Moving can be exciting—a fresh start, a new neighborhood, maybe even a dream home. But it also comes with plenty of stress, and one of the biggest pain points is the cost. Between hiring movers, buying supplies, and paying for travel or deposits, moving expenses add up fast.
The good news? With careful planning and a few smart strategies, you can significantly cut the cost of your move. Here’s how to save money on moving expenses without sacrificing a smooth transition.
Declutter Before You Pack
The fewer items you move, the cheaper and easier the entire process becomes.
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Go room by room and sort belongings into keep, donate, sell, and toss piles.
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Host a garage sale or sell items online to offset moving costs.
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Donate usable goods to charity, which could also give you a small tax deduction.
Moving is the perfect time to evaluate what you truly need. Why pay to transport things that will only gather dust in your new place?
Shop Around for Movers (or DIY)
Hiring professional movers is often the most expensive part of a move. But prices vary widely between companies.
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Get at least three quotes, and make sure they do an in-home or virtual walkthrough to give an accurate estimate.
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Check reviews and licensing to avoid scammers or poor service.
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Ask about extra fees, like charges for stairs, heavy items, or long carries from the truck to your door.
If you have fewer belongings and helping hands, a DIY move can save a bundle. Renting a truck from companies like U-Haul or Penske and enlisting friends might cost just a fraction of full-service movers.
Move During the Off-Season
Most people move between May and September, which means higher rates and less flexibility from moving companies.
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If possible, move in the fall or winter.
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Even moving mid-month or mid-week instead of on weekends can lead to discounts.
Being flexible with your move date often unlocks savings.
Pack Yourself—But Do It Right
Full-service packing can double your costs. Doing it yourself is far cheaper, and you’ll have more control over how your items are handled.
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Start early so you’re not scrambling for last-minute help.
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Label boxes clearly to avoid damage and save unpacking time.
If you have fragile or high-value items (like art or electronics), consider hiring pros just for those to avoid costly breakage.
Find Free or Cheap Packing Supplies
Boxes and packing materials can add up quickly if you buy everything new.
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Check local stores (grocery, liquor, big-box retailers). They often give away sturdy boxes.
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Look on Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, or Craigslist for free moving boxes from people who just finished their own move.
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Use what you already have: towels, linens, and old newspapers can protect fragile items without the need for bubble wrap.
Even small savings here prevent spending $100 or more on cardboard and packing paper.
Ship Media and Books
Books are heavy, which means higher moving costs.
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If you’re moving long-distance, mail boxes of books via USPS Media Mail. It’s much cheaper than paying movers by weight.
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Or take this chance to downsize your collection and only move your favorites.
Pare Down Food and Cleaning Supplies
Moving partially used bottles of cleaner, condiments, or frozen food can be messy, wasteful, and not cost-effective.
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In the weeks before your move, plan meals around what’s already in your fridge and pantry.
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Use up open cleaning products and avoid buying new bulk items until after you settle in.
This reduces the volume you have to pack and eliminates leaks in transit.
Maximize Tax Deductions or Employer Help
While fewer moving expenses are deductible under current tax law, some people still qualify—especially active-duty military moving under orders.
If you’re relocating for a job, ask your employer if they offer relocation assistance. Some companies reimburse moving costs or offer lump-sum packages to offset expenses.
Be Strategic About Utilities and Deposits
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Schedule utilities to turn off the day after you move, not before, so you’re not stuck without power or water during loading.
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Shop around for new internet, cable, or power providers to see if there are new-customer specials.
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Ask your old utility companies about refunding deposits if you’ve been a good customer.
Consider a Hybrid Move
If a full DIY move seems too much but hiring a full-service mover is out of budget, try a compromise.
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Use a moving container service like PODS or U-Pack. You load and unload; they handle the transport.
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Often cheaper than hiring movers, with more flexibility.
This approach lets you save on labor while avoiding driving a large moving truck yourself.
Protect Your Stuff Properly
It’s tempting to skip insurance, but if something breaks, you’ll pay far more out of pocket.
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Basic coverage often comes with rental trucks or moving services, but it’s usually limited.
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Check if your homeowners or renters insurance covers moves or consider temporary moving insurance.
Paying a little now may prevent a huge loss later.
Take Care of Your Helpers
If friends or family are pitching in:
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Offer to buy pizza and drinks—still much cheaper than hiring movers.
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Have a plan so you’re not wasting their time. Organized boxes and a clear loading order help finish faster.
A grateful team is a more effective team, and good planning keeps the day stress-free.
Moving costs can’t be eliminated, but with smart choices, they can be dramatically reduced. Decluttering, packing yourself, comparing mover rates, finding free supplies, and timing your move wisely all add up to big savings.
Ultimately, the more planning you do ahead of time, the fewer surprise expenses you’ll face—and the more money you’ll keep in your pocket to enjoy your new home.
