Is there anything more stressful than moving? We’re pretty much pros at the whole (not so fun) process by now, so we thought we’d share some tried and true moving tips that will save you valuable time and money. We could all use more of both, right?!

Jordan Page in front of moving boxes, from Fun Cheap or Free

Oh, moving. Remind us never to do that again, you guys. No, seriously. Do. Not. Let. Us. The thing is, house hunting, decorating, making new memories in a new home = fun. All the packing, planning, unpacking, and cleaning? Yeah, not so much.

*Note: When you click the links in this post, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

But here’s the good news, Freebs! We’ve learned a thing or two about moving over the years, and one thing is for sure. You DON’T have to spend an arm and a leg to move! We’re about to share our favorite hacks for moving affordably and efficiently. Your sanity and your budget will thank you. Now, take a deep breath, and let’s get to work! 


MOVING TIPS FOR THE PRE-PACKING PHASE

a driveway full of boxes, from Fun Cheap or Free

Before you start haphazardly start throwing items in boxes at the eleventh hour, let’s think things through. Ideally, it’s a good idea to start planning your move a few weeks ahead of time. These tips will help you navigate the planning phase like a boss:

  • Purge Before You Pack – We don’t know who needs to hear this, but you know that pair of pleather pants you’ve been holding onto since middle school? Yeah, you’re never going to wear those again. So, before you start packing up all your belongings, take inventory, and be honest with yourself. Many movers charge by the pound, so it pays to purge what you’re not using. Make a sell pile and donate pile, then you know what to do!
  • Schedule Your Move for a Weekday – If your schedule is flexible, move on a weekday. It’s much cheaper to rent a truck on a Tuesday or Wednesday. And the sooner you book, the better the rate. Don’t forget to check online for promo codes or coupons! 
  • Create a Moving Master Doc – Avoid moving-day mishaps by planning ahead. Start a quick spreadsheet in Google and document all the essential details of your move. Jot down important reminders, contacts for utilities, etc. When things get stressful, it’s easy to let minor details slip.  
  • Look for Free Boxes – Boxes can be pretty dang expensive to buy, so go treasure hunting. Check Nextdoor, Craigslist, or the Facebook Marketplace for freebies! You can also find boxes behind shopping centers and grocery stores. 

Pro Tip: If you can’t find enough free boxes, buy them from Uhaul! After your move, take the boxes and receipt to them, and they will buy them back.


PACK LIKE A PRO WITH THESE MONEY-SAVING HACKS 

packed suitcases in front of a window, from Fun Cheap or Free

Alright, now that the planning is behind you, it’s time for the hard part: packing! But don’t worry; you’ve got this! These tips and tricks will help make packing less of a pain:

  • Organize Your Supplies –  “Honey, where’s the tape?” are four of the most dreaded words for anyone who’s eyeballs deep in a box fort. Save yourself some frustration (and avoid a few arguments) by keeping all your moving supplies in one spot. Grab some tape, markers, scissors, and tools, and put them in a handy bin that can travel with you from room to room. 
  • Skip the Bubble Wrap – You don’t need to shell out money for bubble wrap! Use what you’ve got to wrap dishes and other fragile items. You already have to pack towels, linens, and clothes, so why not use them to safeguard your stuff?! Papers work well, too!
  • Label Your Boxes Well – Do not — we repeat — do not skip this step! Labeling boxes may take a little effort and planning, but it pays off big-time. On each box, note where it should go and list out the main contents. You will be SO glad you did! And you’ll save yourself from having to waste money buying items you can’t find after the move. 
  • Pack an “Open Me First Box” – Think through all the things you’ll need on night one in your new home, and throw them a box that will go on the moving truck last. Be sure to include toilet paper, soap, trash bags, paper towels, bath towels, a shower curtain, paper plates, cups, and utensils.

Now you’re ready for the big day! Will it be exhausting? Yes. But does it have to be stressful and expensive? Nope! We’ve got even more tips to survive moving day and live to tell the tale. 


TIPS FOR SURVIVING MOVING DAY

moving trucks parked in a driveway, from Fun Cheap or Free

It’s time for the moment you’ve been waiting for: moving day is here! Have a filling breakfast, lace up your sneakers, and let’s get moving. These tips will help you minimize moving day mishaps:

  • Pack one Suitcase Per Family Member Don’t forget phone chargers, toothbrushes, and PJs! Pack whatever you need to survive for the first week or so when you’ll likely still be digging out of boxes. Don’t forget some entertainment for the kiddos! Check out my video and see how I lived out of one suitcase for two weeks during my most recent move!
  • Make Labels for the New House – Grab some poster board and make a sign for each new room of your house. Make sure those signs match the labels on your boxes. (Ex: Living Room, Bedroom #2, etc.) Tape the signs up outside each room before you start unloading. It makes things go so much more smoothly! 
  • Try this Bed Linens Hack – The morning of the big move, take the sheets off your bed, fold them up, and place them in a dresser drawer. Put your pillows in a drawer, too. Then, either wrap your dresser in heavy-duty plastic or use a little tape to keep those drawers shut. When you get ready for bed, your sheets will be right where you need them!
  • Make-Ahead Meals & Snacks – Moving works up an appetite, so make sure you have plenty of snacks at the ready! Try one of these no-cook dinners for your first night in your new home. Or, pull a freezer meal out so it’s ready to cook with ease. 

Pro Tip: If you’re having friends help you move (which is another great way to save money), it’s nice to order a few pizzas and have plenty of drinks for everyone. Check out Little Ceasar’s. It’s our go-to pizza place for feeding a crowd affordably.


WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY MOVING TIPS

We hope these tips take some of the stress out of your next move. If you follow this advice, you will stay organized, feel more prepared, and complete your move without breaking the bank. 

You probably have a few tricks up your sleeve, too. So, spill the deets! Leave a comment below and share your best moving tip, trick, or hack. And be sure to join the conversation on the Fun Cheap or Free Facebook page!

Image with text that reads "12 best packing and moving tips that are budget-friendly" from Fun Cheap or Free

Looking for other hacks that will make your life easier and save you money?

Sending you good vibes for a great move!