Moving Tips

How to save money on your move

Moving can take a big bite out of your overall housing budget. To help lessen the load, try these money-savings tactics.

1. If possible, don’t move during the summer

Many families move during the summer in order to get ready for the new school year. If you can, move in September or November — these months are typically the cheapest time of the year to move.

2. Create a moving budget

Starting your move with a detailed budget ensures you don’t get hit with any big last-minute expenses. Instead, you can work backward from your bottom line and figure out where you can save money. Try a budgeting app to keep yourself organized.

3. Research all your options

Do a deep dive on everything from professional movers to truck rentals to see what’s most cost-effective for you. Ask at least three movers for free in-home estimates. Also, ask how their rates are structured — moving companies offer flat rates, hourly rates or rates by the pound.

» CALCULATE: How much do movers cost?

4. Consider using a container company

Renting a container you can pack and unpack yourself over a couple of days can be a cost-effective option, so be sure to also get moving quotes from container companies.

5. Know your insurance options

Not insuring your move properly could cost you down the line. Ask your mover what kind of insurance it offers and at what price. You can also see if your renters or homeowners insurance policy covers moves.

6. Watch out for scams

The cheapest option may not always be the wisest choice in the long run. There are many moving scams out there that often entice people with low prices. Always check online reviews.

» KNOW BEFORE MOVING DAY: What to do if your movers are late

7. Declutter and sell or donate what you don’t need

Get rid of things you don’t want to pay to move — getting cash for items you no longer use can help pay for your relocation. Or you can donate them to your favorite charities — don’t forget to request receipt for potential tax deductions.

8. Buy packing supplies early (or find them free)

Nabbing tape, bubble wrap and markers early means you can look for — and take advantage of — the best deals. Ask local stores and online marketplaces for free boxes (bike stores with large, thin boxes are great for packing art and flat-screen TVs). You can also use old newspaper rather than buying brown packing paper or use socks, scarves, hats and gloves to protect fragile items.

9. Get a backseat hanging rack for your car

Wardrobe boxes are pricey. To save money, simply measure the backseat of your vehicle and buy a hanging rack to fit so you can keep your hanging clothes in order.

10. Eat your pantry staples

Lisa Cantu, owner of An Organized Home OC, who’s helped move dozens of clients throughout the years, said: “Plan meals from your pantry and perishables so that you don’t have as much food to move. You’ll also want to be more mindful about stocking up your fridge and freezer, since you’ll have to move all of those items soon, too.”

11. Fix minor issues and clean the home yourself

Whether you’re counting on getting your security deposit back or ensuring you won’t have issues with a new homeowner, making minor repairs yourself will save the expense of hiring a handyperson later. Rather than hiring cleaners to make sure your home is clean when you move out, save money by taking on the task yourself.

» STEP BY STEP: Moving checklist

How to prepare for a move

A move involves several aspects: hiring movers or booking a truck; decluttering and packing your belongings; and dealing with the logistics of changing your address and utilities.

First, you’ll have to decide if you’ll move yourself or hire movers. If you go the DIY route, consider a truck with a lift gate (a mechanical way to lower objects up and down to the truck) or ramp — or else you’ll be lifting heavy items onto and off of the back of a truck. It’s also a good idea to create a moving folder with all your vendor information, receipts and to-do lists. Having this all in one place will keep things organized as you pack.

A month before your move, inform your utility providers of the date you wish to disconnect service at your current home (and don’t forget to set up services at your new address). A week before your move, change your mailing address at your local post office or online.

Pro tip: A sturdy apron with pockets might be a solid investment for moving day. “As strange as it might seem, a simple apron can be a lifesaver when moving,” according to Catherine Mack, co-owner of House Buyer Network, a company that buys houses nationwide. “In the pockets I add all the essentials I’ll need closer to the move and when packing, such as tape, scissors, … laminated contact list, marker pens and other tools.”

You’ll also want to take your furniture apart before moving day. If your furniture breaks down, tackle the job a few days before your move. Disassembling furniture can take hours and involve lots of tiny parts to keep track of. Be sure to take a photo of your furniture before you take it apart, just in case, for an example of how to reassemble.

And don’t forget to measure hallways and staircases. “This is crucial if you’re hiring professional movers, as they will need to know whether your furniture will fit through the doorways and stairwells,” Thomas Curry, content management specialist at Moving Feedback, said. “But even if you’re not using movers, it’s still a good idea to measure everything in advance so that you can plan the best route for getting everything out of your old place and into your new one.”

How to pack for a move

Packing for a move may seem straightforward, but there’s an art to putting your belongings in a box. Get a jump on packing as soon as eight weeks before you move. Commit to a slow and steady packing plan — rather than get overwhelmed at the last minute, pack a little bit every day.

Packing supplies to have on hand

• Sturdy boxes in various sizes (small for heavy items like books, larger for lighter items like bedding)
• Packing tape and a dispenser
• Bubble wrap, foam sheets or packing paper
• Furniture blankets or pads to protect large items
• Permanent markers or color-coded labels
• Stretch wrap for securing drawers or fragile items

Packing strategies

• Always start with the heaviest items on the bottom of a box and lighter items on top.
• Don’t overfill boxes — aim for a weight you can lift comfortably (ideally under 50 pounds).
• Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. Consider numbering boxes and keeping a master list for extra organization.
• Keep an "essentials box" with items you’ll need right away, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, basic cooking supplies and important documents.
• Roll clothes instead of folding them to maximize space and reduce wrinkles.
• Pack seasonal clothing, decorations, artwork, knickknacks and rarely used kitchen appliances first.

Protecting fragile items

• Wrap each dish or glass individually in packing paper or bubble wrap. Stack plates vertically, like records, to reduce breakage.
• Cushion fragile items with towels, blankets, socks or scarves to save on packing material.
• Use divided boxes for glassware or stemware to keep them secure.
• Mark boxes with fragile items clearly and make sure they are loaded on top in the moving truck.

» MORE: Moving safety tips

Hacks for moving day

Moving day is likely to come with a few surprises. Try some creative thinking and planning to avoid common pitfalls on the big day.

Unpacking advice

You made it to your new house! But what about all those boxes you need to unpack to set up your new home?

The good news: Unpacking after a move is usually much easier than packing, even though it can be daunting. Here are some unpacking tips to make the job even simpler:

1. Organize your furniture first.
2. Unpack just what you need initially.
3. Focus on one room at a time.
4. Hang up art ASAP.
5. Further declutter as you unpack.

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