5 Ways to Save Money When Moving Homes
August 5, 2025 Moving TipsMake Your Move Easy
Save yourself hours of research and way too many phone calls with all of the different home service providers.
Get StartedBy Gabe Abshire, CEO, Move Concierge
Moving homes can be an exciting new chapter, but it often comes with a hefty price tag. From packing supplies to transportation and potential professional movers, the costs can quickly add up. However, with some smart planning and a little elbow grease, you can significantly reduce your moving expenses. Here are five practical ways to save money when relocating:
1. Declutter Ruthlessly and Sell Unwanted Items
One of the most effective ways to save money when moving is to reduce the sheer volume of belongings you need to transport. Before you even start packing, go through every room and declutter. Be honest with yourself about what you truly need, use, and cherish.
- Sell: Use online marketplaces (like Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, Craigslist, or local buy/sell groups), consignment shops, or host a garage sale for items in good condition. The money you earn can directly offset moving costs.
- Donate: Give away items that are still usable but you no longer want to charities. Not only does this save you from moving them, but it can also be tax-deductible.
- Discard: Properly dispose of broken, unusable, or truly unnecessary items. The less you move, the less you pay for packing materials and transport.
2. Source Free Packing Supplies
Don’t spend a fortune on brand-new moving boxes and packing materials. There are plenty of places where you can get them for free or at a very low cost.
This is a good tip: Use linens for wrapping breakable items to eliminate the need for bubble wrap. Grocery and liquor stores are excellent sources for free boxes; banana boxes, in particular, are highly recommended due to their sturdiness, consistent medium size, and built-in handles, making them ideal for various items like books, dishes, and decorations. Contacting stores in advance to reserve these boxes can ensure a quick and efficient pickup. The box’s fitted lids also remove the necessity for tape.
- Local Businesses: Ask grocery stores, liquor stores, bookstores, and other retail outlets if they have spare boxes. They often break down boxes daily and are happy to give them away.
- Online Groups: Check community forums, freecycle groups, or neighborhood social media pages. Many people who have just moved are eager to get rid of their used boxes.
- Friends and Family: Reach out to anyone you know who has recently moved. They might still have boxes they’re willing to lend or give away.
- Newspapers and Towels: Use old newspapers, magazines, towels, blankets, and even clothing to wrap fragile items instead of buying bubble wrap.
3. Opt for a home moving service that gives you the most options
Time is money. Hiring a full-service moving company is convenient, and it can help you save on costs.
- Don’t DIY Move: If you have capable friends and family, and aren’t moving a huge distance, renting a moving truck and doing all the packing and loading yourself is the cheapest route. Offer to buy your helpers pizza and drinks as a thank you!
- Get Professional Help: Moving is a big job, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. By avoiding these common mistakes—failing to plan, underestimating the workload, moving clutter, choosing unreliable movers, and forgetting essential updates—you’ll save time, money, and hassle. A well-organized move, arranged by experts who know best, sets the stage for a successful fresh start in your new home.
- Portable Storage Containers: Companies that provide portable storage containers allow you to pack at your own pace. They then pick up the container and transport it to your new home, which can be more affordable than traditional movers, especially for long-distance moves.
4. Move During the Off-Season or Mid-Week
Moving companies often have peak seasons and times when demand (and prices) are higher.
- Off-Season: Summer is typically the busiest and most expensive time to move. If possible, aim to move during the fall, winter, or early spring.
- Mid-Week/Mid-Month: Weekends and the beginning or end of the month are also popular moving times. You’re more likely to get better rates and availability if you can schedule your move for a weekday in the middle of the month.
- Book in Advance: Regardless of when you move, booking your truck rental or movers well in advance can often secure better rates and ensure you get your preferred dates.
5. Plan Your Meals and Pantry Essentials
Food expenses can sneak up on you during a move. Avoid costly takeout and minimize waste with smart meal planning.
- Eat Down Your Pantry and Freezer: In the weeks leading up to your move, make an effort to use up perishable items and pantry staples. This reduces food waste and lessens the amount of food you need to transport.
- Simple Meals: Plan for easy-to-prepare meals that require minimal cooking equipment for the days just before and after your move. Think sandwiches, pasta, or one-pot dishes.
- Pack an “Essentials” Box for the Kitchen: Include basics like coffee, a few mugs, disposable plates and cutlery, a pan, and a few non-perishable snacks. This prevents you from needing to immediately unpack all your kitchen boxes or resorting to expensive restaurant meals.
By implementing these money-saving strategies, you can significantly reduce the financial burden of moving and allocate those funds towards settling into your new home!
