The lowest-cost days to move are Monday through Thursday. Many people move on weekends for convenience, so weekdays are often more affordable for hiring movers or renting a moving truck. Ask your local moving company if they offer any discounts for certain times of the year or days of the week.

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.

To pack mugs safely for a move, start by lining the bottom of your moving box with padded material like bubble wrap. Wrap each mug individually; for a snug fit, you can tuck the ends of the bubble wrap sheet inside the mug. Place the wrapped mugs in the box, using a box with slots for extra separation if available. The key to preventing breakage is to pack the box tightly enough that the mugs cannot shift during transit. Fill any empty gaps with additional packing material. However, be careful not to pack more than 10 mugs in one box, as it can become too heavy to carry safely. Finally, be sure to label the box as “fragile” to alert movers to handle it with care.

When planning an out-of-state move, you should aim to save enough money to cover at least two to three months of living expenses, including rent, food, utilities, and transportation. Ideally, saving for six months or more is best, especially if you don't have a job lined up. You also need to budget for the transition costs, such as a moving vehicle rental, hiring movers, and packing materials. Cross-country moves typically cost between $2,400 and $6,860. You can calculate your estimated moving costs in advance based on factors like distance, weight, and the number of bedrooms.