Mobility costs have undergone significant changes in 2025 as inflation continues to affect the economy and housing markets change across the US. Whether you are relocating across town or moving to a new state, it is more important than ever to understand which factors will affect travel costs and how to plan ahead when moving within budget.
Planning to move to an apartment in Mainesburg, Pennsylvania, rent a Denton, Texas or a new home in Scottsdale, Arizona? Being informed can save you time, money and stress. We bring together expert insights from experts from around the country to bring you the best tips to help you move your budget forward.
1. Remove the junk
One of the best and easiest tips to move forward with your budget is to organize it in the months leading up to the relocation. Meyr Aviv, CEO of Imoving, notes that one of the first things I recommend is to remove unnecessary belongings. It’s downsizing. Long distance movers charge you for every pound, so you need to make sure every pound is important.
Sell online or donate. However, if you don’t want items, it doesn’t make sense to move them and pay extra money. “Everyone has things they don’t need, it’s time to purge.
So, what is a good way to get rid of such things?
Garage Sales Charity Donations (Please remove these to taxes!) Place your items on Craigslist or another online classified site
2. Don’t pay for the box
One of the easiest mistakes on the move is to buy and buy the box you use when packing. Instead, keep all the boxes that come in your path and ask your friends and neighbors to do the same.
For example, if something is shipped, keep the box. Another easy way to get a box is to ask a local retailer. Many of them have a huge box surplus that is not needed from weekly stocked cargo.
3. Move during the off-season
Believe it or not, “moving seasons” are things and are for the summer months. If possible, moving between September and May is one of the best tips to move forward on your budget. It is also important to note the difference between local and long distance movements.
Local movements
Chad Myers of Chador’s Real Estate said, “Local travel costs in 2025 continue to rise, especially in metro areas like Boston. Standard two-bedroom apartments usually range between $1,200 and $2,000, with packing services and mobile supplies added to the total.”
In addition to the expected travel fees, Chad said, “If you need to park a permit or elevator booking, expect an additional $75-$150 fee. Some movers are charging $50-$100 for the long-standing fee if the truck cannot park near the building.”
Long distance movement
Long distance movements come with considerable costs. Amalia Grannis, owner and CEO of Move It or Losit It LLC, warns that the minimum amount you can expect to pay for a cross-state move is 2k$2K (and that’s a low estimate in your neighboring states).
Also, moving in the middle of the month can save money on cost as businesses tend to be in the most demand during the first and final days of the month.
4. Keep your receipt
There are several tax-deductible transfer costs. If you are moving for work, itemizing may allow you to amortize some of the costs. Add this to your list of tips for moving this over your budget. This can have a major impact on travel costs.
5. DIY isn’t necessarily cheap
It may seem like a surefire way to save money, rather than hiring external help, packing and moving yourself out there, but this isn’t necessarily the case. Amalia from IT or LOSIT IT IT says, “Please note that there can be time, stress and rental fees, especially due to local movements. Consider the cost of your truck, mileage, gear, time and back.
If you decide to hire expert help, Amalia emphasizes the importance of communication. “There’s nothing too much to communicate when it comes to travel. We share photos, layouts, parking details, elevator access and tricky furniture in advance, even if it’s a minor one.
The more you know beforehand, the better they will prepare and move smoothly (and often cheaper). Surprise = delay. Clarity = efficiency. ” DIY moves and recruiting help may seem like a challenging task, but planning ahead will save you time and money when making this decision.
6. Plan for a hybrid move
As mentioned above, planning ahead is important when optimizing savings during stressful movements. Many people feel that the most cost-effective option for them is a combination of employment help and DIY moves.
“Many customers in 2025 have opted for hybrid moves: hiring professionals for large or heavy items and handling the boxes themselves,” says Robin Boldt, co-owner of Express Moving and Storage LLC. Instead of having the mover pack everything, customers pack amazing, non-attractive items like books, clothing, pots and pans. They then have items that attacked offensive items such as glass, China, artwork, and others, as they are professional packers.
Communication is important when planning hybrid movements. Make sure your moving company is clear exactly which items to process.
7. Find hidden fees
Always read the fine print when hiring a moving company or booking any type of mobile service. Sometimes there may be hidden fees that the company did not include in the original estimate.
Mike Wall, CEO of EZ Sell HomeBuyers, warns that you should be aware of 2025 invoices, especially stairs, weekend moves, or fuel extra charges. Many budget movers advertise additional costs at the rear end, but we recommend that you be kept in writing with all pre-listed add-ons.”
Hidden fees will also be taken into consideration when booking storage pods or climate-controlled storage. “Storage pods offer convenience, but many customers are surprised to find hidden shipping costs and limited climate protection. When storing valuable furniture and electronics, climate-controlled warehouse storage is often safer and more competitive.
When pricing your moving costs, read everything before signing. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions. Moving can be stressful, but if you use these tips to move on a budget, you don’t have to sacrifice your arms and legs.
Save today’s 2025 movements
Moving in 2025 doesn’t have to break the bank, especially if you plan ahead. By tidying up early, timing your movements wisely, and monitoring hidden fees, you can significantly reduce costs.
Whether you go DIY, hire a pro, or choose a hybrid approach, thoughtful decisions can lead to huge savings. Use these expert-supported tips to move forward with your budget, make your movements smoother, cheaper and less stressful.
