How to Move Across States Without Breaking the Bank
Moving to a new state is exciting, but sometimes it can feel like a money pit. All that packing, hunting for a new place, and those hidden costs that inevitably pop up can seem daunting.
But here’s the silver lining: you don’t have to empty your wallet to make it happen. With some smart planning you can dodge those unnecessary expenses, snag affordable moving options, and get settled in without the financial headache. Whether you’re headed to Oklahoma City, Dallas-Fort Worth, or somewhere in between, this guide’s got your back for an efficient and budget-friendly move.
At NBHD Property Management, we’re all about helping renters and homeowners in Oklahoma and North Texas find the perfect places to call home. At the same time, we’re all for helping make the whole relocation process smoother. If you’re on the lookout for budget-friendly rental homes or need some expert property management, we’ve got the know-how to help you move without breaking the bank.
In this guide, we’ll dive into some cost-saving strategies that will help you:
✅ Discover the most affordable moving options (without sacrificing too much convenience)
✅ Pack smartly to steer clear of pricey blunders
✅ Cut travel costs and avoid hidden expenses
✅ Get your new home ready to move in without overspending
You’ll be all set to tackle a stress-free, budget-conscious move wherever you’re headed!
Planning Your Move on a Budget
Moving across state lines isn’t just about packing boxes and renting a truck. It’s a whole game of planning to keep your expenses down and dodge last-minute costs. The secret sauce for a budget-friendly move is to start early, look at your options, and make smart money moves along the way.
Here’s how you can plan out your interstate move without breaking the bank:
Set a Realistic Moving Budget
Before you really dive in, take a moment to sit down and sketch out what you’ll be spending. Long-distance moves often come with unforeseen costs that can put a dent into your budget, like:
✔️ Renting a moving truck or hiring professional movers
✔️ Gas, tolls, and any hotel stays during your trip
✔️ Packing supplies and storage fees
✔️ Security deposits for your new place
Do a little research on the cost of living in your new area. Sites like Numbeo are great for comparing stuff like rent, utilities, and groceries, helping you tweak your budget as needed.
Looking for affordable property management in Edmond, OK? Our Renter’s Guide helps you navigate the best neighborhoods and deals.
Choose the Right Moving Date
When moving, the time of the year can really make a difference in how much you spend. If you can be flexible, steer clear of peak moving times such as:
🚫 Summer months (June - August) – That’s when prices for movers and rentals go through the roof.
🚫 Weekends & holidays – Higher demand means it’s tough to find discounts.
Instead, try to plan your move during the off-season, ideally mid-week between October and April. Many property leasing services tend to offer lower rates during these quieter months, so you might snag a good deal.
Declutter & Downsize to Save Money
One of the simplest ways to cut down on moving costs is by taking less stuff with you. The less you have to pack, the smaller the truck (or container) you’ll need, and that means lower costs.
🔹 Sell anything you don’t want on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp.
🔹 Donate to local charities like Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity.
🔹 Toss anything broken or just not worth moving.
If you haven’t worn it or used it in two years, sell or donate it. It’s just taking up space and costing you money to move.
Research Your New Location Before Committing
Whenever you’re considering moving to a new place, take your time to explore different neighborhoods before you sign a lease. Rental prices can be all over the place, and you might find a better deal just a bit outside the city center.
✔️ Keep an eye on rental listings – The good deals disappear fast!
✔️ Look into property management companies – They might have access to rental properties that aren’t even listed yet.
✔️ Familiarize yourself with local tenant laws – Every state has its own rules regarding security deposits, fees, and leases.
Check out our Oklahoma City Renter’s Guide for insights on the best neighborhoods and affordable rental options.
A bit of planning can keep moving costs in check and avoid any financial stress.
Next up, we’ll dive into the most affordable ways to move your stuff.
How Can I Move Without Hiring Professional Movers?
Alright, so you’ve figured out your budget, great! Now comes the million-dollar question: how do you move to another state affordably? Sure, hiring full-service movers seems easy, but they can be expensive. Instead, check out these wallet-friendly moving options that could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars!
1. Renting a Moving Truck: The Most Affordable DIY Route
If you’re comfortable with driving a moving truck, this could be your best bet. Companies like U-Haul, Penske, and Budget Truck Rental offer one-way rentals. That means you only pay for the drive to your new place, not for bringing the truck back.
Estimated Cost: $1,000 - $3,000 (depends on how far you’re going and what size truck you need)
Best for: Those with fewer belongings and don’t mind handling a larger vehicle
✅Tip: Check out Moving.com’s cost calculator for moving, it’s super handy for comparing rental rates for your route!
2. Moving Containers: A Flexible & Affordable Choice
Not so sure about driving a truck? No problem! Moving container services like PODS, U-Pack, and 1-800-PACK-RAT are solid options.
They drop off a portable storage unit at your place.
You pack it when you want—no rush!
They take care of transporting it to your new home.
Estimated Cost: $2,000 - $4,500 (cheaper than hiring full-service movers)
Best for: People who want flexibility and don’t want to deal with a rental truck.
3. Freight Shipping: A Lesser Known Budget Move
Have too much stuff for a truck but not enough to justify hiring a full moving service? Freight shipping could be just what you need. Companies like ABF and U-Pack let you rent space on a freight truck, which is often way cheaper than hiring movers.
Estimated Cost: $1,500 - $3,500
Best for: Those with larger loads looking for a cost-effective alternative to full-service movers.
4. Hybrid Moving: The Best of Both Worlds
Instead of shelling out cash for full-service movers you can hire labor-only movers to help load and unload your truck. Services like HireAHelper, TaskRabbit, or U-Haul Moving Help can connect you with local laborers at an hourly rate.
Estimated Cost: $300 - $700 (plus the cost of the truck rental)
Best for: Anyone who wants pro help with heavy stuff without paying for an entire moving crew.
5. Shipping Your Stuff: A Minimalist Way to Move
If you're packing up and only have a few things shipping might be the way to go instead of going through the hassle of renting a truck or container.
Here are some of the cheapest shipping options for your small move:
Amtrak Express Shipping – Perfect for boxes and those smaller household items you want to take with you.
Greyhound Package Express – A solid choice if you need to send stuff the size of luggage without breaking the bank.
UPS & FedEx Ground – Pretty good for shipping boxes across the country without spending a fortune.
Estimated Cost: Expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $1,500, but keep in mind, it all varies based on weight and distance.
Best for: Folks who are downsizing or moving with just a handful of belongings
6. Moving With Just Your Car: The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Route
If you're traveling solo or like to keep things simple, cramming everything into your car is probably the cheapest way to go. You can make the most of your space by adding a roof cargo box or even renting a small trailer.
Estimated Cost: You’re looking at about $100 to $500 for gas and other supplies.
Best for: Solo movers or anyone with only a few things to take along.
Every move is unique, and the best option for your budget depends on what you need.
Next up, we’ll explore how to score deals on packing supplies, sidestep sneaky costs, and pack like a budget-friendly pro.
Packing & Supplies on a Budget: Save Money Without Sacrificing Protection
When it comes to packing, a bit of creativity can save you some cash without skimping on safety. So, let’s cover some smart ways to pack and keep expenses down.
Get Free Moving Boxes & Supplies
Why buy boxes when there are tons of places giving them away for free? Check out grocery stores, liquor shops, retailers like Walmart or Costco, and even Facebook Marketplace for some sturdy boxes.
✅ Pro Tip: Don’t forget about U-Haul’s box exchange program; it’s a great way to score some free used boxes right in your area.
2. Use Household Items as Packing Materials
Instead of splurging on bubble wrap or packing peanuts, think about what you already have at home:
Wrap dishes in T-shirts, old towels, or even socks.
Use pillows and blankets as padding.
Slip silverware it into oven mitts to save some space.
3. Pack Smarter to Save Space & Money
Packing efficiently means fewer boxes and that equals lower moving costs. It’s all about being smart:
Use your suitcases or duffel bags for heavier items.
Vacuum-seal your clothes.
Label everything, it’ll make your life way easier when it’s time to unpack.
4. Avoid Storage Fees
If you can, try to move everything directly instead of renting a storage unit. Prices for these add up, sometimes by hundreds of dollars. But if you must use storage, keep an eye out for those first-month-free deals.
5. Estimate Packing Supplies Accurately
People often end up buying way too much tape, boxes, and packing materials. To avoid wasting money, try using a packing calculator; it’ll help you figure out exactly what you need.
Packing doesn’t have to break the bank! You can find free boxes, repurpose household items for protection, and pack efficiently.
Up next, we’ll tackle how to save on travel expenses.
Saving on Travel Costs: Cut Expenses While Getting to Your New Home
Travel costs when moving can pile up before you know it. But don’t worry! We’ve got some tips for saving on lodging and gas while you’re hitting the road.
1. Finding Affordable Lodging
Forget those pricey hotels, consider these affordable options:
Discount motels like Motel 6 or Super 8.
Airbnb & Vrbo for one-night stays.
Couchsurfing, you can stay for free at someone’s place.
✅ Pro Tip: Google Hotels helps you compare prices as you travel.
2. Save on Gas with Price Comparison Apps
Look for one-way car rental deals with companies like Hertz, Budget, or Enterprise.
FYI: Steer clear of airport pickups, they tend to be pricier.
If you have to pay tolls:
Grab a toll pass like EZ Pass to score lower rates. Just make sure to check the rental truck's toll policy, some might hit you with extra fees.
By opting for budget-friendly lodging, using gas price apps, and considering tolls you can really trim down those travel expenses.
Next up, we’ll breakdown ways to save after you’ve settled into your new home.
Cutting Costs After Arrival: Settle In Without Overspending
Just because you’ve moved in doesn’t mean the spending spree is over. Security deposits, utility fees, furnishing costs... don’t be caught off guard. Here are some tips to help you save money when moving in:
1. Dodge Those Unnecessary Utility Setup Fees
Utility companies love to hit you with activation fees for new accounts. But you can avoid those extra hits to your wallet by:
✔️ Transferring your old services (if the same provider is available).
✔️ Asking about fancy deposit waivers, some companies might just let you slide with good credit.
✔️ Opting for budget billing plans to dodge seasonal spikes in your electricity or gas bills.
✅ Helpful Hint: Don’t forget to check out the Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for potential aid options in your new state.
2. Furnish on a Budget (or Even for Free!)
Furniture shopping can get out of hand, but you don’t have to splurge on all new stuff:
✔️ Facebook Marketplace & Craigslist: Awesome spots for buying discounted or even free furniture.
✔️ Local Buy Nothing Groups: You’d be amazed how many folks give away their furniture when they move.
✔️ Thrift stores & estate sales: You can find some good quality items for a fraction of what they’d cost new.
3. Cut Costs on Groceries & Essentials
After moving, stocking up your kitchen can feel like a huge expense. Here are some tips to help you save:
✔️ Shop at discount grocery stores like Aldi or WinCo
✔️ Consider buying in bulk at places like Sam’s Club or Costco
✔️ Use grocery rebate apps like Ibotta or Fetch Rewards
By hunting down rental deals, sidestepping utility fees, furnishing wisely, and shopping smart you can keep your post-move expenses in check.
Conclusion: Moving on a Budget? Totally Doable!
Moving across states doesn’t have to wipe out your bank account. With a little planning, some smart choices on moving methods, and a few tricks to save on travel and post-move expenses you can make it happen.
For a Wallet-Friendly Move:
✔️ Start your planning early. That way, you can snag the best deals on rental trucks, movers, or containers.
✔️ Get creative with packing supplies. Scour around for free or cheap options to keep costs down.
✔️ Keep an eye on travel expenses. Compare gas prices, pack some meals to munch on the road, and look for budget-friendly places to stay.
✔️ Check out second-hand shops or local giveaways when furnishing.
A property management company can help you find a rental that’s not just affordable but also in great shape. At NBHD Property Management, we pride ourselves on making your move to Oklahoma City, Edmond, or Dallas-Fort Worth as smooth as possible.
