Most moving advice online sounds the same: “Get quotes,” “move in the off-season,” or “downsize.” That advice is fine, but frankly pretty bland, and it won't move the needle if you're trying to save real money.
This guide is different.
At LookyLOO, we’ve helped thousands of people move, and these are the real, surprisingly effective ways to save $1,000 or more on your next move. Some of them are so niche that even professional movers don’t advertise them.
Whether you're moving across the country, to another state, or just a few zip codes away, these tips are the real deal.
1. Skip the Moving Truck — Use a Freight Trailer and Save Thousands
Instead of hiring movers or renting a U-Haul, try a freight trailer. These companies drop off a 28-foot trailer. You load it, they drive it, and you only pay for the space you use.
Try: U-Pack, Estes SureMove
$$$$ Saves: $800–$2,000
👉 If you're interested in support across all move services contact LookyLOO's free Move Concierge Service.
2. Bundle Your Car Shipping Into Your Household Move
Most people use separate services for car transport and household goods. But many moving companies offer bundled deals — they just don’t advertise them.
📞 Ask: “Can you give me a combined quote for moving my stuff and shipping my car?”
Ask movers or compare via: Montway, AmeriFreight
$$ Saves: $300–$600
👉 Use LookyLOO Movebook Tool to track car vs. household shipping quotes and other moving expenses in one place.
3. Move Mid-Month and Negotiate a Lease Discount
Most leases start on the 1st. But if you can move mid-month, many landlords will pro-rate your first month’s rent — or offer a better move-in deal just to avoid sitting vacant. Make sure to ask about a price, and then negotiate by offering to move mid-month, and keep your costs low.
💡 Especially common in private rentals and smaller cities.
$$$$ Saves: $700–$1,500
4. Ship Boxes with Amtrak (Yes, Really) for Big Savings
Amtrak doesn’t just move people — it moves stuff.
Amtrak Express Shipping can move 500 pounds of boxes cross-country for far less than UPS or FedEx. You drop off and pick up at train stations.
Check Amtrak Express Shipping for station-to-station box shipping. Great for heavy items like books.
$$ Saves: $300–$800
👉 If you're interested in support across all move services contact LookyLOO's free Move Concierge Service.
5. Book a Truck Through a Storage Facility, Not Direct
Here’s a trick: Public Storage, CubeSmart, and Extra Space Storage often partner with U-Haul or Budget to offer discounted truck rentals — cheaper than booking direct.
Try: Public Storage , CubeSmart, or Extra Space Storage for discounts.
💡 Ask for any "move-in specials" that include a truck.
$ Saves: $50–$200
6. Tap Into College Move-Out Freebies
Every May and August, college students dump perfectly good stuff — including moving boxes, bins, hangers, and furniture.
Check your local Buy Nothing group or Facebook for post-semester move-out events. These are famous opportunities to save on moving supplies and more.
✅ Search “free stuff” groups near major campuses
✅ Walk dorm dumpsters (yes, really — especially during finals)
$$ Saves: $100–$400
7. How to Get Hidden Internet Deals When You Relocate
Internet companies like Xfinity, Spectrum, and AT&T offer unadvertised deals if you’re setting up service in a new home.
💬 Use chat support and say: “I’m moving and looking for a setup deal.”
🎁 You might get gift cards, waived install fees, or $20–$30/month discounts.
Use new mover links from:
📉 Saves: $100–$300
👉 If you'd rather not negotiate yourself use LookyLOO's free Move Concierge Services, and we'll negotiate for you.
8. Ship Books and Vinyl with USPS Media Mail
Media Mail is one of the USPS’s best-kept secrets. You can ship heavy boxes filled with:
- Books
- DVDs
- Records
- Magazines (some types)
...for a fraction of the price of regular shipping. Read up on USPS Media Mail to save on heavy, eligible media.
$ Saves: $1–$3 per pound
📦 Best for: Book-savers/Libraries, musicians, or hobbyists
9. Rent a Cargo Van One-Way Through a Car Rental Company
Enterprise, Hertz, and Budget Rent-A-Car often offer one-way cargo van rentals that are cheaper than U-Haul, especially for under-1BR moves.
🕵️ Pro move: Call the local branch directly. These deals often don’t show up online.Try: Enterprise Cargo Vans, Budget
$$$ Saves: $300–$900
👉 Use LookyLOO Movebook Tool to track car vs. household shipping quotes and other moving expenses in one place.
10. Ask for a Corporate or Network Discount — Even if You’re Moving Personally
Most national moving companies offer discounts for employees of large companies, alumni groups, or members of AAA, unions, or associations.
Call national movers like United Van Lines and ask for corporate rates or group discounts. It sounds crazy but the people on the phone want to secure your business and they can select corporate/network discount even just for an individual, you just have to ask.
$$$ Saves: $250–$1,000+
👉 If you'd rather not negotiate yourself use LookyLOO's free Move Concierge Services, and we'll negotiate for you. The team has incredible experience negotiating move discounts.
11. Use Storage Move-In Deals — Then Cancel
Many storage units offer first month free or $1 move-in promos. Use these for staging your stuff while you settle in — then cancel before month two. Don't feel guilty. They offset those who cancel with those who stay for many months.
Find deals through: Neighbor, Life Storage, or U-Haul Storage
$ Saves: $100–$300
Bonus: Use Movebook to Track It All — and Actually Stay on Budget
We built Movebook to help you:
- Save and compare moving quotes
- Track your real-time moving budget
- Organize utility setup info, lease terms, and receipts
Sign-up for Movebook now to start your move and commence the savings!
Ready to start saving?
Use LookyLOO’s Movebook to organize your quotes, cut hidden costs, and unlock city-specific deals.
👉 Start your Movebook — It’s free.
Quick FAQs on Saving Money When You Move
Q: What’s the cheapest way to move across the country?
A freight trailer or Amtrak shipping is often cheaper than a truck, xnespecially if you don’t have a full household.
Q: Can you move for under $1,000?
Yes — by using free boxes, borrowing gear, booking mid-month, and using freight or van rentals, many people move for under $1,000.
Q: Where can I find discounts for moving services?
Try alumni groups, AAA, or ask directly for corporate/network discounts when you call. You can also use LookyLOO’s Concierge to negotiate on your behalf.