15 guides
Moving on a budget
Plain-English guides to moving for less. General education, not legal or tax advice. We aren't a moving company or broker, and we never pass your details to one.
Plan the move
Budgets, DIY vs movers, timing and decluttering.
- Make a moving budget
The move itself is only part of the cost.
- DIY truck or hire movers?
Compare the full cost, not just the truck rental price.
- The cheapest time to move
Off-season, midweek and mid-month usually cost less.
- Declutter before you move
Every box you don't move is money saved.
Moving day costs
Quotes and scams, boxes, truck rental and protecting your things.
- Moving quotes, and how to avoid moving scams
Written estimates, a USDOT number and no big deposits.
- Free and cheap moving boxes and supplies
You rarely need to buy every box new.
- Renting a moving truck: what to check
Size, mileage, fuel and damage protection.
- Protecting your things during a move
Released value vs full value protection, explained.
Deposits and paperwork
Getting your deposit back, move-in costs, utilities and change of address.
- Get your security deposit back
Photos, cleaning, a forwarding address and your state's rules.
- Move-in costs and protecting your new deposit
Budget the upfront costs and document the place on day one.
- Set up and stop utilities without paying twice
Time the switch and ask about deposits and fees.
- Change your address the right way
Use the official USPS site, then update the rest.
Settling in
Your first month's budget, settling in cheaply, and taxes.
- Your first month's budget in a new home
New bills, new prices and the things you forgot to pack.
- Settle in without overspending
Free local resources and secondhand furniture.
- Moving expenses, taxes and relocation benefits
Few people can deduct moving costs now. Ask your employer instead.