Move date means the day that you are relocating your items from one space to another. If you’re renting, your move out date is usually the same as the last day of your lease, but it won’t necessarily be the same as your move-in date to another property.

There are several effective ways to save money when hiring a moving company, primarily by handling some tasks yourself and being strategic with scheduling. Consider these methods:

• Pack Your Own Belongings: You can significantly reduce costs by packing and protecting your items yourself. This includes wrapping delicate items, organizing them into boxes, and taping the boxes closed. You can use towels, clothes, and suitcases to pack belongings and protect breakables.

• Provide Your Own Materials: Source free packing materials from friends and family, or reuse boxes and bubble wrap from a previous move.

• Schedule Strategically: Book your move well in advance. Rates are often lower if you schedule your move on a weekday during the off-season, which typically runs from October through April.

• Compare Quotes: Get moving quotes from at least three professional movers in your area. This allows you to compare services and choose the best value.

• Ask for Discounts: Inquire if the moving company offers any special coupons or deals.

• Purchase Moving Insurance: Protect your investment by purchasing moving insurance, especially for expensive or antique belongings.

• Divide the Labor: While you can save money by packing, it's wise to leave the more dangerous and physically demanding work—like loading, unloading, and moving heavy furniture—to the professionals.

The cost to hire movers for a full-service move is at least $2,300. This typically includes packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, transportation, furniture assembly, and furniture disassembly.

Costs will vary based on the number of items you have, with additional surcharges for heavy and valuable items. If you’re interested in this service, get multiple quotes from different moving services to find the best deal.

When moving yourself, you should consider the non-monetary costs, such as time spent and physical and mental stress. If you’re packing and moving every box on your own, or with the help of a few volunteers, you can expect the process to take several days or even weeks. While it’s a less expensive option than hiring full-service movers, keep in mind that the process will be much more difficult.