And, to really get this right, try to avoid moving at the end of the month or mid-month, because those tend to be the busiest times for moving companies, explains Shelly Place, an agent with Triplemint real estate in
New York City. “When demand is lower, you’ll get a better rate on your movers,” she says. If you have some flexibility, call the moving companies and get quotes for various days in the month. Also note that demand
for movers is highest during the summer season.

During my own moves, I’ve had luck going to big-box retailers and picking up cardboard boxes. I went to Walmart at midnight when employees were stocking shelves and it was a cardboard goldmine.
But, JohnnyHarper, the owner of J and J Home Inspections in Hendersonville, Tennessee, has an “out-of-the-box” idea he doles out to homebuyers: Go to local businesses. “This is especially helpful for specific box types,” he says.
“Check your local liquor store for wine boxes, which have special dividers that make packing glasses, mugs, and your favorite bottles of liquor easier.” As for bookstores? They’ve got the ultimate sturdy boxes great for
hauling heavy items, he says. Here other unexpected places to get free moving boxes.

Before you buy boxes or bins, don’t forget to load up your suitcases, laundry hampers, baskets, and coolers, Harper suggests. And put down that roll of bubble wrap—use your towels instead to pad breakables.

You can schedule the date that the USPS actually starts forwarding your mail. But once you put the request in, they’ll mail you a packet of coupons to moving-related businesses, says Harper. (This is a strategy backed
up by Redditors). You’ll score not only score discounts to local businesses, but also—depending on your region—national retailers like West Elm and Kohl’s.

Hiring a full-service moving company can cost at least $1,000 in some cases.
A hack?
Hire movers for just a portion of the job, like loading the truck, moving big pieces, or unloading boxes, suggests savings expert Andrea .

There’s no sense in moving unwanted items, but it takes a lot more effort to host a full-on yard sale or a garage sale while you’re in the throes of moving. Instead, snap photos of your items and post them on Facebook
Marketplace with detailed descriptions, suggests Woroch. Most times, buyers are willing to come pick up the goods at a time that aligns with your schedule. You can also sign up to sell furniture and other good-looking
wares on Apartment Therapy Marketplace. After all, why spend money moving when you could make money moving?