{"id":47757,"date":"2026-05-29T07:08:25","date_gmt":"2026-05-29T11:08:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/?p=47757"},"modified":"2026-05-29T07:08:25","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T11:08:25","slug":"the-cheapest-ways-to-move-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/the-cheapest-ways-to-move-home\/","title":{"rendered":"The Cheapest Ways to Move Home"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"690\/445\" width=\"690\" height=\"445\" data-src=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Cheapest-ways-to-move-home.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47759 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Cheapest-ways-to-move-home.jpg 690w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Cheapest-ways-to-move-home-300x193.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-table-of-content ultp-block-e12fd0\"><div class=\"ultp-block-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-block-toc\"><div class=\"ultp-toc-header\"><div class=\"ultp-toc-heading\">Table of Contents<\/div><div class=\"ultp-collapsible-toggle  ultp-collapsible-right\"><a class=\"ultp-collapsible-text ultp-collapsible-open\" href=\";\">[Open]<\/a><a class=\"ultp-collapsible-text ultp-collapsible-hide\" href=\";\">[Close]<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ultp-block-toc-style1 ultp-block-toc-body\"><ul class=\"ultp-toc-lists\"><li><a href=\"#Ways_to_Move_Home\">Ways to Move Home<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#The_Golden_Rules_of_Cheap_Moving\">The Golden Rules of Cheap Moving<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Moving_Options_by_Home_Size\">Moving Options by Home Size<\/a><ul class=\"ultp-toc-lists\"><li><a href=\"#Moving_a_Few_Boxes_Only\">Moving a Few Boxes Only<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Studio_Apartment_Moves\">Studio Apartment Moves<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#1_to_2_Bedroom_Moves\">1 to 2 Bedroom Moves<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#3_to_4_Bedroom_Moves\">3 to 4 Bedroom Moves<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Ways_to_Lower_Moving_Costs\">Ways to Lower Moving Costs<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#What_is_the_Absolutely_Cheapest_Way_to_Move?\">What is the Absolutely Cheapest Way to Move?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you are moving to a studio down the street or packing up a four-bedroom house to cross state lines, most people will want to get from point A to point B in the cheapest way possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The cost of moving is complicated, often with hidden fees and unexpected expenses, so in this post, we have broken down the absolute cheapest ways to move home in the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide analyzes every size move, from a handful of boxes to a full family home, split by both local (under 50 miles) and interstate\/cross-country (500+ miles) relocations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What we have not done is take into account the physical and mental toll of each moving option. We will leave you to decide if saving a few bucks is worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Ways_to_Move_Home\">Ways to Move Home<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"690\/445\" width=\"690\" height=\"445\" data-src=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Moving-options.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47760 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Moving-options.jpg 690w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Moving-options-300x193.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Your options depend upon how much stuff you are moving, how far, your physical and driving capabilities, whether you have help, how valuable the things you are moving are, and your priorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hire Movers<\/strong>: In nearly every moving scenario, hiring movers is the most expensive option, but you get a physically easy move and none of the stresses of driving a large vehicle. Ensure that you get a \u2018binding not to exceed\u2019 quote so that you know what your final bill is likely to be.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>DIY:<\/strong> Moving yourself would seem the cheapest option, but many hidden expenses make this type of move only suitable in certain circumstances. Not to mention the physical hardship and mental strain of doing a move yourself.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hybrid<\/strong>: The middle route is to hire a container and labor help. It is far easier to control your expenses and your move in general.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Freight\/Couriers<\/strong>: For the smallest moves, sending your boxes by carrier is often the most cost-effective route.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"The_Golden_Rules_of_Cheap_Moving\">The Golden Rules of Cheap Moving<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"690\/445\" width=\"690\" height=\"445\" data-src=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Golden-rules-of-cheap-home-moves.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47763 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Golden-rules-of-cheap-home-moves.jpg 690w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Golden-rules-of-cheap-home-moves-300x193.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Declutter<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Your ultimate cost is determined by two variables: How much stuff you have and how far it needs to travel. You can&#8217;t change the distance to your new home, but you can control the volume. De-cluttering, selling, or donating items before getting a quote is the single fastest way to substantially reduce your moving costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may also like to read: How to Declutter for a Home Move. In this guide, we explain how to declutter each room of your home so that you only move the things that you really need and love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Research<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Compare every moving option thoroughly. What at first glance appears the cheapest option often has hidden expenses, so consider every single expense, not just the headline price. Ask as many questions as possible to drill down to the final cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Don\u2019t underestimate the Hardships<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Moving is physically and mentally demanding. Cheap nearly always means sacrifices. Only you can decide if saving money is more important than an easy and stress-free move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may also like to read: <a href=\"\/move\/moving-labor-services\/\">Moving Labor Only Services<\/a>. Hiring labor has many advantages. In this guide, we explain all you need to know about hiring moving labor by the hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Moving_Options_by_Home_Size\">Moving Options by Home Size<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"690\/445\" width=\"690\" height=\"445\" data-src=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Moving-options-by-home-size.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47762 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Moving-options-by-home-size.jpg 690w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Moving-options-by-home-size-300x193.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Moving_a_Few_Boxes_Only\">Moving a Few Boxes Only<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don\u2019t have furniture and are only moving clothes, books, and basic household items, renting a traditional moving truck or hiring standard movers is the most expensive route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Local Moves (Within 50 Miles)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a small, local move, standard personal transport wins. Utilizing your own vehicle, or persuading a friend with a pickup truck in exchange for dinner and gas money, keeps your costs super low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Interstate Moves (500+ Miles)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When crossing state lines with just boxes, traditional shipping carriers and specialized freight services are your best option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><td><strong>Moving Option<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Average Cost<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>USPS Media Mail &amp; Ground Advantage<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>$40 \u2013 $150 total<\/strong> <em>(Approx. $1.50-$2.50\/lb)<\/em><\/td><td>\u2022 Media mail is incredibly cheap for books, electronics, and educational items.<br><br>\u2022 Predictable pricing.<\/td><td>\u2022 Strict rules on Media Mail contents (subject to inspection).<br><br>\u2022 Slow delivery times.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>LugLess or ShipGo<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>$150 \u2013 $350 total<\/strong> <em>(3-5 large boxes)<\/em><\/td><td>\u2022 Door-to-door pickup and delivery available.<br><br>\u2022 Uses FedEx\/UPS networks at wholesale rates.<\/td><td>\u2022 Strict weight ceilings (typically 50-75 lbs per box).<br><br>\u2022 Oversize fees apply quickly.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Amtrak Express \/ Greyhound Package Express<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>$100 \u2013 $250 total<\/strong><\/td><td>\u2022 Excellent for heavy, durable items.<br><br>\u2022 Very cost-effective terminal-to-terminal transport.<\/td><td>\u2022 Requires terminal drop-off and pickup.<br><br>\u2022 Route availability varies by station.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You may also like to read: <a href=\"\/move\/moving-box-sizes\/\">What to Pack in Which Size Boxes.<\/a> Not all boxes are suitable for all things. In this guide, we explain the right things to pack in the right-sized boxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Studio_Apartment_Moves\">Studio Apartment Moves<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A studio apartment typically equates to about 1,500 to 2,500 lbs. This includes basic furniture (bed, dresser, small table) with 10 to 20 boxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Local Moves (Within 50 Miles)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A cargo van or a small 10-foot rental truck is the undisputed champion here. Because the distance is short, you do not need to worry about heavy fuel expenditure or driving a massive, intimidating commercial vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Interstate Moves (500+ Miles)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Driving a rental truck across the country for a studio apartment can become prohibitively expensive when you factor in gas (rental trucks get 8-12 MPG), hotel stops, and highway tolls. Small moving containers or shipping platforms are often cheaper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><td><strong>Moving Option<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Average Cost (Local vs Interstate)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>DIY Truck \/ Cargo Van<\/strong> <em>(e.g., U-Haul, Enterprise)<\/em><\/td><td><strong>Local:<\/strong> $50 \u2013 $120<br><br><strong>Interstate:<\/strong> $600 \u2013 $1,200<\/td><td>\u2022 Complete schedule flexibility.<br><br>\u2022 Cheapest baseline rate for short distances.<\/td><td>\u2022 Hidden costs: high fuel usage, mileage fees ($0.79-$0.99\/mile locally).<br><br>\u2022 Physically exhausting.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Small Moving Container<\/strong> <em>(e.g., U-Box, ReloCubes)<\/em><\/td><td><strong>Local:<\/strong> $400 \u2013 $700<br><br><strong>Interstate:<\/strong> $950 \u2013 $1,600<\/td><td>\u2022 No driving required.<br><br>\u2022 Includes up to 30 days of storage built-in.<\/td><td>\u2022 Requires a legal parking space for container placement.<br><br>\u2022 Slower transit times.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Peer-to-Peer \/ LTL Freight<\/strong> <em>(e.g., uShip, TSI)<\/em><\/td><td><strong>Local:<\/strong> N\/A<br><br><strong>Interstate:<\/strong> $500 \u2013 $1,100<\/td><td>\u2022 Bidding system secures lower rates.<br><br>\u2022 Utilizes empty space on existing trucks.<\/td><td>\u2022 Delivery dates are often broad windows.<br><br>\u2022 Quality of individual haulers varies.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You may also like to read: <a href=\"\/move\/moving-into-a-studio-apartment\/\">Tips for Moving Into a Studio.<\/a> In this guide, we offer some tips for making moving into and living in a studio easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1_to_2_Bedroom_Moves\">1 to 2 Bedroom Moves<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"690\/445\" width=\"690\" height=\"445\" data-src=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Larger-home-moves.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47766 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Larger-home-moves.jpg 690w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Larger-home-moves-300x193.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Moves of this size range anywhere from 3,000 to 6,000 lbs. and typically require a 15-foot to 17-foot truck, or 1 to 2 small-to-medium moving containers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Local Moves (Within 50 Miles)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A DIY truck rental remains the cheapest choice. However, if you lack physical help, look into &#8220;hybrid moving\u2019; renting the truck yourself but hiring local laborers by the hour to do the heavy lifting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Interstate Moves (500+ Miles)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a 1-2 bedroom cross-country move, costs are not so clear-cut between driving a rental truck and booking a moving container. When calculating the truck cost, add roughly $250-$400 for fuel, plus hotel and food costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><td><strong>Moving Option<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Average Cost (Local vs Interstate)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pure DIY Truck Rental<\/strong> <em>(15ft &#8211; 17ft truck)<\/em><\/td><td><strong>Local:<\/strong> $80 \u2013 $180<br><br><strong>Interstate:<\/strong> $1,200 \u2013 $2,200<\/td><td>\u2022 Most direct cost-to-capacity value.<br><br>\u2022 You maintain constant custody of your items.<\/td><td>\u2022 Driving a large vehicle is stressful.<br><br>\u2022 Physical liability if items are damaged during transit.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Moving Containers<\/strong> <em>(PODS, U-Pack ReloCube)<\/em><\/td><td><strong>Local:<\/strong> $600 \u2013 $1,100<br><br><strong>Interstate:<\/strong> $1,700 \u2013 $2,900<\/td><td>\u2022 Pack at your own pace over several days.<br><br>\u2022 Professional driver handles transport.<\/td><td>\u2022 More expensive than DIY.<br><br>\u2022 Street permits may be required for the pods.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Hybrid Moving<\/strong> <em>(DIY Truck + Independent Labor)<\/em><\/td><td><strong>Local:<\/strong> $250 \u2013 $500<br><br><strong>Interstate:<\/strong> $1,500 \u2013 $2,700<\/td><td>\u2022 Saves your back from heavy lifting.<br><br>\u2022 Significantly cheaper than full-service movers.<\/td><td>\u2022 Requires coordinating two separate entities.<br><br>\u2022 Laborers may not carry comprehensive insurance.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You may also like to read: <a href=\"\/move\/moving-one-way\/\">One-Way Truck Rental<\/a>. Hiring a truck often means that you have to return it to where you hired it from. The answer for long-distance moves is one-way truck rental. This guide explains all you need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3_to_4_Bedroom_Moves\">3 to 4 Bedroom Moves<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A 3 to 4-bedroom house involves substantial volume, shifting anywhere from 7,000 to over 12,000 lbs of furniture and personal effects. This requires a 22-foot to 26-foot commercial-style truck or multiple moving containers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Local Moves (Within 50 Miles)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While renting a 26-foot truck is the cheapest path, driving it is not for the faint hearted. For homes of this size, a licensed local moving company with a flat hourly rate can be the best value when you calculate the sheer physical effort and potential time off work required for a DIY move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Interstate Moves (500+ Miles)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Driving a 26-foot truck cross-country is not anyone\u2019s idea of fun and can be incredibly expensive on fuel (often getting less than 8 MPG loaded). This is where freight trailer sharing (like U-Pack) becomes a good option for budget-conscious movers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><td><strong>Moving Option<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Average Cost (Local vs Interstate)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Freight Trailer Space<\/strong> <em>(e.g., U-Pack 28ft Trailer)<\/em><\/td><td><strong>Local:<\/strong> N\/A<br><br><strong>Interstate:<\/strong> $2,800 \u2013 $4,500<\/td><td>\u2022 You only pay for the linear feet you actually use.<br><br>\u2022 Professional transit for heavy commercial volumes.<\/td><td>\u2022 Requires massive parking clearance for a 28-foot ramp trailer.<br><br>\u2022 Completely self-service loading.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>DIY Truck Rental<\/strong> <em>(22ft &#8211; 26ft Truck)<\/em><\/td><td><strong>Local:<\/strong> $150 \u2013 $300<br><br><strong>Interstate:<\/strong> $2,200 \u2013 $3,800<\/td><td>\u2022 The lowest raw dollar price for a massive move.<br><br>\u2022 Immediate delivery control.<\/td><td>\u2022 Extreme physical labor required.<br><br>\u2022 Massive fuel expenditure (hundreds of dollars added).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Budget Full-Service Moving<\/strong> <em>(Brokers\/Value Carriers)<\/em><\/td><td><strong>Local:<\/strong> $900 \u2013 $1,800<br><br><strong>Interstate:<\/strong> $4,000 \u2013 $7,500<\/td><td>\u2022 Zero physical labor required.<br><br>\u2022 Insured and professionally packed\/loaded.<\/td><td>\u2022 Highest cost option.<br><br>\u2022 Risk of rogue brokers or delayed delivery dates.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You may also like to read: <a href=\"\/move\/self-moving-mistakes-to-avoid\/\">DIY Moving Mistakes<\/a>. In this guide, we explain the top 10 mistakes people make when trying to move home without professional help, so that you can avoid making the same mistakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Ways_to_Lower_Moving_Costs\">Ways to Lower Moving Costs<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"690\/445\" width=\"690\" height=\"445\" data-src=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Ways-to-reduce-moving-costs.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47764 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Ways-to-reduce-moving-costs.jpg 690w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Ways-to-reduce-moving-costs-300x193.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Choose your moving date carefully:<\/strong> Avoid moving during the summer peak (May to September), on weekends, or at the start\/end of the month. Rental truck rates and container costs can drop by <strong>30% to 50%<\/strong> on a Tuesday in mid-November compared to a Saturday in July.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sourcing Free Boxes:<\/strong> Visit local liquor stores (their boxes are heavy-duty and have dividers perfect for glassware), large grocery chains, or look through local Facebook Marketplace and <em>Buy Nothing<\/em> groups where recent movers are desperately trying to give boxes away.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Optimize the Trucks&#8217; Footage:<\/strong> Pack items tightly right up to the ceiling of the trailer and use ratchet straps. Saving just 3 linear feet by stacking efficiently can save you $300 to $500 on your final bill.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Decline Rental Company Insurance (Safely):<\/strong> Check your homeowner&#8217;s or renter&#8217;s insurance policy, as well as your premium credit cards. Many provide built-in coverage for personal property in transit, allowing you to avoid the costly add-on insurance packages offered by truck rental companies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You may also like to read: <a href=\"\/move\/moving-insurance-types-cost\/\">Home Moving Insurance.<\/a> One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to save money in the wrong places. Moving insurance is one place you should never cut corners. This guide explains all you need to know about insuring your home move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"What_is_the_Absolutely_Cheapest_Way_to_Move?\">What is the Absolutely Cheapest Way to Move?<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-aspectratio=\"690\/445\" width=\"690\" height=\"445\" data-src=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Cheap-ways-to-move-home-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47765 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Cheap-ways-to-move-home-1.jpg 690w, https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Cheap-ways-to-move-home-1-300x193.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>For local moves for all home sizes, a DIY truck rental paired with your own labor is unbeatable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For interstate moves, use specialized shipping (LugLess\/USPS) for box-only moves, and moving containers or freight trailers (U-Pack\/ReloCube) for full households. This eliminates the stress and hidden costs of driving heavy commercial trucks across the country, while protecting your budget from full-service moving rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But never eliminate the full-service movers option, when everything else is taken into consideration, they often work out just as cheaply as other moving options, and they save your sanity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Good luck with your move, and be sure to visit our <a href=\"\/move\/\">home moving blog<\/a>, which is packed with guides to make every aspect of your home move easier, cheaper, and safer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whether you are moving to a studio down the street or packing up a four-bedroom house to cross state lines, most people will want to get from point A to point B in the cheapest way possible. The cost of moving is complicated, often with hidden fees and unexpected expenses, so in this post, we &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/the-cheapest-ways-to-move-home\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;The Cheapest Ways to Move Home&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":47758,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"ub_ctt_via":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-47757","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","entry"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ways-to-move-home-cheaply.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Peter Langley","author_link":"https:\/\/moveadvisor.com\/move\/author\/peter-langley\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.8.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The Cheapest Ways to Move Home - MoveAdvisor<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What&#039;s the cheapest way to get your things moved? 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He is also a seasoned UK and International homeowner, who now brings the knowledge gained from those moves, to add real-life experience to his work. Peter has also been at various sales and marketing positions within companies in the industry so he has deep knowledge of the relocation process. Since 2017, Peter is involved with the relocation industry in the USA as he has extensive knowledge on long distance household relocation. With his articles, he have helped tens of thousands of people plan their relocation. His work have been featured on many industry blogs and publications. 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