4 Tips on How to Pack and Move on a Budget

Posted by Gwen Payne in Life EventsJune 8, 2021(Last Updated December 28, 2022)3 min read
Key Takeaways
  • A DIY move is a lot of work, but it can sometimes be a cost-cutting option if you plan it very carefully. 
  • If you can swing movers, close friends and relatives for at least some of the work, the work and cost could lower.
  • Decide how much you want to DIY, and look for ways to reduce the workload wherever possible.
Are you ready to make some real money moves?

DIY—Yay or Nay?

 

Many people try to save money when they move by doing all or some of the work themselves. A DIY move is a lot of work, but it can sometimes be a cost-cutting option if you plan it very carefully. Start by researching truck rentals and finding savings opportunities to stretch your dollars as far as possible. Axle Addict recommends looking at major rental companies and using quotes as leverage for price negotiations. 

 

On the other hand, since moving is pretty high-octane in the stress department no matter what, if you can swing movers for at least some of the work, it can really save your back and tension levels—not to mention relationships with close friends and relatives! 

 

family moving



Again, research can pay off. By doing some reputation checking by reading reviews online, getting estimates in writing, and negotiating, you can find a reliable pro in your area to tackle all the work on your behalf.

 

A Little of Each

 

While you might be able to save some money with a full DIY, be forewarned that rental truck companies tend to have shaky customer service. MarketWatch explains they are known to fail in making available the promised vehicle, which can leave you scrambling while your help is waiting and lengthening an already full day of work.

 

Rather than hire a professional service to do the entire job of packing and moving, consider splitting the difference and doing some preparatory work yourself. 

 

Snip Here and There

 

Make time for decluttering so that there is less stuff to move (hang onto some surplus clothes, papers, and linens—more on that in a minute). Less to move is a saving grace no matter which moves you and a cost-saver if you’re hiring movers. What’s more, if you have items to donate to charity, your generous act is a powerful de-stressor—a nice bonus during a high-stress time.

 

One of the easiest places to cut costs is the purchase of boxes. The Spruce notes there are plenty of places to find free boxes, which will cut out paying the pros for them, and if you pack them yourself, you’ll slash some more fat from your bill. 

 

With your free boxes in hand, you’re almost ready to dive into packing things up. Before you go further, avoid buying a bunch of bubble wrap by sourcing free packing materials as well. Old clothes, old bills, bath towels, plastic bags, and sheets—all can be upcycled into packing materials when you move and then sent to recycling when you’re settled in. 

 

Also, note that movers charge more to haul loads up and downstairs. With that in mind, after you finish packing, plan to move all your boxes to the lowest level of your home or rent a storage unit to get them comfortably out of your way. Having them all in one convenient place will be a boon, regardless of who moves you.

 

A Clean Sweep

 

One of the last things you’ll do at your old abode is to clean it for the next occupants. It’s a significant undertaking, and you might return to the “do I or don’t I” DIY mode. For your budgeting purposes, note the average homeowner pays a professional between $130 and $450 for a post-move clean, with things like blinds, appliances, and carpet considered “extras.” You could DIY some or all of this phase and use a checklist so nothing gets missed.

 

There are plenty of ways to cut costs when you’re moving, and you can slash some stress at the same time. Decide how much you want to DIY, and look for ways to reduce the workload wherever possible. With a few financially savvy strategies, you’ll enjoy a seamless transition.

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