Finding a Missoula rental that fits your monthly budget is important, but the advertised rent is only one number to consider when you’re planning a move.
Before you pick up the keys, you may need money for your first month’s rent, security deposit, application costs, utility setup, moving expenses, pet-related costs, and all the little things a new home suddenly seems to need.
Individually, some of these expenses may not seem significant. When several occur within the same few weeks, however, they can add up quickly.
Whether you’re moving to Missoula from another city or simply moving across town, creating a move-in budget ahead of time can make the transition much easier. Here’s what you should consider.
1. First Month’s Rent
Start with the most obvious expense: rent.
When you’re looking at available Missoula rentals, note the monthly rent for each property you’re considering and when the first payment will be due.
Don’t make the mistake of using your entire moving budget to cover the initial costs without thinking about next month’s rent, too.
Once you’re moved in, regular expenses start immediately. Ideally, your budget should leave enough room that you’re not scrambling when the next rent payment comes due.
Look Beyond the Advertised Rent
Two rentals advertised at the same monthly price won’t necessarily cost the same amount to live in.
Utilities, parking, pet expenses, transportation costs, and other recurring charges can make one considerably more expensive than another.
That’s why it’s useful to calculate your total monthly cost of renting rather than choosing a property based solely on its advertised rent.
2. Security Deposit
A security deposit can be one of the largest upfront costs associated with moving into a rental.
The exact amount will depend on the property and your rental agreement, so review the listing and application information carefully.
When you’re comparing apartments, keep the security deposit in mind alongside the monthly rent.
Understand How Your Security Deposit Works
A security deposit isn’t simply an additional month’s rent.
It may be used in accordance with your lease and applicable Montana law for qualifying charges after you move out, such as unpaid obligations or damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Before moving your belongings into the property, follow the required move-in inspection process and document the condition of your new home carefully.
Photos can also be helpful for your own records.
Understanding security deposits and move-out charges before you move in can help prevent confusion later.
3. Application Costs
Before you reach the move-in stage, there may be costs associated with applying for a rental.
Review the listing and rental application requirements before submitting your application so you know what is required.
If you’re applying with roommates or other adult occupants, determine whether each person needs to complete a separate application.
Don’t Apply Until You’ve Reviewed the Requirements
Apartment hunting can get expensive if you’re submitting applications without first determining whether the rental is actually a good fit.
Before applying, review:
- Monthly rent
- Security deposit
- Income requirements
- Rental criteria
- Pet policies
- Move-in date
- Lease terms
- Included utilities
- Parking
- Other applicable requirements or charges
Taking a few minutes to review the details can help you avoid spending money applying for a property that doesn’t meet your needs.
4. Utility Setup and Your First Utility Bills
Utilities can be easy to overlook when you’re focused on rent and deposits.
Depending on the property, some utilities may be included while others are the resident’s responsibility.
You might be responsible for services such as:
- Electricity
- Natural gas
- Water
- Sewer
- Trash
- Internet
Check the individual rental listing and lease to determine exactly what’s included.
If you’re responsible for establishing utilities in your name, ask whether there are setup fees or deposits and when service needs to begin.
Ask About Typical Utility Costs
Utility expenses can vary significantly depending on the size and type of home, heating system, season, number of occupants, and individual usage.
If you’re unfamiliar with Montana winters, remember that seasonal utility costs can be different from what you’ve experienced elsewhere.
Learning how to keep your Missoula rental comfortable during winter can help you manage energy usage once colder weather arrives.
5. Moving Expenses
Moving itself costs money, even if you’re only relocating a few miles.
How much you’ll spend depends largely on how much you own and whether you’re doing the work yourself.
Possible expenses include:
- Professional movers
- Moving truck or van rental
- Gas
- Boxes
- Packing materials
- Tape
- Furniture protection
- Storage
- Cleaning supplies
- Food and drinks on moving day
If you’re moving to Missoula from another city or state, transportation and travel costs may become a much larger part of your budget.
DIY Moves Aren’t Completely Free
Borrowing a friend’s truck and offering pizza in exchange for help can certainly save money, but even DIY moves usually come with expenses.
Boxes, fuel, supplies, cleaning products, and those moving-day pizzas still count.
Build some flexibility into your budget rather than assuming the move itself will cost nothing.
6. Pet-Related Move-In Costs
Bringing a four-legged roommate?
Make sure your budget includes any applicable pet-related costs.
Depending on the rental and applicable policies, there may be pet deposits, recurring pet charges, screening requirements, or other expenses.
Always check the specific property’s policy because pet rules can vary.
Our guide to renting with a pet in Missoula explains what to look for before applying for a pet-friendly rental.
Don’t Forget About Moving-Day Pet Expenses
The rental isn’t the only potential pet expense.
If your pet needs to stay with a friend, sitter, daycare, or boarding facility while you’re moving, include that in your budget as well.
Moving can be stressful for animals, and keeping them safely away from open doors, unfamiliar people, and heavy furniture may make moving day easier for everyone.
7. Renters Insurance
Renters insurance is another expense to include in your budget.
Your landlord or property manager’s insurance generally protects the property owner’s building and interests — not everything you own inside your rental.
A renters insurance policy can provide protection for personal belongings and may include liability coverage and other protections, depending on the policy.
Review your lease and renters insurance requirements to understand what coverage you may need.
Consider the Value of Everything You Own
It’s easy to underestimate the replacement cost of your belongings.
Think about your furniture, clothing, laptop, television, phone, kitchen equipment, electronics, sporting equipment, and everything else you own.
Replacing even a portion of those belongings after an unexpected event could become expensive very quickly.
8. Parking and Transportation
Parking isn’t necessarily included with every rental.
Before signing a lease, determine what parking is available and whether there is an additional charge.
Ask whether spaces are assigned, how many vehicles are permitted, where guests can park, and whether there are special winter parking procedures.
If you don’t have a car, consider transportation expenses from your new location.
A less expensive apartment that’s much farther from work or school could increase your transportation costs enough to offset some of the savings.
Location is one of the many things worth considering when you tour a Missoula apartment.
9. Furniture and Household Basics
The first trip to the store after moving can be surprisingly expensive.
Even if you already own furniture, a new home often requires things you didn’t need at your previous rental.
Your shopping list might include:
- Shower curtain and liner
- Trash cans
- Cleaning supplies
- Laundry supplies
- Light bulbs
- Kitchen basics
- Bathroom supplies
- Hangers
- Storage containers
- Curtains or window coverings, if needed and permitted
- Rugs
- Extension cords or power strips
- Basic tools
You don’t necessarily need to buy everything immediately.
Separate Needs From Nice-to-Haves
Moving into a new apartment can create an urge to furnish and decorate everything at once.
Give yourself time.
Buy the essentials first and live in the space for a few weeks before deciding what else you really need.
You’ll have a better idea of how you use the apartment, and you may avoid spending money on things that don’t work well in the space.
Our guide to making a small rental feel bigger also includes ideas for making the most of your home without buying a lot of new furniture.
10. Cleaning and Move-In Supplies
Even when your new rental has been professionally cleaned, you’ll probably want some basic cleaning products on hand from day one.
Consider budgeting for:
- Paper towels
- Trash bags
- All-purpose cleaner
- Dish soap
- Sponges
- Laundry detergent
- Toilet paper
- Broom or vacuum
- Mop or floor cleaner
Having a small box of essentials that stays with you rather than going into the moving truck can be helpful.
That way, you won’t spend your first night searching through 15 boxes trying to find the toilet paper.
11. Food and Moving-Day Expenses
Moving has a strange ability to turn an ordinary day into a string of small purchases.
Coffee in the morning. Lunch for everyone helping. Bottled water. Dinner because the kitchen isn’t unpacked. Another coffee because you still have six boxes to go.
Budget a little extra for food and convenience expenses during the first few days.
If you’re moving from outside Missoula, you may also have hotel stays, airfare, gas, or other travel expenses to consider.
12. Leave Room for Unexpected Expenses
Even the most detailed moving budget can’t predict everything.
Maybe you discover your old bookshelf doesn’t fit. You need an extra set of keys. Your moving truck takes more fuel than expected. You realize you need a snow shovel, an ice scraper, or something else you never needed at your previous home.
Instead of budgeting down to your final dollar, build in a cushion for unexpected expenses.
Even a modest moving emergency fund can make those surprises much less stressful.
Sample Move-In Budget Checklist
Every renter’s situation is different, so there isn’t one dollar amount that everyone should save before moving.
Instead, create a checklist based on the specific property you’re considering.
Before Applying
Budget for:
- Application-related costs
- Transportation to property tours, if applicable
- Any documentation you need to obtain
Before Move-In
Plan for:
- First month’s rent
- Security deposit
- Applicable pet costs
- Renters insurance
- Utility setup costs or deposits
- Moving company or truck rental
- Packing supplies
- Travel expenses
During the First Week
Leave room for:
- Groceries
- Household essentials
- Cleaning supplies
- Furniture or storage items
- Internet setup
- Transportation
- Pet supplies
- Unexpected expenses
This gives you a much more realistic picture than simply saving enough for your first month’s rent.
How Much Should You Save Before Moving?
There’s no universal answer because every rental and every move is different.
Someone moving from one Missoula apartment to another with a few boxes and no pets may have relatively low moving expenses.
Someone relocating to Montana from across the country with a dog, furniture, and a professional moving company could need considerably more.
The best approach is to find the actual numbers whenever possible.
Once you’ve found a rental you’re interested in, identify:
First month’s rent + security deposit + application costs + utility setup + moving costs + pet expenses + insurance + household essentials + emergency cushion
That total will give you a much better savings target.
Don’t Forget About Your Budget After Move-In
Your financial planning shouldn’t stop once you get the keys.
Create a realistic monthly housing budget that includes more than rent.
Depending on your situation, recurring expenses could include utilities, internet, renters insurance, pet expenses, parking, transportation, and other household costs.
Ideally, you should also continue building savings for unexpected personal expenses rather than using every available dollar to qualify for the most expensive rental you can afford.
A home that comfortably fits your budget can be much more enjoyable than one that leaves you financially stretched every month.
Planning a Move in Missoula?
A little financial preparation can make moving day much easier.
Start your budget early, understand the full cost of the rental you’re considering, and give yourself a cushion for the expenses you can’t predict.
If you’re ready to start your search, browse our available Missoula rentals to see current apartments, townhomes, and rental homes managed by Missoula Property Management.
Once you find a property you’re interested in, review the listing carefully for current pricing, availability, pet policies, and rental application information before taking the next step.