How to Save Money While Moving

If you’re in the midst of moving, you know the process can be expensive. Between boxes, packing materials, professional teams, mileage, and deposits, it’s easy to find yourself in the red in no time. Luckily, there are some smart ways to save money.

Here are a few top tips:

1. Use Your Own Items as Padding

Instead of buying pricey blankets to prevent your tabletop from getting scratched during a big move, use your own blankets, sheets, and throws. While you’ll want to ensure you’re not placing these textiles between greasy or sharp items, which could damage them, you’ll quickly find that subbing your own blankets in for expensive rented ones can easily save you hundreds throughout the move.

2. Sell Back Unneeded Boxes

If you purchased too many boxes, companies like U-Haul will typically buy them back from you. Just make sure the boxes are unblemished and intact before you take them into the store!

3. Borrow a Truck

If you need a truck but you’re only going a short distance, see if you can borrow a friend’s truck. Bonus points if you can find additional items like an empty horse trailer or toy hauler, as these will make transporting your large items quick work. Although this solution might not work for long-distance moves, it can save you the unnecessary step of renting a truck for short, in-town moves.

4. Negotiate With Your Moving Company

If you do choose to hire a professional moving company, see if you can negotiate their prices at all. Some companies offer introductory rates or price match guarantees, which can shave hundreds off the up-front cost. If you can’t negotiate with the moving company you’re interested in, shop around to see if there’s a better deal out there.

5. Enlist Your Friends and Family

Most of your friends and family have probably moved at least a few times in their life. To save some money and bond with your loved ones during the moving process, ask these connections if they’d be willing to help with the grunt work or supplies. Chances are someone has some old moving boxes lying around, and most people will be willing to chip in and help you pack or fill a moving truck, all of which prevents you from having to hire professionals and makes the move go faster.

Moving on a Budget

While changing homes can be overwhelmingly expensive, these smart tips take a complex process and make it easy — and cheap!

From using your own items as moving blankets to borrowing a truck and trailer to act as your own company, there are dozens of ways you can take control of your moving budget and make it work for you. So, don’t break the bank on your move — just get creative!