How to Move Without Spending Much

Moving to a new home is exciting, but the costs can add up quickly. Between hiring movers, buying packing supplies, and unexpected expenses, the average local move costs $1,250, while long-distance moves can exceed $4,890. Fortunately, with some planning and creativity, you can significantly reduce these costs. Here’s how to move without breaking the bank.

Plan Ahead

The most effective way to save money on your move is to start planning early.

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” — Benjamin Franklin

This quote perfectly applies to moving on a budget. As financial advisor Suze Orman puts it, “A big part of financial freedom is having your heart and mind free from worry about the what-ifs of life.”

Create a moving budget: Track all potential expenses and look for areas to cut costs.
Compare moving dates: Moving mid-week or mid-month often costs less than weekends or the beginning/end of the month when demand is higher.
Declutter before packing: The less you need to move, the cheaper it will be. Plus, selling unwanted items can help fund your move.
Saving money is good

DIY vs. Hiring Movers

One of the biggest decisions affecting your moving budget is whether to hire professional movers or do it yourself.

“The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” — Ayn Rand

This mindset can save you thousands when approaching a DIY move. As budget expert Dave Ramsey advises, “You must gain control over your money or the lack of it will forever control you.”

DIY Moving Tips:

Recruit friends and family: Offer pizza and beverages in exchange for help.
Rent a moving truck strategically: Compare rates from different companies and book in advance for better rates.
Consider a portable storage container: Services like PODS or U-Pack can be more affordable than full-service movers for longer distances.

Budget-Friendly Professional Help:

Hire movers just for heavy items: Many companies offer “labor only” services where they’ll load and unload your rental truck.
Compare multiple quotes: Use moving cost comparison websites to find the best rates.
Negotiate: Ask about discounts for off-peak times or if there’s flexibility in your moving date.

Free or Low-Cost Packing Supplies

Packing materials can cost hundreds of dollars, but there are plenty of ways to get them for free or cheap:

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” — New England proverb

This Depression-era saying perfectly captures the resourceful mindset needed for an affordable move. As minimalist Joshua Becker notes, “You don’t need more space. You need less stuff.”

Collect free boxes: Check local liquor stores, bookstores, grocery stores, and online marketplaces like Facebook or Craigslist’s free section.
Use what you have: Towels, linens, and clothing can wrap fragile items. Suitcases and laundry baskets make excellent containers.
Ask friends who recently moved: They might be happy to pass along their used boxes and supplies.
Buy in bulk: If you need to purchase supplies, big-box stores like Costco or Home Depot often offer better rates than moving companies.

Smart Packing Strategies

How you pack can also save money:

Pack efficiently: Maximize space in each box to reduce the total number needed.
Weigh boxes appropriately: Overloaded boxes can break during the move, potentially damaging your belongings.
Label clearly: This saves time and frustration during unloading and unpacking.
Take photos of electronic setups: Before disconnecting electronics, snap photos of how they’re connected to avoid confusion later.

Transportation Cost-Cutting

Compare truck rental companies: Prices can vary significantly between U-Haul, Penske, Budget, and Enterprise.
Check for one-way specials: Sometimes companies offer deals for helping reposition their fleet.
Calculate fuel costs: Factor this into your budget when comparing options.
Consider alternative transportation: For very short moves, borrowing a friend’s truck or making multiple trips in your vehicle might be cheapest.

Timing Matters

Avoid peak moving season: May through September is typically more expensive.
Mid-month moves: The beginning and end of months are busiest and often pricier.
Weekday moves: Tuesday through Thursday typically costs less than weekend moves.

Hidden Savings Opportunities

Tax deductions: If you’re moving for work, save receipts—some moving expenses might be tax-deductible.
Employer reimbursement: Some companies offer relocation assistance even for internal transfers.
Change of address timing: Submit your change of address form early to avoid missing important mail and potential fees.
Utility transfers: Schedule these strategically to avoid paying for services in two locations simultaneously.

Final Tips for Frugal Moving

Pack a first-day box: Include essentials like toiletries, medications, chargers, and basic tools so you don’t need to purchase these items again.
Prepare meals ahead: Freeze easy-to-heat meals for moving day and immediately after to avoid expensive takeout.
Use apps for selling items: Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or Craigslist can help convert unwanted items into moving funds.
Document everything: Take photos of rental properties (before and after) to protect your security deposit.

Conclusion

Moving doesn’t have to drain your savings. With careful planning, creative sourcing of supplies, and strategic timing, you can relocate for a fraction of the average cost. Remember that every dollar saved on moving is money you can put toward making your new house feel like home.

“It is not the beauty of a building you should look at; it’s the construction of the foundation that will stand the test of time.” — David Allan Coe

This applies perfectly to moving—focus on building a solid plan rather than rushing into expensive solutions. As financial writer Morgan Housel wisely notes, “The ability to do what you want, when you want, for as long as you want, is priceless. It’s the highest dividend money pays.”

What are your favorite money-saving moving tips? Share in the comments below!