Money doesn’t grow on trees, but boxes sure pile up fast.
If you’ve ever packed up your life into cardboard and duct tape, you already know; moving isn’t just stressful, it can be expensive.
Someone asks, “Do you know how to move on a budget?” and you're like, “I wish I did before I spent half my savings on it.” But whether you're relocating across town or across the country, it’s totally possible to move smart without draining your bank account.
A study found that the average cost of a move in the U.S. is $1,550 for local relocations—and up to $3,200 or more for long-distance ones. And nearly 40% of Americans blow past their moving budget, and 78% face unexpected expenses they didn’t plan for.
That’s why it is important to learn how to move on a budget.
So, if you're staring at your packed-up life and wondering how to get it from Point A to Point B without breaking the bank, you're in the right place. Let’s discuss how to save money on a move without sacrificing your sanity.
Why Is It Important to Move on a Budget?
Moving is already overwhelming. Between packing, planning, and adjusting to a new place, the last thing anyone wants is to deal with financial stress on top of it. That’s why moving on a budget becomes necessary.
Here are a few key reasons why moving on a budget matters:
Moving costs add up fast
Even a simple move down the street can rack up unexpected expenses. Between the moving truck, packing supplies, gas, and possibly hiring help, the total can easily climb into the thousands.
Avoiding financial strain post-move
After a move, you’ll likely face new expenses, security deposits, utility setups, furniture, and maybe even a new work commute. If you overspend on the move itself, these other costs can hit hard.
It keeps you from relying on credit or loans
When people don’t plan, they often put moving expenses on credit cards or take out short-term loans. This leads to interest payments and long-term debt that could’ve been avoided with better planning.
It helps you make informed decisions
By budgeting, you’re forced to compare budget-friendly moving options, weigh the pros and cons of doing it yourself versus hiring help, and search for the most affordable moving companies.
Peace of mind
Moving is stressful enough. Having a financial plan in place gives you peace of mind. You’ll know what to expect, where your money is going, and how to stretch every dollar.
How to Move on a Budget – Step by Step
Follow these steps and make your move budget friendly:
Step 1: Create a Smart Moving Budget
Start by making a detailed budget. Take a full inventory of your belongings. Room by room—for instance, list how many boxes you need, what specialty items (like electronics or furniture) you’re moving, and anything heavy or delicate. This helps you accurately estimate costs for supplies, movers, truck or container size, and even insurance.
Then, assign costs for everything: truck rental, fuel, packing materials, labor, tips, cleaning, and temporary storage if needed. Expert sources recommend adding a 15–20% buffer for unexpected fees.
Step 2: Decide Your Move Type
Next, determine which path fits your needs:
Here’s a table comparing cost ranges for various options in the U.S.:
| Moving Option | Typical Cost Range (Local) | Typical Cost Range (Long-Distance) | Cost Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Full-service movers |
$1,200–$2,500 local, up to $9,000 long |
$2,300–$9,000 depending on distance & size |
Most convenient, highest cost |
|
Rental truck (DIY) |
$120–$1,250 local |
$600–$5,300 long-distance |
Cheapest but more effort |
|
Moving containers (PODS, U-Pack) |
$850–$1,700 |
$3,500–$5,800 long-distance |
Hybrid: you pack, provider transports |
Hiring professionals costs roughly $38–$75/hour per mover locally, or $108–$125/hour depending on the provider.
Step 3: Declutter and Lighten the Load
Before packing, get rid of unwanted items. Decluttering early reduces moving volume, cutting costs on packing supplies and labor. People who declutter save significantly, and lighter loads lead to lower moving costs.
Sell, donate, or recycle items that are broken, unused, or bulky. Many movers report that paring down their belongings early is a major low-cost moving hack.
Step 4: Source or Borrow Cheap Moving Supplies
Gather free or low-cost packing materials: ask local stores, check online community groups, or borrow from friends. Use household items—towels, blankets, shirts—as padding instead of bubble wrap.
Pack methodically: start with rarely used items, label boxes clearly, color-code per room, and keep essentials in easily accessible containers.
Step 5: Book and Plan Early
Timing matters. Booking movers or trucks in advance—ideally two to three months before your move—can save you hundreds. Moving in off-peak seasons (fall or winter, mid-month, mid-week) often brings discounted rates.
Flexible schedules give you access to cheaper dates. In contrast, last-minute moves tend to cost more and offer less choice.
Step 6: Pack Efficiently Like a Pro
Use expert packing strategies:
Pack the heaviest items on the bottom and linens or towels to cushion fragile items.
Photograph valuable items before packing for clarity and insurance.
Keep chargers, important documents, toiletries, and clothes in a personal suitcase—not a packed box.
Step 7: Execute the Move
If doing it yourself, rent or borrow a dolly and tie-down straps, and use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury. For container or truck rentals, compare mileage fees, fuel costs, and distance pricing.
If hiring help: hold binding written estimates from your affordable moving companies, verify licensing with FMCSA for interstate moves, and avoid scammers using non-binding low quotes that balloon later.
Step 8: Stay Prepared for Unexpected Costs
Despite planning, research shows 78% of Americans experience surprise moving costs, and about 60% feel moving isn’t affordable overall.
Having that buffer and tracking all spending daily keeps you within your budget. Label each cost in your spreadsheet so nothing slips through.
Step 9: Unpack Efficiently
After moving, repurpose or sell used packing materials, and declutter again in the new space. Prioritize settling in by unpacking essentials first (kitchen, bedroom, bathroom)—this keeps stress low and daily life functional.
Look into moving to lower-cost regions or remote-work relocation incentives to stretch your budget even further.
