Plan Well

Choose your mover carefully. The movers who give you the cheapest quote aren’t necessarily the ones that will save you money in the long run if, for example, they surprise you with hidden charges, or if they lose or damage your belongings. Consider reputation and reliability in addition to cost when selecting your mover.

Save money by moving during off peak times. If possible, be flexible when scheduling your moving date. The most expensive time to move is during summer vacation, since this is when most people move. Weekends and the beginning and end of each month can also be the most costly days to move.

Once you’ve scheduled the moving month or week, be flexible about the exact packing and loading days if you can.

Do It Yourself

Doing the entire move by yourself is the least costly way to move, but may not be practical or even feasible for you. After all, packing/unpacking and loading/unloading can be back-breaking work. But you can still save money by doing part of the move by yourself. Some suggestions for parts of the move that you can save money on by doing yourself:

You could drive the moving truck yourself, but hire help to load and unload.

Recruit friends and relatives to help you just with the loading and unloading, but have professionals drive the moving vehicle.

Pack your own belongings. This will definitely save you money, but you may want to have professionals pack your fragile belongings. Insurance will only cover those items which are professionally packed. MoveInsure coverage reverts to the silver package for items that are not professionally packed.

Consider using half-service movers. This is a less expensive alternative to full-service van lines. A half-service mover (such as PODS and ABF U-Pack) drops off and picks up the units at your home, and you load and unload them.

Save Money on Packing

You may be able to get moving supplies free or cheaply. Be selective; free boxes are not a bargain if they are flimsy and your belongings get damaged during the move.

Here are possible sources for free boxes: local recycling centers, stores (especially liquor stores), your place of work, Craigslist and Freecycle (families looking to get rid of boxes after their own recent move).

You can save money by packing by yourself. Consider packing unbreakable things like linens and clothing, and let professionals pack the fragile items.

Save money on packing by getting rid of items that you no longer need. Not only will this reduce the cost of the move by reducing the weight of your shipment, but you can also make a few bucks selling items, or you can get a tax deduction for donating them.

Before You Go

Plan creative menus for your last week or two at home in which use up the food in your pantry and in your freezer.

Ask for partial refunds on club and gym memberships that you are leaving behind, or sell the remainder of your memberships.

Purchase insurance from MoveInsure. This will not only give you peace of mind, but will also save you money in the long run if any of your items are lost or damaged.

Pack up all of your receipts from moving expenses. Save receipts from along the way and after your pay the mover. Ask your accountant if these are tax deductible.

On the Road

Stay at a friend or relative the night before you leave instead of at a hotel.

Stay at hotels which offer discounts through your automobile clubs or through online coupons.

Stay at a hotel that provides free breakfast.

Don’t eat out every meal in a restaurant while driving to your new home. Purchase breakfast and snacks in a grocery store.

Make lunch your big meal of the day, since lunch usually costs less than dinner in restaurants.