Tips for Moving on a Budget: 7 Ideas to Save Money

As inflation continues to impact the economy and the housing market shifts across the U.S., the cost of moving in 2025 is undergoing noticeable changes. Whether you’re relocating across town or to a new state, it’s more important than ever to understand what factors influence moving expenses and plan ahead when moving on a budget.

Planning a move to an apartment in Mainesburg, PA, a rental in Denton, TX, or a new home in Scottsdale, AZ? Wherever you’re headed, being informed can save you time, money, and stress. We’ve gathered expert insights from professionals nationwide to help bring you the best tips for moving on a budget.

1. Get rid of the junk

One of the best and easiest tips for moving on a budget is to declutter in the months leading up to your relocation. Meyr Aviv, CEO of iMoving notes that one of the first things we recommend is to get rid of unwanted belongings. It’s downsizing. Long-distance movers charge you for every pound, you need to make sure every pound counts. 

Sell it online, or donate it. But if you don’t want the items, it doesn’t make sense to move them and pay extra money.” Everyone has belongings they don’t need. You’ve binged, now it’s time to purge. 

So what are some good ways to get rid of that stuff?

• Garage sales
• Charity donations (make sure to write these off on your taxes!)
• Put the item on Craigslist or another online classifieds site

2. Don’t pay for boxes

One of the easiest mistakes to make while moving is to go out and buy boxes that you’re going to use when packing. Instead, keep all the boxes that come your way and ask your friends and neighbors to do the same. 

For example, if you have something shipped to you, make sure to keep the box. Another easy way to get boxes is to ask local retailers. Many of them have a huge surplus of boxes that they don’t need from their weekly inventory shipments.

3. Move during off off-season

Believe it or not, “moving season” is a thing, and it is during the summer months. If possible, moving between September and May is one of the best tips for moving on a budget. It’s also important to be aware of the differences between a local and long-distance move. 

Local moves

Chad Myers from Mr. Chaddles Real Estate advises that “Local moving costs in 2025 continue to climb, especially in metro areas like Boston. A standard 2-bedroom apartment move typically ranges from $1,200 to $2,000, with packing services and moving supplies adding to that total.”

In addition to expected moving fees, Chad adds that “If parking permits or elevator reservations are needed, expect an additional $75–$150 in fees. Some movers are also charging $50–$100 for long-carry fees when trucks can’t park close to the building.”

Long-distance moves

Long-distance moves also come with significant costs. Amalia Grannis, owner and CEO of Move It Or Lose It LLC, warns that “The minimum you can expect to pay for a cross-state move is $2K (and that’s a low estimate for a neighboring state). If you see an ad promising a long-distance move for $1,500 — run. There is no universe where that price covers labor, fuel, insurance, and a truck in the U.S. in 2025.” 

You can also save on moving costs by moving mid-month, since companies tend to have the most demand the first and last few days of the month.

4. Keep your receipts

There are some moving expenses that are tax-deductible. If you are moving because of a job, you will most likely be able to write off some of the expenses if you itemize. Add this to your list of tips for moving on a budget as this can significantly impact how much it costs you to move.

5. DIY isn’t always cheaper

While packing and moving yourself as opposed to hiring external help may seem like a sure-fire way to save money, this is not always the case. Amalia from Move It or Lose It shares additional tips for moving on a budget, noting that “Especially for local moves, doing it yourself can end up costing more in time, stress, and even rental fees. Factor in the cost of the truck, mileage, equipment, your time, and your back. Then weigh that against the efficiency of a trained crew that can knock it out in a few hours. Sometimes, hiring help is the budget-friendly move.”

If you decide to hire professional help, Amalia stresses the importance of communication. “There’s no such thing as overcommunicating when it comes to moving. Share photos, layouts, parking details, elevator access, and any tricky furniture in advance — even if it seems minor. 

The more your movers know ahead of time, the better they can prepare, and the smoother (and often cheaper) the move will go. Surprises = delays. Clarity = efficiency.” While DIY moving or hiring help may seem like a daunting task, planning ahead can save time and money when making this decision.

6. Plan a hybrid move

As noted above, planning ahead is key when optimizing your savings during a stressful move. Many people find that the most cost-effective option for them is a combination of hiring help and DIY moving. 

“Many customers in 2025 are opting for hybrid moves — hiring pros for large or heavy items and handling boxes themselves,” shares Robin Boldt, co-owner of Express Moving and Storage, LLC. Instead of having their mover do all the packing, customers will pack non-fragile items such as books, clothing, and pots and pans. They then have their mover pack fragile items such as glass, china, and artwork since they are professional packers, which means less chance of damage.”

Communication is key when planning a hybrid move, ensure that your moving company is clear on exactly what items you will have them handle.

7. Look for hidden fees

Always read the fine print when you hire movers or book any type of moving service. Sometimes, there may be hidden fees that the company did not include in its original quote. 

Mike Wall, CEO of EZ Sell Homebuyers cautions that “Movers in 2025 should watch out for last-minute fees, especially for stairs, weekend moves, or fuel surcharges. Many budget movers are advertising low hourly rates, but tacking on extra costs at the back end. We recommend getting a written estimate with all add-ons listed in advance.” 

Hidden fees also come into account when booking a storage pod or climate-controlled storage.  Robin Boldt from Express Moving and Storage notes that “While storage pods offer convenience, many customers are surprised to find hidden delivery fees and limited climate protection. If you’re storing valuable furniture or electronics, climate-controlled warehouse storage is often safer and competitively priced. Ask for transparent pricing and security measures when comparing options.” 

When pricing out your moving expenses, read everything before you sign, and don’t hesitate to ask if you have questions. Moving is stressful, but if you use these tips for moving on a budget, it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg . 

Save on your 2025 move today

Moving in 2025 doesn’t have to break the bank, especially if you plan ahead and stay informed. By decluttering early, timing your move wisely, and watching for hidden fees, you can cut costs significantly. 

Whether you’re going DIY, hiring pros, or opting for a hybrid approach, thoughtful decisions can lead to big savings. Use these expert-backed tips for moving on a budget to make your move smoother, cheaper, and less stressful — no matter where you’re headed next.