How to Save Money When Moving: 10 Tips for Moving on a Budget

Pack your bags without emptying your wallet

A woman taking a coffee break while moving house
Photo: Kathrin Ziegler / DigitalVision / Getty Images
A woman taking a coffee break while moving house
Photo: Kathrin Ziegler / DigitalVision / Getty Images
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Moving to a new home is stressful enough without worrying about money. But moving can be expensive whether you DIY your move or pay professional movers to handle it for you. That’s where we come in. While some moving costs are unavoidable, there are several ways to plan a cost-effective move that won’t break the bank. This guide will help you understand how to save money while moving so that you can reduce your stress level and your budget.

1. Move During the Off-Season

Many people move during the warmer months or on weekends. The busiest season for local professional movers is often May through October, so you can save money by moving outside of those months. Additionally, scheduling your move on a weekday rather than a weekend can save you money.

2. Look for Free Moving Supplies

Rather than buying brand-new moving supplies, ask around in your network to see if anyone has any spare moving boxes or packing paper that you can use. Start collecting supplies a few months before your move so that you’re not scrambling to find them right before your move. And if you can’t find enough free boxes for your move, shop for deals on new boxes to keep your costs down.

3. Declutter First

The more you have to move, the more it will cost to transport to your new home. To save money, declutter as much as you can before your move. Go through your things with a critical eye to decide what you want to keep and what you can donate, sell, or toss.

4. Pack Yourself

Save money on movers by tackling the packing part yourself. Start packing one to two months before your move and pack the things you don’t need immediately, like decor and off-season clothing. As you get closer to your moving date, start packing other items. 

Use all the available space in each box by packing tactically and filling gaps with soft items like linens or cushions. Pack heavy items in small boxes and light items in large ones to make them easier to transport on your moving day.

5. Ship Your Books

Two contractor employees working
Photo: Svitlana / Adobe Stock

Books are heavy and take up a lot of space in moving trucks. Therefore, moving your books can increase your cost of hiring movers or renting a moving truck. Instead, use flat-rate boxes to ship your books to your new home to save money.

6. Compare Moving Quotes

When hiring a pro to tackle a job, it’s smart to shop around by requesting quotes from several companies and comparing them to find the best one for your needs. The cost to hire movers ranges from $880 to $2,600, but most people pay $1,700 for a local move. If you’re moving long-distance (considered anything over 100 miles), you could pay up to $10,000 for professional movers. When comparing moving quotes, check that the services provided in each quote are similar so that you know you’re getting the best value for your money.

7. Consider a DIY Move

The easiest way to save money on a move is to do it yourself. Renting a moving truck costs $30 to $3,500—a significant savings over hiring movers. However, a DIY move is a labor-intensive job. 

Large or heavy furniture can easily slip and break if you’re not using the correct equipment to move it, and you also risk physical injury if a heavy item falls on your foot or you throw out your back. If you have the physical ability to handle a DIY move (not to mention friends and family to help), you can save money by moving by yourself, but this certainly isn’t a task for everyone.

Angi Tip

It's important to move heavy furniture safely to avoid personal injury or property damage. The safest option is to hire professional movers with the right tools, equipment, and experience to move heavy furniture efficiently.

Kaitlyn Pacheco
Content Editor, Angi

8. Get a Moving Container

Another way to save money is using a portable moving container or pod. Some companies will deliver a container to your home so you can pack your items within a few days or weeks, spreading the physical labor out. Once the container is full, the company will collect it and move it to your new home, where you can unload it. Shipping a moving container costs $2,000 to $5,000, depending on your move distance and the container size. If you choose this option, learn how to pack a moving container efficiently to maximize the available space.

9. Look for Discounts

A happy woman with spouse packing cardboard boxes
Photo: Portra / DigitalVision / Getty Images

Whether you hire movers, rent a moving truck, or use a moving container, check if you’re eligible for discounts. Many moving companies offer discounts for certain groups of people, like veterans, seniors, first responders, and students. A discount of 20% can reduce your moving cost from $5,000 to $4,000, which is significant.

10. Get Insured

Moving insurance helps protect your belongings while in transit. Even professional movers aren’t immune to accidents, and if a piece of furniture is damaged, destroyed, or lost during a move, you’ll need to replace it. Without moving insurance, you’re on the hook to replace that item out of pocket. 

However, with moving insurance, your coverage will pay for some or all of the replacement cost, depending on the type of coverage you purchase. Insurance is an up-front cost that can save you money in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most expensive part of moving is hiring professional movers. However, hiring a pro is more efficient and less stressful, so many people find the cost worth it. You’ll also spend a lot of money on packing supplies, including boxes, tape, and bubble wrap, so ask around to see if any friends or family members have old supplies you can use for free.

The lowest-cost days to move are Monday through Thursday. Many people move on weekends for convenience, so weekdays are often more affordable for hiring movers or renting a moving truck. Ask your local moving company if they offer any discounts for certain times of the year or days of the week.

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