Moving can get expensive in a hurry. There’s the truck or movers, boxes and packing supplies, deposits, utility fees, and all those little costs that seem to pop up along the way. Before you know it, your moving budget can be much higher than you expected.
The good news is that you can cut many of those costs with some planning. You don’t have to make the move harder or sacrifice convenience at every turn. A little preparation, some comparison shopping, and a willingness to use what you already have can make a real difference.
Here are 18 practical ways to spend less on your next move.
Start Planning Early
Give yourself plenty of time before moving day. Starting two or three months ahead gives you time to compare moving companies, collect free boxes, sell unwanted belongings, and look for deals on anything you still need.
Last-minute decisions are often the expensive ones. Having more time gives you room to wait for a better price instead of paying whatever is available.
Declutter Before You Pack
There’s little reason to pay to move things you no longer want. Go through your home before packing and separate items into piles for keeping, selling, donating, and throwing away.
The fewer boxes you have, the less space you need in a moving truck and the less time movers may need to load and unload everything. Plus, you won’t have to find a place for unwanted stuff once you get to your new home.
If you have furniture or other large items to donate, check whether a local organization offers pickup.
Related: 9 Things Thrift Stores Wish More People Would Donate
Collect Free Boxes and Packing Supplies
Don’t rush out and buy dozens of moving boxes. Ask local grocery stores, liquor stores, bookstores, and other businesses if they have clean boxes available.
Neighborhood groups and community pages can also be good places to find boxes from people who have recently moved. Start saving packing paper, bubble wrap, and other useful materials from online orders before moving day, too.
Related: 8 Grocery Items Frugal People Almost Never Buy
Use What You Already Own for Packing
Your home is probably full of things that can double as packing materials. Suitcases, laundry baskets, storage bins, reusable shopping bags, and tote bags can all hold smaller belongings.
You can also wrap fragile dishes and other breakables in towels, blankets, sheets, and clothing. This saves money on packing paper while giving those household items a job during the move.
Related: How to Sell on Poshmark
Compare Multiple Moving Quotes
Getting several estimates before hiring movers can save you a lot of money. Reach out to at least three companies and compare their prices, services, insurance coverage, and customer reviews.
Don’t compare the final price alone. A cheaper quote may leave out services another company includes, so check what you’re actually paying for before making a decision.
Book Movers Well in Advance
Waiting until the last minute can leave you with fewer choices and higher prices. Once you know your moving date, start contacting moving companies.
Booking several weeks or months ahead can give you more options, especially if you’re moving during a busy time of year.
Move During the Off-Season
Summer is a popular time to move, which can make moving services more expensive. If your schedule gives you some flexibility, look at dates during the fall, winter, or early spring.
A move outside the busiest season may give you access to lower rates and more available dates.
Choose a Weekday Move
Saturday and Sunday moves tend to be popular, so they can come with higher prices. Ask moving companies about weekday rates and compare them with weekend pricing.
Moving Monday through Thursday may save you money if you have enough flexibility with work, school, or other commitments.
Consider a DIY Move
For a smaller local move, renting a truck and asking a few friends or family members for help may cost much less than hiring a full-service moving company.
Before choosing this option, add up the truck rental, fuel, mileage, moving equipment, and any other fees. If you have a large household or are moving a long distance, professional movers may still make more financial sense.
Explore Portable Moving Containers
A portable moving container can be another option worth pricing out. The company delivers the container, you pack it yourself, and the company transports it to your new location.
This can give you more time to load your belongings while avoiding the cost of having a crew pack everything for you. Compare the full price with truck rentals and traditional moving companies before deciding.
Pack Before Movers Arrive
If you’re paying movers by the hour, don’t use their time to finish packing boxes. Have your belongings boxed, taped, and labeled before the crew arrives.
Keep the boxes near the exit or in an area that’s easy for the movers to access. The faster they can load the truck, the less you’ll spend on labor.
Disassemble Furniture Yourself
Beds, tables, shelving units, and other furniture can take extra time to take apart. If you’re comfortable doing it yourself, handle the disassembly before the movers arrive.
Put screws, bolts, and other small hardware into labeled bags and tape them to the corresponding furniture piece. That way, you won’t be hunting for missing pieces later.
Move Small Items Yourself
If you have room in your car, consider taking smaller belongings yourself. Jewelry, electronics, important papers, medications, and other valuables are good candidates.
You can also take a few boxes at a time during trips between your old and new homes if you’re moving locally. This can reduce the amount the movers have to carry.
Ask About Hidden Fees
A moving quote may not include every possible charge. Before signing anything, ask whether there are extra fees for stairs, elevators, long carries, parking, fuel, bulky items, or additional labor.
Getting those details in writing can save you from an unpleasant surprise when the final bill arrives.
Check Building and HOA Requirements
If you’re moving into or out of an apartment, condo, or planned community, check the rules before moving day. Some buildings require a moving fee or a reservation for the freight elevator. Others may require you to reserve a loading area or parking space.
Finding out ahead of time gives you a chance to budget for these costs and avoid delays.
Related: HOA Practices That Cause Homeowners the Most Frustration
Negotiate With Moving Companies
It never hurts to ask whether a moving company can offer a better rate. If you have received a lower written estimate from another reputable company, mention it when you speak with your preferred mover.
You may also find that some companies offer different rates depending on the date or time of your move. A little flexibility could give you more room to negotiate.
Look for Coupons and Discounts
Before paying full price for moving-related services, look for discounts. Truck rental companies, moving services, storage facilities, and packing suppliers may have coupons or seasonal promotions.
Check company websites, coupon sites, local community pages, and relocation resources before you book. Even a small discount can help once several moving expenses start adding up.
Related: The Top 10 States Californians Are Moving to Right Now
Ship Certain Items Separately
For a long-distance move, it may be worth comparing the cost of shipping certain belongings separately. Books, clothing, bedding, and other sturdy items can sometimes be sent through USPS, UPS, or FedEx for less than the cost of transporting them with your movers.
Compare the total shipping price, including boxes and insurance, with what the moving company charges before deciding. This works best for smaller, lighter items that aren’t especially fragile.
A cheaper move doesn’t have to mean doing everything yourself. The biggest savings often come from making decisions early, getting rid of things you don’t need, using free or reusable packing supplies, and comparing your options before committing to a service.
Moving still takes work, but a little preparation can keep the expenses from getting out of hand.
