The Cheapest Way to Move: 16 Tips to Save Money on a Move
Let’s be real. The excitement of a new home often crashes headfirst into the daunting reality of moving costs. Between packing, transporting, and unpacking, the costs can quickly add up. From local moves to cross-country relocations, moving expenses can range anywhere from $500 to $10,000 or more. But here’s the good news – you can move smart and still save money.
If you’re asking yourself, How to Move on a Budget?, or are looking for the cheapest way to move, a mix of planning, smart decisions and a few shortcuts will cut your expenses without messing with your peace of mind. In this blog, we will explore practical advice for saving money and reveal money saving hacks tips and tricks, whether you’re going across town or across the country.
Table of Contents
Start with a Plan: Your Moving Budget
You wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint, so why move without a budget? Your first step in knowing how to save money when moving is understanding your moving costs. Grab a notebook or open a spreadsheet. List everything: truck rental, gas, packing materials, pizza for friends, and a contingency fund for surprises.
A good rule is to add a 10% buffer because something always comes up. Using an online moving calculator can give you a solid starting point. This simple act of planning is the single most effective way to save on moving costs and avoid jaw-dropping surprises later.
Declutter Before You Pack
This part is non-negotiable. The most inexpensive way to move your stuff is to not move it at all. Be ruthless. Do you really need three potato mashers? Go through every room and create piles: keep, sell, donate, recycle. Selling old furniture and electronics on Facebook Marketplace or at a garage sale turns your clutter into cash, which directly funds your move.
Donating feels good and might even net you a tax deduction. A lighter load means a smaller, cheaper truck and less work. Downsizing before moving is basically a win-win situation for everyone involved in the move.
Source Free Packing Supplies and Moving Boxes
Why spend $100 on cardboard that you’ll use once? Free moving boxes are everywhere if you know where to look. Start asking at your local grocery store, liquor store, or bookshop a few weeks before your move. They receive shipments daily and are usually happy to give boxes away.
You can also check online communities like Nextdoor or Freecycle. People who just moved are often desperate to get rid of their pile of boxes. For padding, use towels, blankets, and old t-shirts instead of bubble wrap. This is a brilliant hack to save money on moving.
Plan Off-Peak Moving
Timing is everything. Demand dictates price. The most expensive time to move is on a weekend, in the summer, or at the end of the month. If you have any flexibility, schedule your off-peak move for a weekday in the middle of the month, preferably during fall or winter. You could save 20-30% or more on truck rentals and professional movers. Another tip to save money is to book your date well in advance and also lock in better rates and ensure availability.
Choose Your Moving Method Wisely
This is your biggest decision. Your choice here will define your budget and experience.
The Full DIY Move: This is the ultimate DIY moving project. You rent a moving truck, ask your friends to help you out, and handle everything from packing to driving on your own. It’s the most hands-on and often the cheapest upfront option for a local move.
The Hybrid Move: Can’t lift a sofa but are okay with packing? A hybrid labor model is your best bet. This partial DIY approach means you handle the packing and renting the truck, but you hire professional movers for just the heavy lifting, loading, and unloading. This saves a fortune compared to full-service options while saving your back.
The Container Option: For a long-distance move, companies like Ed&Ed Moving Company offer a fantastic middle ground. They drop off a storage cube at your door. You take your time packing it, they pick it up and drive it to your new city, and you unload it. You end up only paying for the space you use.
How to Save Money Moving Across the Country?
Executing a cross-country move cheaply requires a different strategy. Freight shipping through moving companies can be a hidden gem for boxes (but not furniture). For larger loads, compare the cost of a one-way truck rental (plus gas and hotels) against the price of a moving container.
The container often wins on convenience and can be surprisingly competitive on price. It is also recommended that you always get quotes for both to see what works for your budget and timeline. These are some essential tips to save money on a long-distance move.
Secure Your Stuff: A Note on Moving Insurance
Here’s a tip you don’t want to learn the hard way: don’t skip moving insurance. The basic coverage offered for free is often surprisingly low. Check your homeowner’s or renter’s policy first because it might cover your belongings in transit.
If not, investing in third-party insurance is a smart move. It feels like an extra cost now, but it protects you from catastrophic expenses later if something is damaged. It’s a key part of knowing how to save money on moving.
Pack Like a Pro to Save Time and Money
Good packing tips make unloading a lot easier. Use similar-sized boxes so they stack neatly in the truck. Label every box clearly with its contents and the room it belongs in. For example, “KITCHEN – Plates & Mugs” is infinitely more helpful than just “Kitchen.”
Another trick is to pack heavy items like books in small boxes so they don’t become impossible to lift. Wrap fragile items in your clothes and towels. Taking your time to pack properly will save you hours of frustration later.
Rent or Borrow Gear Instead of Buying
You need a dolly. You need moving blankets. But you don’t need to own them. Instead of buying, see if you can borrow this gear from a friend or a community tool library. If not, you can usually add these items to your moving truck rental for a small fee. Renting equipment for a day is far cheaper than buying new and then storing it for years.
Get Help From Friends, Family, and Day Laborers
Got a crew of willing friends? Fantastic! Offer them food, drinks, and your eternal gratitude. However, if your social circle isn’t available, consider hiring day laborers. You can find vetted helpers at local day labor centers. This way, you’re still saving money by renting the truck yourself and only paying for a few hours of muscle. Just be clear on the hourly rate and expectations upfront.
Negotiate and Look for Discounts and Promotions
Never pay sticker price. Always ask about discounts and special promotions. Are you a student, in the military, or a AAA member? Many mover companies offer significant deals. Get quotes from at least three different truck rental companies or movers and use them to negotiate. Understanding the true movers cost helps here. A simple “I have a quote from Company X for $50 less, can you match it?” can work wonders.
Plan the Most Efficient Route and Trip
If you’re driving a rental truck, plan your route ahead of the move day. Avoid toll roads if possible and stick to routes that are friendly for large vehicles. Drive at a steady, moderate speed (around 55-60 mph) since gas mileage plummets when you drive a giant truck faster. These small decisions add up in saved fuel costs. This is a key part of learning how to save money on a move.
Handle Utilities and Address Changes Proactively
A week before your move, call to schedule the disconnection of your old utilities and the connection of your new ones. You don’t want to be paying for electricity in an empty apartment or arrive at your new home with no internet. Also, file an official change of address with the USPS. This is often overlooked but is one of the crucial tips for moving on a budget as it prevents lost bills and late fees.
Should You Ask Your Employer for Relocation Assistance
If you are moving for a job, this is most likely to be your first question. Does your company offer relocation assistance? Many do, but they might not bring it up unless you do. This can be a package that covers everything from truck rental to closing costs on a house. It never hurts to ask your HR department. It could turn your expensive move into a company-paid one.
Prepare Your New Home In Advance
If you can, get access to your new home a day early. Do a quick clean before all your furniture arrives. Check that the lights, faucets, and outlets work. Knowing what you’re walking into and having a clean slate makes move-in day feel smoother and less chaotic.
Secure Your Security Deposit
If you’re renting, this is huge. Before you hand over the keys, document everything. Take video and photos of the empty, cleaned apartment. This is your proof that you left it in good condition. This evidence is your best weapon to ensure you get your full security deposit back, which is essentially a cash refund that funds your new start.
Final Thoughts
Moving doesn’t always have to cost you a fortune. It’s about making smart choices, planning ahead, and knowing where to invest your energy versus your money. By following these money-saving tips, you can transform a potentially bank-breaking event into a manageable, even empowering, project.
If, after all these tips for saving money, you decide you’d rather leave the heavy lifting to a professional moving company, we’re here to help. At Ed&Ed Moving Company, we specialize in making moving on a budget simple and stress-free. We offer transparent pricing and reliable service to fit your plans. Visit us at https://edandedmove.com/ to get your free, no-obligation moving quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most inexpensive way to move locally is a DIY move where you rent a moving truck, use free moving boxes, and enlist friends to help with the packing and loading.
For a long-distance move, compare the cost of a moving truck rental against freight shipping or a moving container.
Yes, moving insurance is a key part of any affordable moving plan. It protects you from catastrophic costs if your belongings are damaged, ultimately helping you save money on a move in the worst-case scenario.
A hybrid move or partial DIY approach means you handle the packing yourself but hire professional movers for just the heavy lifting.
You should start planning and getting quotes at least 6-8 weeks out. This gives you time to declutter, find free packing supplies, and secure the best rates for an off-peak move.