Moving Guide

Tips for Reducing Moving Costs

Most people can save $500–$2,000 on their move with the right timing and preparation. Here's how, with cost benchmarks drawn from BLS federal labor data. See our methodology.

1. Time Your Move Strategically

Moving demand is highly seasonal. Taking advantage of off-peak timing is the single biggest lever you have.

Cheapest Times

  • • October–March
  • • Tuesday–Thursday
  • • 2nd or 3rd week of month
  • • Mid-day (not morning rush)

Most Expensive Times

  • • May–September
  • • Fridays and weekends
  • • Month-end (28th–1st)
  • • Summer school breaks

Peak season movers can cost 20–30% more than off-peak. If your lease allows flexibility, even shifting 2 weeks can save hundreds.

2. Reduce What You Move

Interstate movers charge by weight. Every 1,000 lbs removed from your shipment saves roughly $150–$300 on a 500-mile move.

  • Sell heavy furniture (sofas, mattresses, dressers) - cheap to replace, expensive to move
  • Donate or sell books, exercise equipment, and accumulated items
  • Discard anything you haven't used in 2+ years
  • Ship media mail for books if keeping them (much cheaper than mover)
  • Use luggage and bags for clothes instead of boxes (saves box cost + weight)

3. Get Multiple Binding Estimates

Getting 3+ estimates typically saves 15–25% versus accepting the first quote. Key things to know:

  • Binding estimates lock in the price, movers can't charge more if they underestimated
  • Non-binding estimates can increase; you must pay up to 110% on delivery day
  • Request in-home or video estimates, phone estimates are often wildly inaccurate
  • Make sure all estimates include the same services for an apples-to-apples comparison
  • Ask specifically about fuel surcharges, elevator fees, and long-carry charges

4. Consider Alternatives to Full-Service Movers

Portable Containers (PODS, U-Pack)

You pack; they drive. Typically 20–40% cheaper than full-service for 2BR+ moves. Works well for flexible delivery windows. Downside: you do all loading/unloading.

Rent a Truck + Hire Day Labor

Rent a truck ($200–$800/day depending on size + mileage) and hire local labor from TaskRabbit or HireAHelper ($30–$50/hr per mover). Can save 40–60% on short to medium distances.

LTL (Less Than Truckload) Freight

For sparse moves (studio or small 1BR), shipping with an LTL freight carrier can cost less than a full-service mover, especially for moves over 1,000 miles. Requires crating and careful planning.

5. Pack Yourself

Professional packing by movers adds $300–$2,000+ depending on home size. DIY packing eliminates this cost entirely. Tips:

  • Get free boxes from liquor stores, grocery stores, Buy Nothing groups
  • Use towels, clothing, and linens as padding instead of buying bubble wrap
  • Pack 2–3 weeks early, rushing causes breakage
  • If you can't pack yourself, consider partial packing (just kitchen and fragile items)

6. Negotiate

Moving is a competitive market, especially off-peak. Tactics that work:

  • Share competing quotes (binding estimates) and ask if they can match or beat
  • Offer to move on a mid-week day they have open truck capacity
  • Ask about senior, military, or employee discounts
  • Bundle services (packing + moving) for a combined discount
  • Ask for a price guarantee in case fuel prices change between booking and moving day

Every figure on PlainMove is computed directly from federal source data, no number is typed in by an editor. This page draws directly on federal source data, no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.