Moving—whether you’re relocating across town or across the country—can feel like a giant mountain of boxes, packing tape, and endless expenses. Before you start stressing about the costs piling up, know that moving doesn’t have to drain your bank account. That’s right—moving doesn’t have to be an expensive ordeal if you plan smart and strategize your budget. With a little organization and resourcefulness, you can save big while still making your move a success. Whooo’s ready to move smarter? Let’s go!
- Start Early and Plan Ahead
It might sound like a no-brainer, but starting your move early is key to avoiding rushed decisions and last-minute expenses. If you wait until the last minute to rent a truck, hire movers, or even pack, you’re likely to find yourself paying extra for expedited services. Early planning gives you time to research the best deals, compare prices, and take advantage of discounts.
Dash and Glo Tip: The earlier you start, the more time you have to collect free moving supplies. If you start three to four weeks in advance, you can spread out your expenses over time and avoid being overwhelmed.
- Declutter Like a Pro
Before you even think about packing, take a good, hard look at everything you own. Do you really need that stack of old magazines or those four different blender models? Probably not.
Decluttering is the quickest, easiest, and most impactful way to save money when moving. The less stuff you have, the fewer boxes you’ll need, and the less space you’ll need to rent in a truck. Plus, when you sell or donate your stuff, you can make a little extra cash or feel good about giving your items a second life.
Dash and Glo Tip: Host a “pre-move” garage sale or sell things onlin. Even if you only make a few bucks, it’s still money in your pocket—and that’s always a win!
- Use Free Moving Boxes and Supplies
Packing supplies are one of the sneakiest moving costs that can quickly add up, but guess what? You don’t need to spend big bucks on brand-new moving boxes and bubble wrap! There are tons of ways to score free supplies, saving you a significant chunk of your moving budget.
Where to Find Free Moving Boxes:
- Grocery stores or liquor stores: These places always have sturdy boxes available—just ask! Many stores throw them out at the end of the week, so it’s an easy way to grab some free boxes.
- Look online: People are always looking to get rid of moving boxes after they’ve settled into their new home. Check out the “free” section in your local area, and you might be able to pick up what you need.
- Friends and Family: Reach out to your network! They might have boxes sitting in their garage from their own past moves. You’d be surprised how many people are willing to share their packing supplies.
Dash and Glo Tip: When it comes to packing materials, you can use clothes, towels, and linens to protect fragile items instead of buying bubble wrap.
- DIY When You Can
It’s tempting to hire movers or rent a moving company to do it all for you, but if you’re looking to save serious money, consider doing it yourself. Yes, it’s a little more work on your end, but it’s also much more affordable.
Renting a Moving Truck: Renting a truck for a few hours is typically way cheaper than hiring a full-service moving company. You can drive the truck yourself, saving on labor costs.
Recruiting Friends and Family: Get your squad together! Organize a “moving party” with friends, pizza, and music as incentives. The more helping hands, the faster and easier the move will go, and you’ll save money compared to paying professional movers.
Dash and Glo Tip: Be organized about your DIY move to avoid wasting time and having to pay for overtime on a truck rental. Pack efficiently, label everything, and create a detailed schedule so you don’t run into any hiccups that could extend the moving day.
- Take Advantage of Moving Discounts
Just like anything else, moving services often offer discounts. Don’t be afraid to ask! Whether you’re renting a truck, hiring movers, or ordering supplies, there are always ways to shave off a few bucks. Here’s how:
- Truck Rentals: Look for discounts on moving trucks through websites because many of them often have promotions for first-time renters or special deals for moving during off-peak seasons like winter.
- Coupons and Deals: Check coupon websites like for discounts on moving supplies, rental trucks, or even moving services.
- Loyalty Programs: Some companies offer loyalty programs that give you discounts for repeat business. For example, if you’re moving frequently, keep an eye out for programs that reward you for renting trucks or ordering supplies.
Dash and Glo Tip: Consider moving in the off-season, typically in the winter or fall when demand for moving services is lower. You may find that prices drop significantly during these months.
- Consider Moving in Phases
If your new home isn’t ready for a full move-in, or if you’ve got a flexible timeline, moving in phases can help you spread out the costs and avoid last-minute stress. For example, if you’re able to store some of your belongings at a friend’s house or in a self-storage unit for a week or two, you can save money by renting a smaller truck for each phase of the move rather than paying for everything all at once.
Dash and Glo Tip: If you go this route, be sure to plan ahead so you’re not constantly making extra trips and wasting gas. Efficiency is key!
- Hire Movers for Heavy or Fragile Items Only
Maybe you’re feeling confident about handling the smaller stuff on your own but are unsure about moving a massive couch, a dining table or your stove. If that’s the case, consider hiring movers just for the big-ticket or fragile items that require extra care. You’ll save money by doing the rest of the packing and transporting yourself, while still ensuring that your most valuable belongings get the professional handling they deserve.
Dash and Glo Tip: Look for movers who charge by the hour instead of by the weight of your items. This can save you a significant amount of money if you only need them for a short time.
- Get Creative with Transportation
If you’re really trying to save, think outside the box when it comes to transportation. Instead of renting a big moving truck, maybe you can use a small cargo van, a trailer, or even ride-sharing services for a one-way trip with your essentials. It might be a bit unconventional, but it could be an affordable and practical solution for getting your belongings to your new place without overspending.
Moving doesn’t have to break the bank! With a bit of creativity, planning, and elbow grease, you can save money on every aspect of your move. From decluttering your home and finding free moving boxes to considering DIY options and taking advantage of discounts, there are countless ways to make your move more affordable.
So, start early, pack smart, and recruit your friends for a moving party. The more you plan ahead and take advantage of savings, the more money you’ll have left over for fun things in your new home—like a celebratory dinner, new décor, or just treating yourself for making a successful move on a budget.
