Pack your bags without emptying your wallet
Moving during off-season months or on weekdays helps you save money when moving because professional movers charge less outside the busy May through October season.
Expect to pay $880 to $2,600 for local movers and up to $10,000 for long-distance moves, so comparing quotes from multiple companies helps you find the best value.
Decluttering before your move reduces the number of boxes and items you transport, which lowers your overall moving costs and simplifies packing.
Hiring a local moving company provides reliable help with heavy furniture, proper equipment, and efficient loading so you avoid injury and property damage during your move.
Moving to a new home is stressful enough without worrying about money. But moving can be expensive whether you DIY your move or pay professional movers to handle it for you. That’s where we come in. While some moving costs are unavoidable, there are several ways to plan a cost-effective move that won’t break the bank. This guide will help you understand how to save money while moving so that you can reduce your stress level and your budget.
Many people move during the warmer months or on weekends. The busiest season for local professional movers is often May through October, so you can save money by moving outside of those months. Additionally, scheduling your move on a weekday rather than a weekend can save you money.
Rather than buying brand-new moving supplies, ask around in your network to see if anyone has any spare moving boxes or packing paper that you can use. Start collecting supplies a few months before your move so that you’re not scrambling to find them right before your move. And if you can’t find enough free boxes for your move, shop for deals on new boxes to keep your costs down.
The more you have to move, the more it will cost to transport to your new home. To save money, declutter as much as you can before your move. Go through your things with a critical eye to decide what you want to keep and what you can donate, sell, or toss.
Save money on movers by tackling the packing part yourself. Start packing one to two months before your move and pack the things you don’t need immediately, like decor and off-season clothing. As you get closer to your moving date, start packing other items.
Use all the available space in each box by packing tactically and filling gaps with soft items like linens or cushions. Pack heavy items in small boxes and light items in large ones to make them easier to transport on your moving day.
Books are heavy and take up a lot of space in moving trucks. Therefore, moving your books can increase your cost of hiring movers or renting a moving truck. Instead, use flat-rate boxes to ship your books to your new home to save money.
When hiring a pro to tackle a job, it’s smart to shop around by requesting quotes from several companies and comparing them to find the best one for your needs. The cost to hire movers ranges from $880 to $2,600, but most people pay $1,700 for a local move. If you’re moving long-distance (considered anything over 100 miles), you could pay up to $10,000 for professional movers. When comparing moving quotes, check that the services provided in each quote are similar so that you know you’re getting the best value for your money.
The easiest way to save money on a move is to do it yourself. Renting a moving truck costs $30 to $3,500—a significant savings over hiring movers. However, a DIY move is a labor-intensive job.
Large or heavy furniture can easily slip and break if you’re not using the correct equipment to move it, and you also risk physical injury if a heavy item falls on your foot or you throw out your back. If you have the physical ability to handle a DIY move (not to mention friends and family to help), you can save money by moving by yourself, but this certainly isn’t a task for everyone.
It's important to move heavy furniture safely to avoid personal injury or property damage. The safest option is to hire professional movers with the right tools, equipment, and experience to move heavy furniture efficiently.
Another way to save money is using a portable moving container or pod. Some companies will deliver a container to your home so you can pack your items within a few days or weeks, spreading the physical labor out. Once the container is full, the company will collect it and move it to your new home, where you can unload it. Shipping a moving container costs $2,000 to $5,000, depending on your move distance and the container size. If you choose this option, learn how to pack a moving container efficiently to maximize the available space.
Whether you hire movers, rent a moving truck, or use a moving container, check if you’re eligible for discounts. Many moving companies offer discounts for certain groups of people, like veterans, seniors, first responders, and students. A discount of 20% can reduce your moving cost from $5,000 to $4,000, which is significant.
Moving insurance helps protect your belongings while in transit. Even professional movers aren’t immune to accidents, and if a piece of furniture is damaged, destroyed, or lost during a move, you’ll need to replace it. Without moving insurance, you’re on the hook to replace that item out of pocket.
However, with moving insurance, your coverage will pay for some or all of the replacement cost, depending on the type of coverage you purchase. Insurance is an up-front cost that can save you money in the long run.
My furniture was delivered today, and the whole move went smoothly. The final cost matched the original quote with no extra charges. The movers were friendly, professional, and handled everything with care. Even after the long distance, everything arrived in perfect condition. I’m very happy...
Moving of AmericaShowed up on time and cleaned carpets well, but didn?t move furniture.
Voda Cleaning & Restoration of ColumbusA reliable team for moves across state. My switch to a new place needed careful lifting through tight hallways. The movers checked the doorway first, then carried heavier pieces with slow, controlled movements. Their patience helped prevent damage, and I?d choose them again.
**Would rate a 0 if i could** NEVER USE THIS COMPANY!!!!! They shattered my tv console and dresser, lost a mirror, and never finished the move. The broken furniture cost me over $600 to replace. They left me with 6+ hours of personal labor moving my 1BR apartment, when I was quoted a FULL...
All My Sons Moving & StorageI could not have moved without the help of Jen Stover! I was in my house for nearly 20 years, so the thought of clearing it out while working full time was overwhelming. Jen takes great joy in sorting and organizing while asking the hard questions with patience and compassion. Jen is...
Go and Stow Home OrganizingExcellent experience for me! They helped me a lot with my move. very reasonable price. Good communication with the office manager is excellent.
Goodview Moving and StorageI was concerned about my possessions safety throughout the move but Bridge View Van Lines took all necessary security measures to make sure everything arrived in mint shape I am really appreciative of their effort and commitment They made my long distance move seem simple
Bridgeview Van LinesThis moving company is the best in Columbus, Ohio! They rescued me when my movers didnâ t show up. Do not ever use Plane Movers! They never showed up for my move, claiming that I never signed the contract. They didnâ t call me to follow up, communication was awful. The people that work for...
All My Sons Moving & StorageOzie and Tyquese were great and worked fast. It was a good move
All My Sons Moving & StorageJust moved from PA to Columbus in a studio apartment and needed help with some heavy furnitures because I couldn't do it alone. I called Hyremovers and they did a great and timely job and also left my apartment walls intact. Great service!
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Whether you need to ship a moving container overseas or domestically, you can expect to pay several thousands of dollars. Learn more using our cost guide.
How much do movers cost? The answer varies based on a lot of factors, but we’ve laid them all out for you here. Plan your budget with our cost guide.
When planning a cross-country move, anticipate the total cost by looking at all the relevant price factors and consider ways to save money.
Is your home costing you more money than it should be? You can take steps to save money throughout your home to keep it where it should be—your wallet.
You’re ready to move, but you're stuck on how to hire movers. Don’t waste a minute more; we’ve got you. Use this hiring guide to learn how to find the best moving company for you.
Are you wondering how to move by yourself? Use these top 10 tips for an efficient do-it-yourself move.
