Moving on a Budget: 10 Ways to Save Time and Money

The rise in work-from-home opportunities, the desire to live in less densely populated areas and the hope of living more affordably are just a few of the many reasons Americans are packing up and moving.¹ But as we all know, moving is neither fun nor cheap. So when it comes to moving on a budget, preparation is key.

How do people afford moving expenses?

Keeping costs low and maximizing your time take effort but can really pay off in the end. These 10 tips for moving on a budget can show you how to move cheaply and efficiently:

1. Avoid peak moving season, if possible

When you’re budgeting for a move, timing is everything. The cheapest times to move are in the fall and winter seasons, on weekdays and in the middle of the month.² In addition to potentially lower prices, you may also receive more attention from moving companies during these times due to a slower schedule. And to save time on the day of your move, try to avoid driving during morning and evening rush hour traffic.

2. Be flexible on your moving date

Unless your move is time sensitive, try to be flexible on your moving date. By allowing the company to fit you into their schedule, you might be able to agree on a date and time that work for both of you. This may also help you negotiate a more favorable rate.

3. Avoid paying for boxes

Boxes are the building blocks of a successful move, but the cost can quickly add up if you’re trying to move on a budget. Although some moving companies sell them, there are plenty of ways to accumulate all of the boxes you need for free. Some suggestions include:

• Family and friends
• Office or workplace
• Supermarkets and department stores
• Recycling centers

4. Use your own packing material

Depending on the size of your move, the cost of bubble wrap and packing paper can add up, making budgeting for a move even more difficult. To avoid these costs altogether, try using linens, towels and casual clothing to wrap up delicate items. You can also substitute packing paper with plastic shopping bags or newspaper. No matter what materials you use, remember the primary goal is for your items to arrive in one piece.

5. Pay attention to your utilities

Closing and opening new utility accounts can cost time and money. For example, some companies may not prorate your bill. This means that if you only use one week of cable and internet, they might charge you for a full month. To make the best use of your time and potentially save money, write down a list of utilities for both residences. Then schedule an afternoon to close old accounts and open new ones.

6. Create “keep, donate or throw away” piles

One of the hardest things about moving could be deciding what to do with random belongings. If you have a closet or spare room full of these items, try creating three piles: keep, donate and throw away. This reduces the size of your move, which helps with moving cheaply.

7. Sell what you don’t need

As you start to assess all of your belongings, you might find some unwanted items that still have value. Or you may find that you have two of the same item. When you’re moving on a budget, selling these items online or hosting a garage sale could help you save money and earn extra cash for other expenses.

8. Pack what you can ahead of time

This tip for moving on a budget can save you hours of valuable time on moving day. And time is money. To get started, try to pack items you won’t need during the move such as electronics, kitchenware and extra clothing. By having these items boxed, labeled and ready to go, you can focus your time and energy toward larger items like furniture and appliances on moving day. Keep in mind that many commercial moving companies do not cover damage to items packed by the customer. So be sure to read the fine print of your moving contract.

9. Get help from people you know

Do you have a lot of family, friends and coworkers who live nearby? If so, invite them over to help. You can sweeten the deal by providing food and drinks. But keep in mind you’re moving on a budget, so don’t overdo it. In addition to saving personal time packing your items, it can also give you quality time with loved ones before you relocate. Remember, the goal is to make your move as stress-free as possible.

10. Shop around for the best moving truck rental

As one of the largest expenses for a DIY move, finding a deal on a moving truck rental could have a significant impact when you’re moving on a budget. So be sure to get as many quotes as possible. The size of the truck, how far you’re going and whether you need the truck for one-way or roundtrip are a few of the factors a moving company takes into consideration when offering a quote.

What are cheap moving options or companies?

Here are a few sites that can help accomplish your goal of moving cheaply by comparing moving truck options based on your specific needs:

• TopTenReviews – The Best Truck Rental Services - Moving 101 – Rental Trucks
• Moving.com – Truck Rental

How much should be saved before moving?

When you’re moving on a budget, it’s best to know ahead of time how much you should expect to pay. The price of a local move typically ranges from $900 to $2,400, with out-of-state moves averaging $4,750. (These prices include professional movers and rental truck.) 3 Remember, there could be more expenses involved in moving that you’ll need to budget for like cleaning services, moving insurance or the additional cost of transporting special items like a vehicle.

Lighten your load

No matter the size or distance of your move, there are ways to save time and money. If you follow these tips for moving on a budget, you may only have to worry about breaking a lamp, not the bank.

1. https://www.pods.com/blog/2022/04/moving-trends/
2,3. https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/storage-and-organization/hire-a-moving-service/

This article has been updated from a previous posting on July 27, 2020.