Cheapest Ways To Move Locally (2024 Guide)
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Moving can be an exciting but expensive experience, even if you aren’t going very far. Whether you plan to hire one of the best moving companies or want to move yourself, there are ways to keep costs down. We’ve created this comprehensive guide to show you ways to save money on moving locally.
How To Save Money on a DIY Local Move
Moving on your own can be draining, but it’s worth it if you want to go at your own pace and avoid paying for labor. The do-it-yourself (DIY) approach can be cheap when done right. The drop-down sections below contain some tips to help you keep costs down.
Sell Unwanted Items
Selling unneeded items is a way to make money while moving and reduce your load, allowing you to rent a smaller truck. Assess your belongings and make a separate pile for everything you don’t want to keep. Instead of throwing items out, consider selling them at a garage sale or through an online marketplace.
Ask Friends and Family for Help
Many people hire labor-only movers to help them because they think moving is too hard on their own. Asking your friends and family for moving help is a cheap alternative. You can incentivize friends and family members with lunch or dinner to say thank you or offer them a favor in exchange.
Drive Your Own Vehicle or Borrow One
While the cost to rent a moving truck is low, using your own car or borrowing someone’s SUV or pickup truck is cheaper. Renting a moving truck costs about $1,000 on average, with truck size and mileage contributing to that cost. You may find a rental for less, but hitching a trailer or cargo carrier to your car is cheaper if you can do it safely.
You can also make multiple trips with your vehicle since you’re moving locally. Check out our guide on how to pack your car for moving to ensure the safe arrival of your belongings.
*Cost data in this article sourced from contractor estimates used by Angi.
Use Free Packing Supplies
You have to consider cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, tape, and other packing supplies when creating a financial plan. Find free packing materials at local businesses, retail stores, and online community groups to reduce costs. Consider wrapping delicate items in towels, newspapers, and clothes and try to save boxes that you receive in the mail.
How To Save Money When Hiring Local Movers
If you’re on a strict timeline, can’t find anyone to help, or have too much stuff, it’s worth it to hire movers. Make sure you understand how various moving costs will stack up before deciding to spend money on a moving company. We’ve covered a few ways to save money on local relocations in the tabs below.
Declutter and Downsize
The more items you have to move, the more expensive the move will likely be. You’ll pay extra if you bring unnecessary items from your old house to your new home since professional local movers charge by the hour. Consider selling or donating unwanted items to downsize your moving inventory.
Get Multiple Quotes
Ask for estimates from multiple moving companies before you hire movers to find the most competitive price. Collect at least three free quotes to find the right mover for your situation and review the bids while keeping your moving budget in mind.
Pack Your Own Belongings
Some full-service moving companies provide packing and unpacking services but charge additional fees for them. One way to save money is by waiving this offer. You’ll also have more control when you pack your own belongings.
Avoid Moving During Peak Season or Weekdays
Choose to move during the offseason or on weekdays if you don’t have a fixed moving date. Most people move in the spring and summer because the weather is nicer and summer moves don’t disrupt kids during the school year. However, movers charge more money when demand is higher. If saving money is your primary goal, the best time to move is in winter.
Negotiate Rates and Ask for Discounts
You can sometimes negotiate lower moving rates with professional moving companies. Movers often charge extra fees for moving up and down stairs and assembling your furniture, but they may be willing to waive these charges. Many moving companies also run specials and offer discounts at certain times of the year.
Hire a Container Company
Container companies like PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT will deliver storage containers to your house. You load the container and then either ship the container yourself or have the moving container provider pick it up. The company can even keep the container in a storage unit for you. This is a cheaper alternative to hiring movers and works for those who have extra space and time to pack.
DIY Local Moving Costs
Moving anywhere within a 50-mile radius is considered a local move. Moving locally still costs money though it’s significantly cheaper than long-distance moving. The national average cost to rent a moving truck is $1,000, but it could be $30–$3,500 depending on your location, gas expenses, and mileage.
You can also opt for a moving container, which may cost as little as $500 for a local move. The exact price you pay will depend on your moving distance and how long you need to keep items in storage.
We’ve listed common moving supplies you may need and their average costs below:
- Bubble wrap: $20 per pack
- Moving blankets: $8 each
- New boxes: $1–$10 per box
- Packing tape: $2–$4 per roll
Here are some approximate total costs for a sample local move of a two-bedroom home:
- Moving blankets: $192 for 24 blankets
- Moving boxes: $40–$600 for 40 to 60 boxes
- One labor-only mover: $100–$350, based on the average time it takes to move
- Packing tape: $14–$28 for seven rolls of packing tape
- Rental truck: $1,000
Professional Local Moving Costs
A local moving company’s cost depends on several factors. Most local movers bill by the hour, with the average nationwide cost being $25–$100 per hour. It’s customary to tip your movers $5 per hour per mover, which is an added cost. Movers often provide boxes, furniture pads, and dollies, but you may need to buy more on your own.
If you hire movers, you can reduce costs by cutting the time it takes for them to complete the job. For example, you’d pay the following rates if you hired a moving company to pack up the same two-bedroom home mentioned earlier:
- Moving boxes: $40–$600 for 40 to 60 boxes
- Movers: $560
- Packing tape: $14–$28 for seven rolls of packing tape
- Tip for movers: $25 per mover
Our Conclusion
Though the cost of a local move is lower than for long-distance moving, there are still several costs to consider. Create a moving checklist to stay organized and stick to a budget to keep costs down. Decide if you want to do it yourself or hire a local moving company after evaluating how much you need to move and how far you’re going.
To learn more about how we research and recommend moving companies, check out our detailed rating methodology.
FAQ About Moving Locally
What is the least expensive day of the week to move locally?
The least expensive days of the week to move locally are Monday through Thursday. October through April are the cheapest months to move because demand is lower. This is because school’s in session and the weather is cold and sometimes snowy.
How can I find a local mover?
Find moving companies near you by searching the internet or asking friends and family if they have recommendations. Make an informed decision by collecting quotes from several moving companies and reading their reviews.
What are the benefits of hiring a moving company for a local move?
There are several benefits to hiring a moving company for a local move. They’re worth the cost if you want to save time and don’t want to deal with the hassle of heavy lifting.
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