Moving can get expensive fast. Between packing supplies, hiring movers, and unexpected costs, it’s easy to spend more than you planned.
The good news is that a little planning can save you a lot of money. With the right strategy, you can cut moving costs without making your move more stressful.
Here are 14 moving hacks that can help you save money on your next move.
14 Moving Hacks That Save You Money
- Plan Your Move Early
- Get Rid of Things You Don’t Need
- Find Affordable Packing Supplies
- Use What You Already Have
- Pack Your Own Boxes
- Hire a Reputable Moving Company
- Move During the Week or Off-Season
- Be Ready Before the Movers Arrive
- Let Movers Handle Only the Heavy Items
- Consider Moving Yourself
- Ask Friends for Help
- Have Someone Watch Kids & Pets
- Cancel Unused Subscriptions
- Buy Used Furniture
1. Plan Your Move Early
The earlier you start planning, the more money you can save.
Planning ahead gives you time to compare movers, collect cheap or free moving supplies, and avoid costly last-minute decisions.
Pro Tip: Create a simple moving checklist a month before moving day.
2. Get Rid of Things You Don’t Need
The less you move, the less you’ll pay.
Before packing, sell, donate, or throw away anything you no longer use.
- Sell items on Craigslist, OfferUp, or Facebook Marketplace.
- Have a garage sale.
- Donate unwanted items.
- Use up food in your pantry and freezer.
- Donate unopened food to a local food bank.
3. Find Affordable Packing Supplies
You don’t have to spend a fortune on moving boxes.
Stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, and U-Haul all sell affordable supplies.
You can also find free or inexpensive boxes on Craigslist, OfferUp, and Facebook Marketplace.
4. Use What You Already Have
Save money by packing with items you already own.
Towels, blankets, suitcases, laundry baskets, duffel bags, and reusable bins all make excellent packing materials.
5. Pack Your Own Boxes
Packing yourself is one of the easiest ways to lower moving costs.
The more prepared you are, the less time movers spend packing—and the less you’ll pay.
Before you begin, learn how to properly pack moving boxes to help protect your belongings.
6. Hire a Reputable Moving Company
The cheapest quote isn’t always the best value.
Experienced movers often work faster, protect your belongings better, and help avoid costly damage.
Learn more about hiring a moving company before making your decision.
7. Move During the Week or Off-Season
Moving companies are busiest during weekends and the summer months.
If your schedule is flexible, moving during the week or outside the busy season can help lower your costs.
8. Be Ready Before the Movers Arrive
Local movers usually charge by the hour.
Have everything packed, labeled, and ready before the crew arrives.
For more ideas, check out these tips on how to prepare for movers.
9. Let Movers Handle Only the Heavy Items
You don’t have to pay movers to do everything.
If you pack your own boxes and prepare your home ahead of time, the movers can focus on loading, transporting, and unloading the heavy furniture.
10. Consider Moving Yourself
If you’re moving a small apartment or a short distance, renting a truck may save money.
Compare rental options from U-Haul, Budget, Enterprise, Home Depot, or Penske.
11. Ask Friends for Help
If you’re moving yourself, ask friends or family to lend a hand.
Providing lunch and drinks is often much cheaper than hiring extra labor.
12. Have Someone Watch Kids & Pets
Moving day is safer and less stressful when children and pets are out of the way.
Ask a friend or family member to watch them while the move takes place.
You can also review these moving day responsibilities before moving day.
13. Cancel Unused Subscriptions
Don’t keep paying for services you’re leaving behind.
Update or cancel utilities, internet, gym memberships, magazines, meal deliveries, and other recurring subscriptions before you move.
14. Buy Used Furniture
You don’t have to furnish your new home all at once.
Look for quality used furniture on Craigslist, OfferUp, and Facebook Marketplace to save hundreds of dollars.
Quick Money-Saving Moving Checklist
- ✔ Plan your move early
- ✔ Declutter before packing
- ✔ Find free or cheap boxes
- ✔ Pack your own belongings
- ✔ Compare moving companies
- ✔ Move during off-peak times
- ✔ Be ready before movers arrive
- ✔ Cancel unused subscriptions
Move More. Spend Less.
Moving doesn’t have to drain your savings.
By planning ahead, staying organized, and using a few smart moving hacks, you can lower your moving costs while making the entire process much easier.
Even using a few of these tips can help you save money and reduce moving-day stress.
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