Moving across the country is a big step in life. It can be exciting, stressful, and often very expensive. Between hiring movers, renting trucks, buying supplies, and traveling to your new place, the costs can pile up quickly. The good news is that there are plenty of smart ways to cut costs and still have a smooth move. With a little planning and some creative thinking, you can save a lot of money while getting your belongings safely from one place to another.
In this guide, we’ll break down simple and practical tips on how to save money when moving across the country.
Start Planning Early
The earlier you plan your move, the more money you’ll save. Last-minute decisions usually lead to spending more than you expected. By giving yourself a few months to prepare, you’ll have time to compare prices, shop for deals, and organize everything in a stress-free way.
For example, booking movers or rental trucks early often comes with discounts. Buying packing supplies ahead of time gives you the chance to find cheaper options instead of rushing out to buy expensive ones at the last minute.
Make a moving checklist and set deadlines for each task. This will help you avoid panic spending later.
Declutter and Downsize
The more stuff you take with you, the more expensive your move will be. Whether you’re paying movers or renting a truck, the price is usually based on the weight and amount of items. That’s why downsizing is one of the best ways to cut costs.
Go through each room in your home and ask yourself: Do I really need this? If you haven’t used something in the past year, chances are you can sell it, donate it, or toss it.
- Sell: Hold a garage sale or list items on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay. This not only lightens your load but also puts extra cash in your pocket.
- Donate: Give away clothes, furniture, and household items to local charities.
- Recycle/Trash: Get rid of things that are broken or useless.
Think of it this way every item you don’t take is money saved on moving costs.
Compare Moving Options
There are different ways to move across the country, and each comes with a different price tag. Instead of assuming you need full-service movers, compare all the options:
- Full-Service Movers: They handle everything, but this is the most expensive choice.
- Truck Rental: Renting a moving truck like U-Haul is cheaper, but you’ll need to drive it yourself.
- Portable Containers (PODS, U-Pack, etc.): A good middle ground. They drop off a container, you load it, and they transport it.
- Freight Trailer Companies: You only pay for the space you use on a big trailer.
- Hybrid Move: Mix and match services—for example, rent a truck but hire movers just for loading and unloading.
Get quotes from at least three companies before making a decision. Prices can vary a lot.
Move During Off-Peak Times
Just like flights and hotels, moving costs depend on timing. Summer is the most expensive season to move because families usually relocate when school is out. Weekends and the beginning or end of the month are also in high demand.
If you want to save money, try moving:
- In the fall or winter (October–March).
- During the middle of the week.
- In the middle of the month.
Moving companies often give discounts during these less busy times.
Get Free or Cheap Packing Supplies
Packing supplies can surprisingly add up—boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and paper can cost hundreds of dollars. Luckily, there are cheaper ways to get what you need:
- Free Boxes: Ask grocery stores, liquor stores, or office supply stores for used boxes. You can also check Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace where people often give away free moving boxes.
- Use What you Have: Towels, blankets, sheets, and clothes can be used as padding for fragile items. Suitcases, laundry baskets, and bins can double as moving containers.
- Buy in Bulk: If you do need to buy supplies, order them online in bulk—it’s usually cheaper than local stores.
Avoid overbuying supplies by estimating ahead of time how many boxes you’ll actually need.
Pack Yourself
Packing services are convenient but expensive. If you’re trying to save money, do it yourself. Start a few weeks in advance and tackle one room at a time.
Label boxes clearly so you know exactly where things go when you unpack. This will save you time (and stress) later. You can even color-code boxes with markers or tape for each room.
Ship Items Instead of Moving Them
In some cases, shipping your items may be cheaper than hauling them in a truck. For example:
- Books: Heavy boxes of books can be shipped using USPS Media Mail at very low rates.
- Small Boxes: Services like UPS or FedEx sometimes have cheaper rates than adding more weight to a moving truck.
- Large Items: Compare freight shipping companies to see if it’s more cost-effective.
If you don’t have much furniture, shipping might save you a significant amount.
Travel Smart
Don’t forget to budget for your own travel. If you’re driving, gas, food, and hotel costs can add up. If you’re flying, tickets and baggage fees can be expensive.
Ways to save:
- Use travel apps to find cheap hotels along your route.
- Pack your own snacks and meals in a cooler to avoid buying fast food.
- If possible, stay with friends or family along the way instead of paying for hotels.
- Book flights early and compare budget airlines.
Ask Your Employer for Help
If you’re moving for a new job, ask if your employer offers relocation assistance. Some companies will cover part (or even all) of your moving costs. Even if they don’t have a formal program, they may be willing to reimburse some expenses if you ask.
Get Tax Deductions (in Some Cases)
While not as common as they used to be, some people may still qualify for moving-related tax deductions—especially if you’re active-duty military or moving for work. Check with a tax professional to see if you’re eligible.
Do Some Work Yourself
Instead of paying for extra services, handle small tasks yourself:
- Disassemble furniture
- Disconnect appliances
- Carry smaller boxes to save time on moving day
Movers often charge by the hour, so the less they have to do, the more you save.
Ask Friends and Family for Help
Hiring help can get pricey, but friends and family might be willing to lend a hand. Offer pizza and drinks in exchange for help packing or loading boxes. This can save hundreds of dollars.
Watch Out for Hidden Fees
Some moving companies tack on extra charges that can quickly increase your bill. Common ones include:
- Fees for moving heavy items (like pianos or safes)
- Charges for stairs or long carries from the truck to your home
- Extra costs for last-minute changes or rescheduling
Always ask for a written estimate that clearly lists all possible fees before signing a contract.
Protect Your Belongings
The last thing you want is to lose money by having to replace broken or lost items. Pack carefully, label fragile boxes, and double-check that your moving company offers insurance coverage.
Be Flexible
Sometimes flexibility can save you a lot of money. If your schedule allows, ask movers if they have “shared load” options—where your items share space on a truck with another customer’s. This can significantly reduce the cost.
Final Thoughts
Moving across the country doesn’t have to drain your bank account. By planning ahead, downsizing your belongings, comparing moving options, and being smart about supplies and timing, you can save thousands of dollars.
Yes, it takes a little extra work to pack yourself, hunt down free boxes, and compare quotes—but the payoff is worth it. In the end, you’ll not only save money but also feel more in control of your move.
So, whether you’re relocating for work, family, or just for a new adventure, keep these tips in mind. A budget-friendly long distance move is possible—you just have to plan smart, think ahead, and make cost-saving choices at every step.
