primary need when moving, as expenses like security deposits, first month’s rent, and transportation costs can quickly accumulate. Several sources offer monetary aid. Government housing assistance programs, for instance, may provide emergency rental assistance or help with security deposits for eligible individuals and families. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers various programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program and the Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program, which provide rental and relocation assistance.

Non-profit organizations also play a significant role in offering financial aid. Charities like Catholic Charities, The Salvation Army, and the YWCA frequently provide emergency moving assistance, particularly for those facing homelessness or other crises. Modest Needs offers grants for moving costs. Community action agencies can also be a hub for assistance with major bills and security deposits. To locate these programs, individuals can contact local housing authorities, visit charity websites, or utilize the 211 service, a national hotline that connects people with local community resources.

Employer relocation benefits can also offer substantial financial help, although understanding their tax implications is important. Most employer-provided relocation benefits are considered taxable income through 2025, which can impact an employee’s net income and tax bracket. While most taxpayers cannot deduct moving expenses, active-duty military members moving under orders are an exception. To mitigate the tax burden, some employers may “gross up” relocation payments, providing additional funds to cover associated tax liabilities.

Organizing Physical Moving Support

Beyond financial considerations, the physical act of moving requires considerable effort. Various options exist to help with packing, loading, transporting, and unloading belongings. Professional moving companies offer a range of services, from full-service moves that handle all aspects of relocation, to labor-only services where movers assist solely with heavy lifting like loading and unloading a truck you provide. Full-service movers can be more expensive but offer comprehensive solutions, while labor-only options are more affordable if you prefer to manage transportation yourself.

Enlisting the help of friends and family can be a cost-effective way to manage the physical demands of a move. This approach requires careful organization and preparation, such as having boxes packed and clearly labeled before helpers arrive. Providing refreshments and clearly defined tasks can make the process smoother for everyone involved. Some community volunteer groups or student moving services may also offer assistance, often at reduced rates or on a volunteer basis. These services can be particularly useful for tasks like packing, loading, or even full moves, depending on the organization.

Accessing Specialized Community Resources

For individuals with unique circumstances, specialized community resources offer tailored support that goes beyond general financial or physical moving assistance. Organizations often cater to specific populations, providing comprehensive aid. For example, seniors may find help through Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), senior centers, or local Aging & Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs), which offer relocation guidance, referrals, and sometimes direct moving services or financial aid. Housing Opportunities & Maintenance for the Elderly (H.O.M.E.) offers moving assistance to low-income seniors.

Individuals with disabilities can access support from various organizations that provide moving grants and support services. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) also offers grants and resources for individuals with disabilities, while groups such as the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) connect individuals with tailored moving assistance. Some non-profits focus on funding moving-related items and connecting clients with volunteers for physical tasks, ensuring access to safe and accessible homes.

Veterans can find assistance through programs like the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), which helps homeless or at-risk veterans with housing search, initial rent costs, and moving expenses. Organizations such as Operation Homefront and Homes for Our Troops provide financial aid and adapted housing for military families and severely injured veterans. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers various relocation assistance programs, including home loans and grants. Local social service agencies and faith-based organizations can also connect individuals to these specialized local resources based on their specific needs and eligibility.