If you’re moving into a new home, your pockets probably feel pretty empty right now. You’ve just paid a down payment, closing costs and broker fees, so the last thing you want is an expensive move. Lucky for you, we’ve got moving tips to help you pack up and ship out on a budget.

1. If you don’t need it, don’t pay to move it.

Movers base their prices on what you’re shipping, so cutting down on clutter will simplify your life and lighten up the load in the moving truck. We’re talking to you, the owner of the treadmill-turned-drying-rack. You can sell what you don’t need or donate it to charity. Start packing a few weeks in advance, keeping only what you use. Be realistic: If you haven’t used your bread machine in over a year, you probably won’t miss it. Sell those extra possessions online or at a yard sale, or donate them to charity.

2. If possible, schedule your relocation after peak moving season.

Most people choose to move in the summer months, when the kids are out of school. The least expensive time of the year to move is between October and April, so if it’s possible to postpone your move, you could save some money. You may also get better service during the off-months. Moving companies often hire part-time or seasonal employees to cover the extra demand. That means you may get less experienced workers during the peak season.

3. Get at least three in-home estimates.

If you’re hiring a professional mover to do the heavy lifting and packing, prices can vary widely between companies. Be wary of companies that will give you estimates over the phone or Internet. To truly assess your stuff, a mover will need to come to your home. Show them everything that will be moved — even items in the basement, attic, garage and other storage areas. Make sure you know exactly what the estimates include. Local movers typically charge by the hour, while long-distance moves charge by weight. When you have all three estimates, compare their prices. Usually two of the estimates will be very close together in price, and one will be very high or very low. Select one of the median estimates. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. That company may tack on unexpected charges on moving day or even hold your stuff hostage till you pay a hefty fee.

4. Don’t get scammed by a rogue mover.

You’ll be loading up all your worldly possessions and putting them on a truck with a few workers you barely know. Protect yourself! Look for red flags and get recommendations from friends and neighbors to avoid getting scammed. 


5. Use what you have for packing, and then buy your own supplies.

Moving companies often charge hefty fees for packing supplies. Save money by filling up containers you already have, like suitcases or plastic bins. Use sheets and linens to wrap items. Buy the packing materials you still need from a recycled box company, or get them free from a local business. Most people forget to look for packing materials in the most obvious place — the basement, garage, and closet. Haul out your suitcases and plastic bins and fill them up. Instead of paper or bubble wrap, use your own towels, scarves or pillows to wrap breakables. This is environmentally conscious and efficient, plus your new basement won't be filled with packing supplies. No matter where you get your moving boxes, make sure to recycle them after the journey. Find a friend or fellow mover to give them to, or advertise online to find a taker. At the least, take them to the recycling center — not the trash bin.

6. Ask questions to unearth hidden moving costs.

Even legitimate movers might not spill all the costs of moving unless you ask. To get an accurate picture of your total, ask if they’ll charge for heavy items, repacking, stairs or waiting. 


7. Get portable storage and delivery.

Companies like PODS and 1-800-PACKRAT will deliver a storage unit to your door. You’ll save money packing it yourself, and they’ll pick it up and deliver it to your new digs.

8. Rent a truck for a totally DIY move.

A 10-foot moving truck will generally hold an apartment's worth of stuff; a 24-foot truck can accommodate a three-bedroom house. Always err on the larger side, unless the idea of playing Tetris with your dining room set appeals to you. Read the fine print about mileage allowances and fuel surcharges, and make sure your rental company has an outpost near your new home. Also, if you need to tow your car, make sure you reserve the proper equipment when you reserve the truck. You’ll need all the free labor you can find on moving day, so organize your friends and family to help. But don’t plan on hauling all your furniture in your uncle’s pickup. After the sixteenth trip back and forth, you may find yourself scratched off the holiday guest list. Enlist them for help with packing and loading instead, and expect to return the favor when it’s their turn to move. Make sure to provide them with plenty of snacks and drinks to keep them happy and hydrated.

9. Get moving insurance. 


Even the best movers have one potential pitfall: They’re human. If you do wind up with a lost or damaged item, you’ll likely need more than the measly 60-cent-per-pound coverage that comes free to replace it.

10. Deduct your moving expenses from your taxes. 


Don’t forget to save those receipts — you can also save money after the big move! If you relocated for a new full-time job at least 50 miles away from your previous home, you can deduct the cost of packing, transporting or storing your household goods from next year’s tax return.