Planning a short-distance move? Here are the cheapest ways to move locally

Key points

• The cheapest way to move locally is to do as much as you can yourself and rent a truck or a moving container.

• Declutter before the move and source free packing supplies from online marketplaces to keep material costs low.

• Save money on local movers by getting multiple quotes and asking for deals and promotions.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) or partial moving is the cheapest way to move locally. Partial moving could mean hiring professional packers, loading and driving the moving truck yourself, or hiring day laborers to pack a moving container.

Local moves are inherently cheaper than cross-country moves. Because you’re not trekking long distances, you won’t have to spend as much on transportation. Additionally, with less travel time, you have more flexibility to decide which moving tasks you can handle and what you need to pay for. 

We spoke with Christian Pfeiffer, a professional organizer at Valley Organizing in Phoenix, and Donna Deaton, managing vice president at RE/MAX Victory + Affiliates in Liberty Township, Ohio, to source expert tips for the cheapest local move.

Let’s explore ways to customize your local move to fit your moving budget, whether you plan to handle it mostly on your own or need help with the heavy lifting.

What are the cheapest local moving options?

Moving locally doesn’t have to break the bank, especially if you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and tackle some tasks yourself. There are plenty of ways to cut costs without sacrificing the quality of your move. Here are some ways to make your local move more affordable.

1. Move as much as you can with your car

Transporting smaller items and packed moving boxes in your own vehicle is a cost-effective strategy for moving locally from a small home, apartment or studio. Even compact cars can offer ample storage space if you recline the seats and add space with accessories, such as roof-top storage containers or cargo racks.

However, consider the physical demands and time investment involved in repeatedly packing your car for multiple trips between residences. Car moves are ideal for those with flexible timelines who can afford to spread the process over several days. They may not be feasible if you need to complete your move within a single afternoon.

2. Rent a truck

Renting a moving truck for your local move offers a balance between affordability and convenience, particularly for transporting oversized items such as couches, TVs, dining room tables and mattresses. “It’s more affordable than hiring a professional moving company and more convenient than making multiple trips in your car,” Deaton said.  

With a moving truck rental, you can transport all your belongings in one go, unload the truck, and return it the following day, making the move straightforward and affordable.

Consider the challenges of driving a large truck before committing to this option, especially if you’re not used to it, Deaton advised. Maneuvering through traffic and tight spaces can be stressful, particularly in urban areas. Furthermore, loading and unloading heavy items is physically taxing. If not done correctly, you risk injury or damage to your belongings.

3. Rent a moving container

Moving container companies are an excellent option for local moves, especially if you need temporary storage or a flexible time frame. A moving container rental company will deliver a portable storage container or pod to your current residence, allowing you to load your belongings at your own pace.

Once packed, the company transports the container to your new home, where you can unload it at your convenience. Some companies also have options for storing your belongings between moves, eliminating the need for storage units and additional expenses.

Renting a container offers cost savings compared to hiring movers, as you only pay for the container rental and transportation fees.

Although loading and unloading at your own pace can be advantageous, it requires physical effort and careful planning to prevent damage during transit.

4. Hire day laborers

Day laborers charge hourly rates, which allows you to hire them for specific tasks, such as moving furniture, loading and unloading trucks and packing boxes. Unlike many full-service movers, day laborers allow you to engage their services for the duration needed, avoiding long-term commitments or contracts.

You can hire day laborers through local agencies, community centers, churches, online platforms such as Craigslist, or personal referrals from friends and family. Deaton always recommends her clients use Taskrabbit to find local moving labor.   

If you decide to hire day laborers, the quality of their work can vary. They might not have the professional training or necessary experience to handle items during a move, which could result in damaged belongings. Furthermore, reliability issues, such as last-minute cancellations, can be inconvenient and disrupt your moving schedule. Your renters or homeowners insurance may not cover day laborers for accidents or injuries, leaving you responsible for medical expenses. 

5. Contract partial moving services

Contracting partial services from local movers is a practical solution for individuals seeking a balance between cost savings and professional assistance. Similar to hiring day laborers, partial moving services allow you to customize support, focusing only on specific tasks or items requiring specialized handling. 

For example, you may want insured professionals to pack your valuable art and antiques while you’re comfortable packing your clothes, children’s toys and books. “Hiring professional packers, especially professional organizers, will save you a lot of time,” Pfeiffer said. Expertise in handling fragile or awkwardly shaped items allows experts to pack much faster and safer than most individuals.

Coordinating partial moving services alongside your own efforts may require careful planning. Clear communication is essential to avoid misunderstandings about the scope of work and pricing, and failure to communicate effectively can lead to disputes or unexpected costs.

6. Compare quotes for full-service movers

Hiring a full-service moving company can be worth the expense if you can’t or don’t want to handle any tasks associated with your move. Even in this scenario, you can save money by getting moving quotes from multiple local moving companies. 

Search for companies with positive reviews and reputable track records, and ask friends, neighbors and family members for recommendations. Request in-person inspections and provide accurate information about items that might require special packing, such as artwork or antiques. “With high-value, heavy or memorable items, having an insured professional can give you peace of mind,” Pfieffer said.

Compare each company’s prices and services to determine the best value for your budget. Carefully review each quote and note any additional fees or charges. Inquire about any promotions that may be available. Some companies offer discounts for booking during off-peak times, for first-time customers or for referrals.

What are the best ways to save money when moving locally?

Beyond reducing the cost of rentals and services, there are other indirect ways to save money when your new residence is nearby. Here are some strategies to consider for your local move.

Declutter 

One of the most effective ways to save money when moving anywhere is to declutter and downsize your belongings. We recommend selling, donating or discarding clothes that no longer fit, broken items and anything you haven’t used in six months to a year. Donate these items to local charities, sell on online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace or recycle these items to lighten your load and reduce moving costs.

Decluttering reduces the volume of items you need to move and saves on packing materials and transportation expenses. Moving fewer belongings will also streamline the packing and unpacking process, saving you time and effort in the long run.

Find free supplies 

One way to cut local move costs is by finding affordable packing supplies. Look for opportunities to acquire free boxes, packing paper, Bubble Wrap and other materials from local businesses, such as grocery stores and liquor stores. Pfeiffer recommended scouring online marketplaces such as Nextdoor and Craigslist, where you can find used supplies from people who recently moved. 

Be resourceful and think of items you already have — towels, pillows, linens and clothing — to cushion fragile items instead of buying more Bubble Wrap or packing peanuts.

Pack yourself 

While contracting packing services can save time and effort, packing your own belongings is a cost-effective alternative. Take the time to pack systematically, starting early, and group items by category or room to streamline the process and stay organized.

Packing yourself eliminates the expense of hiring professional packers and allows you to pack according to your preferences and timeline. Be sure to label cardboard boxes clearly and use ample packing paper and Bubble Wrap on fragile items, such as lamps and kitchenware, to minimize the risk of damage during transit.

Ask for moving help 

Enlist the help of friends and family members to assist with various aspects of your move, such as bringing items to donation centers, packing, loading and unloading.

By leveraging the assistance of friends and family, you can reduce or eliminate the need to hire professional movers or day laborers, cutting down on moving expenses. Be sure to express your appreciation and gratitude for their help with refreshments or a meal after the move.

Move off-season and on a weekday

Plan your move well in advance and schedule it for an off-season time to maximize potential cost savings and logistical benefits. The best time to move may be a weekday instead of a weekend because moving companies often offer lower rates and have greater availability during the week.

“I would always ask about promotions and discounts and see if you can work out a better deal,” Pfeiffer said, as moving companies may have available discounts they’re not advertising. 

What’s next?

The next step in planning your local move is clarifying your timeline. Assessing your time frame allows you to establish a realistic schedule for packing, delegating tasks, contracting services and coordinating transportation. 

Once you establish a comfortable timeline, identify which tasks you can tackle and which you’ll need to delegate for moving day. For tasks beyond your capabilities, consider hiring outside help or enlisting the help of friends and family.

If you have a few months to plan your move, you may be able to facilitate a smooth DIY move, but if you only have a week or two, a full-service package from the best professionals may be the most realistic option. If you decide to hire a reputable full-service mover, be sure to gather at least three estimates to get the best rate available for your needs.

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