Moving may be one of the biggest transitions in your life, and one of the most expensive. Whether you’re a young family, a renter, or a first-time mover, the costs pile up fast: boxes, truck rental or van fees, deposits, new furniture, cleaning, and more. However, with creativity and community, you can absolutely DIY your move without draining your budget.
Reuse What You Already Have
- Declutter: Donate, sell, or recycle items. Fewer belongings = fewer boxes, a smaller truck, and less time unpacking.
- Boxes & Containers: Before buying boxes, use luggage, laundry baskets, reusable shopping bags, and plastic storage bins to save money and reduce waste.
- Padding Materials: Use towels, blankets, clothing, or even newspapers as cushioning material. It works just as well as bubble wrap and gives a second life to what you already own.
- Furniture Flip: Rather than immediately buying new furniture, consider rearranging or refurbishing what you already have. A fresh coat of paint, new hardware, or a different layout can make your current pieces look new.
Borrow Before You Buy
Borrowing supplies is a great way to save money. Ask your neighbors, friends, or coworkers if you can borrow dolly carts, moving straps, or even a spare vehicle. You can also check community groups like Facebook Marketplace, Buy Nothing groups, Freecycle, or the local classifieds for free or deeply discounted supplies, especially moving boxes.
Don’t forget to see if your community operates a tool lending libraries where you can borrow tools, ladders, and maybe even trucks for a short period. Also, graciously accept family hand-me-downs. Kitchenware, appliances, furniture, and other items add up quickly when you’re furnishing a new home. Accept them with thanks and skip the new price tag.
DIY Your Move (Where You Can)
- Packing: Start early, take it one room at a time, and avoid last-minute buys. Label clearly, group similar items together, and utilize what you already have for storage.
- Transport: Instead of automatically renting a large moving truck, consider using cargo vans or making multiple car trips.
- Labor: Enlist the help of friends and family. Offer pizza or a casual meal instead of paying a moving company. Many moves go smoothly with a strong “friend labor” crew.
- Repairs/Setup: Handle furniture assembly, wall-mounting, and minor repairs yourself. It’s empowering and saves on handyman costs.
Smart Spending Where It Counts
Saving money is great, but don’t cut corners where it matters. If you have very heavy/bulky items, are moving long-distance, or have fragile valuables, paying for professional help or specialized equipment can be a smart move. It’s about balance.
You can also rent instead of buying when appropriate. Moving blankets, dollies, and storage bins can often be rented or borrowed short-term for less than purchasing new. Your safety and belongings come first, so prioritize where to put your money in the move.
Moving with Families or Kids
Involve the kids by giving them meaningful tasks: labeling boxes, decorating moving-day signs, and “lighter” jobs so they feel part of the big change.
Turn the big day into a memory-making event by playing music in the car, creating a “first meal in the new place” tradition, or taking a fun photo at the old home and again at the new.
Moving can be difficult for kids, so it’s important to show compassion and focus on fun, low-cost activities that give them a sense of purpose and ease the transition.
Move Smart, Spend Less
Moving doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With the mindset of “Reuse what I already have, Borrow what I can, and DIY where possible,” you’ll move into your new space with creativity and community behind you.
Celebrate the idea that it’s not about how much you spend—but how resourceful and connected you are. Your smoother, smarter move is absolutely within reach.
