Timing Is Everything
When you move matters more than most people realize. Moving companies charge more during peak times because demand is higher.
- Avoid summer (May through August is peak season with 20-30%% higher rates)
- Move mid-month (the 1st and 15th are when most leases start, so movers are busiest)
- Choose a weekday (Tuesday through Thursday is cheapest)
- Book early (6-8 weeks out gets you better rates and first pick of dates)
Find the cheapest date for your move.
Open Moving Date Planner →Declutter Before You Pack
Every pound you move costs money. Every box takes time to pack and unpack. The most effective way to reduce moving costs is to move less stuff. Start 6-8 weeks before your move and go room by room. Sell valuable items on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Donate the rest. You will make money, reduce your moving bill, and start fresh in your new place.
Get Free Boxes
- Liquor stores have the sturdiest free boxes (with dividers perfect for glasses)
- Grocery stores and pharmacies unpack shipments early morning — ask a day ahead
- Facebook Marketplace and Nextdoor — search "free moving boxes"
- Bookstores have reinforced boxes designed for heavy items
- Buy from Home Depot or Lowes only as a last resort
Pack Yourself
Professional packing service adds 25-40%% to your moving bill. Pack yourself and save hundreds. Start with rooms you use least (guest room, garage, storage). Use towels, sheets, and clothing to wrap fragile items instead of buying bubble wrap. Label every box with the room it goes to and a brief description of contents.
Negotiate and Compare
Always get at least 3 quotes. Ask each company if they can beat the lowest quote. Many will. Ask about binding estimates (locked-in price) vs non-binding (can increase). Ask what is included: do they provide padding, dollies, and blankets, or are those extra?
Estimate your total moving costs.
Open Moving Cost Estimator →The average person saves $500 to $1,500 by implementing even half of these tips. The biggest savings come from timing (off-peak dates), decluttering (less weight to move), and self-packing.