Moving is expensive, and the costs can really add up. One of the best ways to save money is to do it yourself.
While professionals make moving easier, some prefer to DIY— ideally with some help. Consider who can help. More people can make lighter work, particularly if some can lift heavy objects.
You should consider your timeline, the distance of the move and your budget. Even when you are doing most of the hard work, moving expenses can add up. Planning can help manage costs.
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How much time do you need?
The more time you have, the easier moving will be. Time gives you the opportunity to sort and pack your belongings slowly. Ideally, you have at least six to eight weeks.
Booking a rental truck can be tricky if you live in a densely populated area or near colleges. In May and August, college move-ins and move-outs can quickly book up the rental trucks. If you have time, shop around for a deal but don't wait too long.
Booking in advance can help lock in lower rates. Moving in the middle of the month or on a weekday is typically less expensive.
Short timeline: If you have one or two weeks, prioritize putting your essentials or moving kit in a suitcase and then work on packing everything else. You might not have time to pare down much but start a donations bag. Consider buying packing supplies. If you need a truck, book it right away.
Moderate timeline: If you have three to six weeks, organize, declutter and start packing non-essential items. Compare prices of rental trucks, source supplies and book the cheapest option. However, don't wait too long, as they can book up quickly.
Long timeline: With six weeks or more, you have more flexibility. You should have time to declutter, organize and plan. Take the time to sell things you no longer want or need. Collect supplies and start packing some non-essentials. Schedule the truck rental in advance.
If you are selling and buying, take advantage of the time you have to declutter thoughtfully. Avoid packing everything you have, as you don't want to move junk to your new home.
Time also gives you the ability to plan moving day logistics. You can ask friends and family to help. You can shop around for moving trucks or other necessary supplies. If you are renting a truck, make a reservation in advance.
How far are you moving?
If you are moving across town, then you may be able to make several trips on your own and avoid renting a truck or van.
Only rent a truck for large items when moving locally or within a few hours. You can fit a lot into sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks and hatchbacks. Sedan cars are trickier to work with but they can be spacious with the seats down. Only certain items, such as large furniture and mattresses, might require a truck.
If you receive the keys to the new place before you have to move out of your current home,take advantage of that time to move gradually. Take the time to deep clean before bringing over the boxes. Try tackling the moving and unpacking in sections or by room. Save the final day to move your furniture and clean the old place.
If you are moving farther than a few hours’ drive, then it gets more complicated to do yourself. You will likely need to rent one or two moving trucks that you can drive. Getting everything into one or two trucks is important.
Pro tip: Pack only the recommended number of boxes for the size of the home you are moving to.
Common mistake: Long moves — more than 200 miles — are going to cost more, but there may be ways to save. Try recruiting help from friends and family with the offer of pizza at the end. You could have some friends help load and others unload. You could also hire movers to help unload at the new home and pack the truck yourself.
Set a moving budget
Having good packing supplies is important but you don't need to spend a lot of money to protect your items.
You can spend as little as $500 on moving costs if you take the DIY approach and move yourself. If you want to save, take a look around at what you already have. Paper and cloth are great cushions for fragile items.
Pro tip: You can wrap your dishes in towels or cover your glasses with socks, eliminating the need for extra packing supplies. Newspaper is a great tool for wrapping items as well.
If you have time, try to source free boxes from grocery and liquor stores. Look online for people giving away free boxes. You could also shop around for the least expensive boxes from the major suppliers.
Pro tip: Big-box stores sell boxes in different weights, so you can save the heavier-weight cardboard for your more fragile items.
You likely have some storage containers, so use them as much as possible. The more you source from what you own, the more you will save.
A mid-budget move can range from $500 to $1,500. If this is your budget, you could consider buying packing supplies, hiring help and renting a truck. If you are moving without help, consider renting a dolly or cart to assist with moving larger items.
Moving supplies
- Boxes — free to $600 moving pre-set moving kit
- Bubble packing material — $10 to $40
- Packing tape — $2 to $5
- Packing paper — free to $20
- Mattress bag — $8 to $30
- Rental equipment — $7 to $20
Common mistake: Emergencies happen, so set aside a bit of extra cash. Perhaps the truck you reserved is too small, and you need to upgrade, or you end up driving more miles than you thought you wouldin the rental.
Move-in day plan
Start early in the morning and have a strategy. Map out the route you plan to drive the day before. Ensure the truck will fit under any bridges and that there is sufficient space to park and unload.
Have a plan for childcare or pet care in place if needed. Older children might be able to help and could want to be involved in unpacking their new home but make sure they don't lift anything too big.
Pro tip: Have a space where you can stack the boxes out of the way of where the furniture will go. You could either move the boxes into a neutral space or into the room where they will be needed.
Common mistake: Be mindful of fragile boxes and ensure that nothing is stacked on top of them.
The most important thing is to set up what you will need for night one: bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.
Unpacking and styling the home will take some time, so focus on function.
Common mistake: Take care of yourself during the moving process. Drink water, eat and rest. You don't want to overexert or injure yourself.