Editorial note: Homefront (defined in the Disclosure below) may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured on our site. This commission does not influence our editors’ opinions or evaluations.
Phinnie Zahareas is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She works as a project manager and professional organizer for a moving company in Louisiana. She’s managed dozens of moving jobs — from tiny houses to sprawling office buildings — and aims to make relocations easier for everyone. In addition to her work in the moving industry, she holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of New Orleans. She still lives in New Orleans, where she walks her two spotted dogs along the Mississippi River every evening.
Cut down on moving costs by getting rid of things you don’t need, sourcing secondhand supplies and forgoing professional moving services where possible.
Create a moving budget and regularly review it to ensure you aren’t overspending in key categories.
Hold off on purchasing nonessential items, such as decorations and pantry supplies, until you’ve replenished your savings.
Moving can be fun — fresh walls to paint, new rooms to decorate and, of course, a chance to start fresh. But the cost of moving can be a buzzkill. Fortunately, if you plan ahead and stick to a budget, you can save money while moving and settling into your new place.
I spoke to Pamela Downs, real estate advisor at Compass New England, LLC, for advice on how to save money when moving. “There’s no way around it,” she said. “Moving is expensive, but if you start planning early and take the time to research deals, get rid of stuff and source free supplies, you can save a lot of money.”
So fear not, savvy mover. Read on for how to save those hard-earned bucks to ensure your move is a budget-friendly success.
You’ll inevitably have to shell out some cash to move, but there are practical ways to cut down on spending. The following tips will help you enjoy your new adventure without financial stress creeping in.
The cost of moving unwanted items can outweigh their value, especially if you’re no longer using them. Downs said this is the biggest mistake she sees her clients make. “They don’t take the time to go through their stuff and end up moving things they don’t need, want or have room for at their new home.”
At the moving company where I work, I encourage clients to hire us to help them declutter and get rid of stuff before they pack. We recommend letting go of clothes that no longer fit, broken items you haven’t gotten around to fixing and anything you haven’t used in six months to a year.
You can sell these items through online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, eBay or OfferUp to maximize your savings. Hosting a garage sale or stoop sale is another effective option to quickly offload unused items and earn extra cash for your move.
Once you’ve sold what you can, consider donating the remaining items to local charities, shelters or community organizations such as Goodwill or The Salvation Army. Many of these organizations will even pick up your items. Plus, charitable donations are often tax deductible, offering financial benefits beyond immediate savings.
Choosing a hands-on approach for your move can significantly reduce costs, and skipping full-service movers is one key strategy. Consider alternatives such as renting a van, using self-service options, such as PODS, or borrowing a friend’s truck for a more economical solution.
Another cost-effective option is enlisting friends and family to help with the actual move. While this may require more coordination and planning, it can substantially reduce or eliminate the need for professional movers.
If you’d prefer to hire professional movers, consider opting for partial services. Many top moving companies offer transportation services and loading and unloading assistance, allowing you to handle the packing and unpacking yourself. This could save you thousands: When we requested long-distance moving quotes from six national movers, the average cost for full-service packing of a three-bedroom home was $1,924.
Downs recommended getting estimates from at least three movers to find the best value. To get started, request quotes from the companies below.
High-end packing supplies can substantially contribute to the overall cost of moving. For example, a 1–2 Bedroom Kit from U-Haul costs $289.79. To cut down on these expenses, consider seeking out cheap or free supplies.
Downs suggested scouring the internet and local community forums for free or low-cost packing supplies. People often give away or sell used boxes on online marketplaces at a fraction of the cost of new ones. Downs also said that local grocery stores almost always have free boxes.
Instead of springing for expensive materials, such as bubble wrap, packing peanuts and packing paper, repurpose items you already have — including pillows, clothing, towels and linens — as padding to protect fragile items during transport. You can also opt for reusable bins or vacuum-seal bags instead of disposable packing materials. These can be repurposed for storage after the move, making them a sustainable choice.
Peak moving season is typically May through September. Families often prefer to move during these months to align with school schedules, creating a higher demand for moving services. To avoid peak season rates and ensure greater availability, consider moving during fall or winter.
Weekends are also more expensive due to increased demand, as people often prefer moving on their days off from work. Additionally, the end of the month is peak time, with many leases and rental agreements terminating around that time. To save on costs and increase scheduling flexibility, consider moving midweek in the middle of the month.
Book your flight as soon as possible and opt for budget airlines. By booking early, you’ll secure lower rates and avoid potential fare hikes as your moving date approaches.
For accommodations, explore budget-friendly hotels or alternative lodging arrangements, such as Airbnb or motels. Online travel platforms frequently offer discounted rates for early bookings.
As you prepare for your move, consume the food at home — particularly perishable items, such as fresh produce, dairy, meat and frozen food. This will minimize waste and help you cut down on unnecessary spending on restaurant and takeout meals.
You have a few options for nonperishable items, including snacks and canned goods, that are unopened and still within their shelf life. You can include them in your meals leading up to the move or bring them on the road with you, minimizing reliance on fast food or restaurants. Alternatively, you can donate them to your local food bank.
If you already have a regular budget, make a conscious effort to stick to it and consider implementing additional cost-cutting measures during the moving process. Identify and eliminate extraneous expenses and focus on necessities rather than indulgences to save money for the various aspects of your move.
Scrutinize your discretionary spending on nonessential items such as alcohol, daily coffee or new clothes. While these splurges may bring temporary pleasure, cutting back on them can significantly contribute to your moving budget. Consider alternatives such as brewing coffee at home, exploring free or low-cost entertainment options and resisting the urge to make nonessential purchases during this time.
Creating and adhering to a moving budget ensures a smooth transition to your new home without undue financial stress. Here’s a guide to help you craft and stick to a realistic moving budget.
Evaluate your current financial situation, including your income, savings and any additional funds you can allocate to the move.
Request quotes from at least three moving companies or rental truck services, and research the costs of packing materials, insurance and potential storage fees. Downs warned that you should be wary of companies asking for lots of cash upfront. Reputable moving companies require a reasonable deposit and full payment at the end of the move.
Craft a detailed budget outlining all of your anticipated expenses. Break down each category, including moving services, packing materials, travel and potential post-move costs, such as utility setups. Consider creating a spreadsheet or using a budgeting app to help organize and monitor your spending.
Categorize your moving expenses into priorities to ensure that you allocate funds to critical aspects of the move first. Essential costs, such as transportation and packing supplies, should precede optional or nonurgent expenditures, such as new furniture.
Maintain a contingency fund to account for unexpected expenses or last-minute changes. Having a financial buffer prepares you for any surprises during the moving process.
Regularly revisit your budget to track your spending. Avoid unnecessary purchases or expenses that may deviate from your financial plan. If adjustments are needed, be flexible in reallocating funds from one category to another.
It can be tempting to buy a bunch of new things as soon as you get to your new place. However, adopting money-saving strategies is essential to set up your new place while keeping your finances on track.
Hold off on purchasing nonessentials, such as decoration items, for the first few weeks. Taking the time to settle in, assess your new space and develop a plan for your home’s layout can help you make informed decisions about essential items. Rushing into purchases may lead to unnecessary expenses and clutter.
Instead of hitting the stores right away, explore alternative avenues to acquire items you need, such as a nightstand or lighting fixtures. Join local community groups, such as Buy Nothing, where people offer free items they no longer need. Explore thrift stores, consignment shops or secondhand markets for budget-friendly alternatives.
Take charge of mounting and assembling your furniture to save money. Resist the temptation to outsource this labor unless absolutely necessary, as professional services can add up quickly. Here are some DIY tips for furniture assembly and mounting:
While filling your pantry with various items is tempting, prioritizing essentials helps avoid unnecessary expenses and prevents waste. Here are some guidelines for post-move pantry stocking:
Moving can hit you right in the wallet, especially with sneaky costs such as down payments and security deposits. To regain financial stability after moving into a new home, consider adopting a proactive budgeting strategy. Start by meticulously tracking your income and expenses, then create a realistic budget that prioritizes essentials and allows for the gradual rebuilding of savings.
Take a good look at your spending habits — including dining out, entertainment and subscription services — and figure out where you can tighten those budgetary screws temporarily. Redirecting funds toward rebuilding your savings ensures a quicker and more sustainable financial rebound after the expenses of a significant move.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
Effective packing is key to a successful move, and you can achieve this through proper planning and organization. Some of the best packing tips for moving include getting started early, using your items as packing materials and keeping itemized lists of your boxes to track what you packed and where it goes. This guide explores…
Moving is a stressful endeavor, and the challenges can multiply when you have furry friends in tow. When moving with pets, it’s up to you to prepare them for the move, secure their safe relocation and help them adjust to their new surroundings, all while keeping abreast of health and licensing requirements. We spoke to…
Allied Van Lines is a nationwide moving carrier with offices in all 50 states and a wide suite of premium services. The company’s 500-plus offices book local and long-distance moves in nearly all locations, including Alaska and Hawaii. It also focuses on shipping vehicles without relying on third-party carriers, which improves an often complicated moving…
Long-distance moves can be overwhelming, requiring careful planning. Hiring a professional moving company — especially if it’s cross-country — saves you the hassle of dealing with these challenges alone and helps ensure a smoother experience. Meet the expert Sean Donnelly is a former professional mover. He served as a laborer, crew leader and move coordinator…
TEST Our editorial team is committed to creating independent and objective content focused on helping our readers make informed decisions. To help support these efforts we receive compensation from companies that advertise with us.
The compensation we receive from these companies may impact how and where products appear on this site. This compensation does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides within our content. We do not include all companies, products or offers that may be available.