Reduce Your Move Costs

Use these insider tricks to keep your moving costs down and start saving today.

Quick Summary: How to Save on Moving Costs Downsize Early: Every box removed reduces your bill by an average of 5–10%. Timing is Everything: Mid-month, mid-week moves in the “off-season” (Sept–April) are the cheapest. Strategic DIY: Move the small items yourself; let the pros handle the heavy lifting to avoid injury and high labor hours. Check for Hidden Fees: Ask about fuel surcharges and stair fees upfront.

Minimize Moving Costs (limit the number of boxes and other packing materials used)

The best way to reduce your moving costs is to use fewer boxes. We suggest you move less stuff. Consider that you will be charged for everything you move and that you will not want to clutter your new home. Make piles of things to keep, things to get rid of, and things you question keeping. Pack the keepers. Sell, donate, or discard the things you are sure you do not want. For the questionable items, consider packing them in a box marked 6 months and moving them to the new home. If, after 6 months, you have not opened the box to find the items, you should put it in the reduction pile.

Book Your Move In The Off-Season

If you have any flexibility in when you can move, avoid June, July, or August. Your flexibility can lead to lower moving costs. The moving season follows the real estate sales season, and moving companies tend to be busiest during the summer months. As for days of the month, the last days are usually the busiest, and prices may be higher on those dates year-round. Rates for local moves fluctuate less than those for interstate moves, but the mid-week rule still applies. If you have flexibility in move dates and/or months, it may pay to mention it to your moving consultant when booking your move. 

Avoid Hidden Fees & Surcharges

Moving costs in 2026 are heavily influenced by fuel prices and labor shifts. Adding this shows current expertise.

Watch Out for Hidden Moving Costs

To truly understand how to save on moving costs, you must look beyond the initial quote. In the current market, small “add-ons” can inflate a budget by 20%. Ask your moving consultant about:

• Fuel Surcharges: With fluctuating diesel prices, some companies add a percentage based on mileage.

• Stair & Long-Carry Fees: If your new place has three flights of stairs or the truck can’t park near the door, you may be charged extra. Usually, this requires adding an extra or third mover to look after the truck and help load.

• Specialty Item Handling: Ensure your quote includes piano moving services or large appliances so there are no surprises on moving day. Be upfront when booking and explain if there are stairs or tricky turns to avoid last-minute charges.

Be Ready To Go, When The Movers Arrive!

Packing always takes more time than you think.  Start the packing process as soon as you know you are moving. First, gather packing materials, boxes, tape, markers, paper, bubble wrap, etc. Next, start sorting what you are packing and pack boxes by room for your new location. This will help keep you organized as you unpack in your new location. You want to be ready when the movers arrive on the day of the move. Delaying the movers because they have to help you pack will result in charges for the extra labor time and materials used. If you do not have the time to pack everything yourself, consider hiring a moving company to provide full or partial packing services in advance. Pack a day or a week before your move. Being packed ahead of time assures you are ready to go when the movers arrive.

Hire Movers To Move Only Your Hard-To-Move Or Extra-Large Items (Pianos / Refrigerators)

If you are considering moving items yourself to save money, you may want to consult a moving company to handle your big items. This way, you can move all the small stuff and boxes yourself or with the help of friends and family, saving you those extra hours a moving company would charge you to move the same items. This will reduce your hourly charges and won’t break your back when moving heavy or bulky items.

Furniture Disassembly And Re-Assembly

Disassembling and reassembling furniture will add extra time to your move, which will affect your final bill. To save yourself time and money, consider disassembling and reassembling these items yourself. A helpful tip is to take a photograph of the item before you take it apart, save all screws, nuts, bolts, and wires together in a separate bag, and then tape it to the item for safekeeping. This will help to ensure that all the pieces stay together and that everything travels together to the new location.

Eco-Friendly Moving = Wallet-Friendly

The Green Move: Saving Money with Sustainable Packing

Using “green” methods isn’t just good for the planet; it’s one of the best ways to keep moving costs down.

1. Rent Reusable Totes: Instead of buying 50 cardboard boxes, look into plastic bin rentals, which can be cheaper and more durable.

2. Upcycle Household Items: Use your towels, blankets, and even thick clothing to wrap fragile items. This eliminates the need for expensive bubble wrap.

3. Sell, Don’t Toss: Use local marketplaces to sell items you decluttered. The profit can often cover your packing materials cost.

DIY Moving vs Professional Movers: Cost, Effort, and Risk Comparison

This table compares full DIY, hybrid, and full-service moving based on cost, effort, risk of damage, and best use cases.

Calculate Your Moving Costs | How Much Will It Cost to Move?‎

Ready to start moving? Try out our moving calculator to get started. Our free online moving estimator tool provides an instant quote for how much it will cost to move you. You can use this tool to compare moving companies, set your moving budget, or even book your move. It’s that easy. Plus, there is no obligation to get a moving quote from us, and it’s free!