12 Ways to Save Money on Your Move

Moving into your dream home or opening a new business space is exciting — but let’s face it, moving costs can add up fast. Between packing supplies, hiring movers, transportation, and settling into a new place, you might feel the financial pinch. The good news? You don’t have to break the bank. With smart planning and practical strategies, you can save money on your move while keeping the process organized and stress-free. In this post, we share 12 actionable ways to cut moving costs, reduce stress, and make your relocation smoother, whether you’re doing a DIY move or working with a professional moving company.

Last-minute scrambling often leads to extra expenses. Get organized early: confirm your moving date, book services ahead of time, and start packing non-essentials weeks in advance. Early preparation can save you rush fees and help you avoid paying movers for extra hours.

Make sure all pathways inside and outside your home are clear. This speeds up the loading process, reduces hourly costs if you’ve hired movers, and minimizes the risk of costly accidents or injuries.

Take down wall art, photos, and decorations ahead of time. This keeps your timeline on track and allows you to patch holes or touch up walls before leaving.

Save on professional labor costs by disassembling beds, removing mirrors from dressers, and taking apart modular furniture yourself. Movers can then focus on handling the heavy lifting and transportation, rather than spending time on basic prep work.

While movers are experts at safely delivering bulky items, you can save money by handling reassembly on your own. This is especially true for standard furniture pieces, though delicate or specialty items like pianos should always be left to the pros.

Once you arrive at your new home or office, stack all boxes in one central area (like the living room or main floor). This cuts down on the time movers need to distribute them throughout the space, reducing your total bill if you’re paying by the hour.

Professional packing services can add a significant cost to your move. Instead, pack your belongings yourself using free or low-cost moving supplies like recycled boxes, towels for padding, and suitcases for clothing and smaller items.

You can save hundreds by moving small and light items on your own. Focus professional movers on large furniture, appliances, or delicate items like artwork and antiques.

Transport smaller boxes, personal items, and essentials in your own car or a rented van. Not only does this reduce the load for professional movers, but it also cuts down on material costs and time spent loading and unloading.

Before moving day, map out where you want each piece of furniture to go in your new space. This avoids the time-consuming (and often costly) process of rearranging heavy items after movers have already left.

Less stuff means a cheaper move. Donate gently used furniture, clothing, and household items to local charities — many offer tax-deductible receipts. You can also sell items online or through a garage sale to make extra cash before the big day.

Take time to sort through your belongings and get rid of anything you don’t need. Organize items into donate, recycle, or trash piles to lighten your moving load. Fewer boxes mean less labor, less transportation, and more savings.

The tips above can help your move go more smoothly and result in significant savings. A little preparation and a do-it-yourself mindset can reduce expenses without compromising the quality of your move. Whether you're tackling the move on your own or hiring professionals, having a plan in place is key to avoiding unnecessary costs and keeping the process stress-free. If you're in Connecticut and need help with your local or long-distance move, give us a call. We offer everything from packing to storage to residential and commercial relocation.