Getting ready to move into a new home can be exciting but it’s also pretty stressful. One big worry for most people is how much it’s going to cost. Everyone wants to keep their moving expenses within budget. The total cost depends on where you’re moving—whether it’s just across town or to another state.

How to Save Money When Moving

Most people worry about how to save money during a move. While some costs can’t be avoided, there are smart ways to cut down on others. Here are 12 helpful tips to save money when moving:

Before the Move

1. Think About Moving in the Off-Season

When you move can make a big difference in how much you spend. If you plan your move during a slower time of year, you can save quite a bit. Moving companies usually charge more during their busiest months—May through September. But the rest of the year, especially when things are slower, prices are often cheaper.

Movers also tend to be more flexible and offer better deals during quiet times, like:

  • Winter months
  • Weekdays
  • The middle of the month

2. Find Free or Cheap Packing Supplies

Packing stuff can get expensive and take up a big part of your moving budget. While it’s important to keep your things safe, you don’t have to spend a lot on boxes and supplies.

Start planning early so you have time to find affordable or free packing materials. Many stores offer discounts or deals. You can also use recycled boxes instead of buying brand-new ones. If you start collecting free boxes ahead of time, you’ll end up saving a lot on packing costs.

3. Organize a Garage Sale or Donate Items

A lot of stuff you don’t use just turns into clutter and bringing it along when you move only adds more to carry—which can make your move more expensive. The smart thing to do is get rid of anything you don’t need before the move.

You’ve got a few options: throw things out, give them away or sell them. Holding a garage sale is a great way to turn unwanted items into extra cash. Many things you no longer use might still be in good shape and can sell for a decent amount. That money can help cover some of your moving costs.

If you’re moving far, it’s also a good idea to sell or donate large furniture. Buying new pieces at your new place might actually be cheaper. Donating helps others while giving your old stuff a new life.

4. Find the Right Moving Company

There are lots of moving companies out there, but picking the right one can really help you save money. Start by checking out local movers and seeing which ones might be a good fit. Reading reviews from past customers can give you a better idea of how reliable and efficient they are.

When comparing movers, always ask for a full quote so you know what the job will cost. Try to negotiate a better price if you can and make sure everything is agreed upon upfront to avoid surprise charges later.

Be careful with movers that seem too cheap—they might not handle your stuff properly or could hit you with hidden fees.

5. Consider a Portable Moving Container

If you want extra time to pack and unpack without needing a lot of help, a portable moving container might be a smart choice. Many moving companies offer this service. They drop off a big container at your place and you can fill it up with your things over a few days. When you’re ready, they’ll move it to your new home and you can unload it whenever it suits you.

This option makes moving feel less rushed and can be more budget-friendly. Since you’re doing the loading and unloading yourself, you don’t need to pay for extra help, which helps you save money.

6. Purchase Mover’s Insurance

A lot can go wrong during a move. Items might get packed the wrong way or damaged by mistake, especially if they’re valuable. Even if you hire pros, accidents can still happen—so it’s smart to be prepared.

Getting mover’s insurance is a good way to protect yourself. You just pay a small fee upfront and your belongings are covered. If anything gets lost or broken during the move, the insurance can pay you back for the damage.

During

7. Have a Moving Checklist

Moving can be a lot to handle and it’s easy to forget important things. Losing personal items during the move can lead to extra expenses which no one wants. That’s why having a moving checklist is really helpful.

A clear checklist helps you stay organized and pack everything properly. It reduces the chances of losing or damaging your stuff, so you won’t have to spend money replacing anything.

8. Use Flat Rate Options to Mail Books

If you have a lot of books or heavy documents, moving them can be a hassle. They add weight to your load which can make movers charge more.

A smart way to handle this is to ship your books and papers using flat-rate mailing services. These services charge one fixed price, no matter the weight, which helps you save money instead of paying extra to move them with everything else.

9. Ask Friends & Family Members for Help

Moving often means lifting heavy things and packing a lot, which takes time and effort. If movers have to bring in more people or spend more time, they’ll charge you more—sometimes by the hour.

To cut down on those extra costs, try to handle some of the work yourself. Asking friends or family to help out is a great way to save money and get things done faster without paying for extra help.

10. Pack Yourself

One of the best ways to save money during a move is by planning ahead—especially when it comes to packing. Packing takes a lot of time and if the movers have to do it, it’ll cost you more.

If you pack everything yourself, movers will only need to load and transport your items, which cuts down on the time and money spent. Doing it on your own helps you stay in control and keeps your moving costs lower.

After

11. Cancel Subscriptions & Opt for New Ones

One way people often lose money during a move is by forgetting to cancel their old subscriptions. If you’re moving at the end of the month and don’t cancel on time, you might end up paying for services you won’t even use.

To avoid this, cancel any subscriptions before you move. When you get to your new place, you can sign up again. Many cable or internet companies offer special deals for new customers—sometimes even giving a month or two free—so starting fresh can help you save.

12. Use Stocked Foods While You Settle In

Food is a basic need when you move into a new place. Many people eat out for days or even weeks after moving, but that can get expensive fast and drain your savings.

A smarter option is to use the food you already have stocked up. Cooking at home not only saves money but it’s also a healthier choice while you get settled.

Consider STI Moving & Storage Inc to Help With Your Move

Moving can be overwhelming but hiring the right movers can make a big difference. Professional movers know how to handle everything so your move goes smoothly and with less stress. They’ve got the tools and skills to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

STI Moving Company, based in Chicago, has over 21+ years of experience handling both local and long-distance moves. We offer a full range of moving services—like packing, loading and unpacking—all at a fair price. If you’re planning a move, reach out for expert help and get a free quote.