Tips for Moving on a Budget

When every dollar counts, knowing how to move home cheaply is essential, but so is knowing the risks that entails and how to mitigate them.

In this week’s home moving blog, we look at how to save money on every aspect of your home move and highlight the risks, whilst showing you how to minimize those risks.

And whilst we all need to save money where possible, value for money should be your yardstick.

What price do you put on an easy and stress-free home move?

Read on to discover how to save money moving without putting you or your belongings at risk.

Plan Like a Pro (6–8 Weeks Out)

1) Pick the cheapest move date window

• How it saves money: Weekdays and mid-month dates are often 10–30% cheaper for trucks and movers. Summer weekends are the most expensive.
• Risks: Limited truck availability can push you into a too-small vehicle (extra trips mean more fuel and time).
• Mitigate: Reserve early and confirm 7 days and 48 hours before pickup.

2) Create a one-page moving budget

• List categories: transport, labor, packing, fuel, tolls, lodging (if cross-country), deposits, fees, cleaning, pet and child care, insurance, contingency (10%).
• How it saves money: Budgets prevent “just this once” spending that can balloon costs by 20% plus.
• Risks: Underestimating leads to last-minute purchases at premium prices.
• Mitigate: Add a 10–15% buffer and price-check every line item.

You may also like to read: How to Make a Moving Budget. In this guide, we explain how to make a line-by-line moving budget checklist.

3) Declutter aggressively (sell, donate, recycle)

• How it saves money: Reduces truck size or load weight. Selling a couch for $100 and avoiding a larger truck can save $150–$400.
• Risks: Regret later and re-buying at full price.
• Mitigate: Keep essentials and what you truly love only; dump duplicates, broken, or rarely used items.

You may also like to read: How to Declutter Your Home. In this guide, we explain how to detach emotionally from your belongings, suggest popular decluttering methods, and provide tips to keep motivated whilst decluttering.

Choose the Right Transport (Cost vs. Convenience)

4) For local (under 50 miles) moves, rent a smaller truck

• How it saves money: A 10–15 ft truck is about $20–$40 per day plus mileage; smaller size trucks use less fuel.
• Risks: One trip becomes two, costing time, fuel, and mileage.
• Mitigate: Measure big items; use a free truck size calculator; practice tight loading.

You may also like to read: The Cheapest Ways to Move Locally. In this guide, we look at each of the options you have for moving locally.

5) For Interstate or long-distance moves, consider hybrid options

• Moving containers: You load, they ship.
• Shared freight (“LTL”): Pay only for the space you use on a freight trailer.
• One-way truck rental: Cheapest if you can drive and avoid hotels.

• How it saves money: Containers and LTL can undercut full-service movers by 30–50%. One-way trucks beat containers if you minimize lodging and fuel.
• Risks: Longer delivery windows (1–7 days), potential access/parking permits, and freight damage if not packed properly.
• Mitigate: Ask about exact delivery windows, reserve street permits, and use plywood/cardboard buffers and straps.

You may also like to read: Ways to Move Across Country. In this guide, we look at the 10 cheapest ways to move interstate.

6) Negotiate everything

• How it saves money: Get 3–5 quotes. Ask for price match, weekday rate, student or military discounts, or free miles.
• Risks: “Too good to be true” movers may add hidden fees (stairs, long carry, fuel surcharge, or wrap fees, for example).
• Mitigate: Get a binding or not-to-exceed quote in writing; demand a line-by-line estimate; read reviews to find out if surprise fees are common.

You may also like to read: How to Negotiate with Movers. In this guide, we explain how you may be able to get a better price for your move when hiring professional movers.

Smart Packing on a Shoestring

7) Source free packing supplies

• Grocery/liquor stores, Facebook/Nextdoor “moving boxes,” and retail parks.
• Use towels, bedding, and clothing as padding.

• How it saves money: $1–$2 per box saved; $30–$80 on wrapping replaced by linens.
• Risks: Weakened boxes collapse; bedbugs from second-hand boxes.
• Mitigate: Choose sturdy cartons; avoid restaurant or likely infested sources; double-tape the bottom of every box.

You may also like to read: Where to Get Free Packing Supplies. In this guide, we suggest places where you may be able to get free packing supplies, and also what you can find in your home to help make packing cheaper.

8) Use Standard box sizes and label everything

• How it saves money: Same-size boxes stack faster and tighter, which shortens loading time if paying hourly labor.
• Risks: Overpacking heavy items leads to injuries and crushed boxes.
• Mitigate: Never pack a box more than 40 lb; label by room, content type, and mark as “HEAVY/FRAGILE.”

You may also like to read: How to Label Moving Boxes. In this guide, we share a couple of tried and tested methods for labelling your moving boxes.

9) Disassemble and prep large furniture

• How it saves money: Saves time on move day (essential if paying for hourly labor) and fits more easily into a smaller truck or container.
• Risks: Lost hardware or damaged finishes.
• Mitigate: Zip-bag screws and tape to furniture; use moving blankets and cardboard corners.

10) Rent or borrow gear instead of buying

Dollies, moving blankets, lifting straps, and ramps.

• How it saves money: $50–$150 saved vs buying; reduces injuries and saves time.
• Risks: Limited supply on peak days.
• Mitigate: Reserve moving equipment with your truck.

You may also like to read: Moving Equipment. In this guide, we explain the equipment you need for a safer and easier home move.

Heavy Lifting Without Heavy Bills

11) Hybrid labor model

DIY pack; hire 2 movers for 2–3 hours just to load/unload.

• How it saves money: Often 60–80% less than full-service.
• Risks: Day-labor quality varies; no packing liability.
• Mitigate: Use insured platforms, check reviews, and specify no hidden fees and arrival window in writing.

You may also like to read: Moving Labor. In this guide, we explain all you need to know about hiring professional labor-only moving services and how much, on average, they cost.

12) Get help from friends or family

• How it saves money: Food or gift cards ($40–$100 total).
• Risks: Injuries, damaged furniture, strained relationships.
• Mitigate: Assign specific roles; keep heavy items for the pros; use gloves/straps; keep paths clear.

13) Stair/parking strategy

• How it saves money: Short carry and reserved parking reduce billable time by 30–60 minutes. And there is often a long carry fee.
• Risks: Tickets or tows cost more than savings.
• Mitigate: Get temporary permits or coordinate with the property manager.

Travel, Fuel, and Route Optimization

14) Plan the cheapest route and speed

• How it saves money: Avoid tolls where time vs cost is low; driving 55–60 mph can substantially improve a truck’s MPG.
• Risks: Over-saving time can cause fatigue or mean you use unsafe roads.
• Mitigate: Use a truck-safe GPS setting; schedule rest stops.

15) Bundle trips (pickups, donations, dump runs)

• How it saves money: Fewer trips equals less mileage and fuel.
• Risks: Overloading or unsecured loads can mean fines or accidents.
• Mitigate: Tie-downs; don’t exceed payload; tarp open loads.

16) Minimize lodging and meals

• How it saves money: Pack a cooler and shelf-stable meals; stop at budget chains with loyalty points.
• Risks: Poor sleep increases accident risk.
• Mitigate: Don’t skimp on rest; if exhausted, stop at a safe motel.

You may also like to read: How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Moving Truck? In this guide, we share the average costs of hiring a truck, what size truck you will need, and the various add-ons you need to watch out for.

Utilities, Admin, and Fees

17) Synchronize your utility start/stop

• How it saves money: Avoid double-paying for days you’re not there. Transfer instead of cancel/restart where possible.
• Risks: Arriving to no power or internet; You can end up paying reconnection fees.
• Mitigate: Overlap 24–48 hours; confirm activations by phone and email.

18) Forward mail and update addresses

• How it saves money: Prevents lost bills and/or late fees; may trigger mover/retailer coupons.
• Risks: Missing critical mail (e.g., checks, tax docs) or identity theft.
• Mitigate: USPS forward plus direct updates with banks, insurers, DMV, and subscriptions.

You may also like to know: How to Change Address When Moving. In this guide, you will find a comprehensive list of whom to notify about your change of address and how to do it.

19) Protect your security deposit

• How it saves money: A thorough move-out clean ($50–$150 in supplies) can ensure your deposit of hundreds is returned to you.
• Risks: Manager disputes “normal wear.”
• Mitigate: Pre/post photos, cleaning checklist, and receipt for any repairs if needed.

20) Insurance

• How it saves money: Using your renters/homeowners policy for transit can beat pricey mover insurance.
• Risks: Coverage gaps (DIY moves often excluded), deductible higher than item value.
• Mitigate: Confirm in writing what’s covered during loading, transit, and unloading.

You may also like to read: Moving Insurance. Being underinsured is the number one home-moving mistake. Discover all you need to know about insuring your home move in this comprehensive guide.

Packing & Loading Hacks

Books in rolling suitcases

• Save: Fewer boxes; easier transport.
• Risk: Overweight luggage can break wheels, so don’t exceed the suitcase rating.

Plastic wrap drawers

• Save: No boxing small items; faster setup.
• Risk: Weight can stress joints. Remove drawers from flimsy pieces.

Color-coded tape per room

• Save: Speeds unload by 20–30 minutes.
• Risk: Tape residue on delicate finishes; use painter’s tape on sensitive surfaces.

“Load wall” method (tight, vertical stacking with tie-downs)

• Save: Fits more in a smaller truck.
• Risk: Collapse if not strapped every 2–3 feet; always secure rows.

You may also like to read: Alternative Packing Materials. In this guide, we look at the items commonly found within the home that can be used for packing for a home move.

Example Budget (Template)

Category	Estimate	Notes
Truck/Container	$350	1-day local truck or one container share
Mileage/Fuel/Tolls	$120	Local 50–100 mile move
Labor (2 movers, 2–3 hrs)	$240	Load only
Packing supplies	$60	Mostly free boxes
Equipment rental (dolly/blankets)	$40	Bundle with the truck
Cleaning & repairs	$75	Deposit protection
Food/water	$30	For the crew and you
Insurance/add-on	$50	Basic coverage
Contingency (10%)	$97	Buffer
Total	$1,062	Adjust for distance/size

• How it saves money: Forces you to examine each expenditure (e.g., drop labor by 1 hour to hit the target).
• Risks: Unrealistic budgeting will blow the plan.
• Mitigate: Calculate actual route miles and MPG for your vehicle size.

You may also like to read: Moving Containers. Using moving containers can be a budget-friendly moving option. In this comprehensive guide, we explain all you need to know about hiring moving containers.

Red Flags & How to Avoid Scams

Large deposit required by mover (20% or more)

• Risk: Bait-and-switch, hostage load.
• Fix: Use reputable, reviewed companies; pay by credit card.

Phone-only quotes with vague line items

• Risk: Surprise add-ons (stairs, long carry, packing).
• Fix: Insist on a binding or not-to-exceed written estimate.

Unmarked trucks, no USDOT number

• Risk: No recourse for damage.
• Fix: Verify credentials and insurance.

You may also like to read: How to Avoid Moving Scams. In this guide, we explain the most common home moving scams and how you can avoid them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the absolutely cheapest way to move locally?

Borrow a pickup or rent the smallest truck for a single weekday, use free boxes, DIY packing, and recruit friends.

• Hire 2 pros for just 2 hours to load heavy items.
• Risk: More sweat equity; watch for injuries and proper lifting.

Is a moving container cheaper than a truck for long distances?

• Often, yes, if you don’t need speed, but a one-way truck can win if you keep fuel/lodging low. Risk: Container delivery windows; confirm access/permits.

Do I really need moving insurance on a budget?

• If you can’t afford to replace key items, yes. Basic “released value” is minimal.
• Risk: DIY and third-party exclusions, so read the fine print.

How far in advance should I book?

• 4–8 weeks, longer in the peak moving season.
• Risk: Waiting limits choice and raises prices.

Can I deduct moving expenses?

• Generally, no for most taxpayers since 2018; active-duty military PCS moves may be exceptions.
• Rules change, so verify the current IRS guidance.

You may also like to read: Understanding the Bill of Lading. If you do not understand or do not read your bill of lading, then your moving costs could soar. This guide explains all you need to know about a bill of lading.

Spend Where It Counts

A budget move isn’t about cutting costs anywhere and everywhere; it’s about smart spending.

Spend a little on the right things, like furniture dollies, straps, a couple of hours of professional labor, or buying quality packing tape, and you protect the big savings you get from off-peak timing, free packing supplies, and DIY packing.

Value for money is the key. Spend where you need to, to ensure a safe and stress-free home move, but don’t spend money where you don’t have to.

And we said it above, but please, please, ensure that you are fully insured for your move. Accidents happen, and this is one moving expense that you should never skimp on.

Good luck with your home move, and be sure to visit our home moving blog for guides on how to make every aspect of your home move cheaper, easier, and safer.