Moving to another state can get expensive quickly. Between transportation, packing supplies, travel, temporary housing, storage, and everything else that comes with relocating, it’s easy for a long-distance move to cost more than you expected.
The good news is that you don’t have to cut corners everywhere to save money. The biggest savings often come from reducing what you move, handling a few tasks yourself, comparing moving estimates carefully, and paying for professional help where it actually makes a difference.
At Little Red Wagon Moving, we provide fairly priced moving options for Colorado Springs residents planning on relocating out of state. We can help you by providing efficient, stress-free, and enjoyable moving support suited to your budget limitations.
If you’re figuring out how to move out of state on a budget, here’s where we’d start.
Key Takeaways
- Decluttering before your move can reduce the amount you need to transport.
- Packing some or all of your belongings yourself can lower moving costs, if you have the time and ability to do it safely.
- Free or inexpensive packing materials can help, but don’t sacrifice protection for fragile belongings.
- Compare moving estimates based on the services included, not just the lowest number.
- Before an interstate move, verify your mover’s registration and understand your estimate and valuation options.
- A personalized estimate is the best way to understand what your specific move is likely to cost.
1. Start by Decluttering
One of the simplest ways to spend less on an out-of-state move is to move fewer things.
Before you start packing, walk through your home and look for belongings you no longer use, need, or want. Old clothes, unused appliances, duplicate kitchen items, outdated electronics, books you don’t plan to keep, and furniture that won’t fit your new home are all worth considering.
The less you move, the less time and space you’ll need during transportation. You may also save on packing materials and avoid paying to transport belongings that you’ll eventually donate or throw away anyway.
Sell or Donate What You Don’t Need
Not everything you remove from your home needs to go in the trash.
If you have enough time, sell higher-value items through a local marketplace or garage sale. Donate usable clothing, furniture, and household goods to an appropriate organization. Recycling may also be an option for certain materials.
Don’t turn decluttering into a months-long project, though. If you’re moving soon, prioritize items you already know you don’t want.
2. Decide What You Can Pack Yourself
Packing is one area where doing some of the work yourself may reduce your moving expenses.
If you have the time, you can pack clothes, books, decorations, linens, and many other everyday belongings yourself. Ask friends or family to help if you have a large amount to pack and want to divide up the work.
Just make sure you’re not creating a new problem while trying to save money. Fragile items, unusually valuable belongings, or items that require specialized packing may be better handled by professionals.
At Little Red Wagon Moving, we also offer packing and unpacking services if you decide you’d rather have our team handle some or all of the packing. We provide packing materials and can pack a home or office as part of the move.
3. Look for Free or Low-Cost Packing Materials
You don’t necessarily need to buy every box and container brand new.
Ask friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers if they have sturdy boxes they no longer need. Local community groups and online marketplaces may also have people giving away moving supplies after their own moves.
You can reuse appropriate containers you already own, such as suitcases, plastic storage bins, and sturdy reusable bags.
For fragile belongings, however, don’t choose packing materials based only on price. The cost of replacing a damaged item can easily outweigh what you saved on packing supplies.
4. Move Less Furniture
Furniture takes up a lot of space, so it’s worth thinking carefully about what should make the trip.
Measure large furniture pieces and compare their dimensions with the rooms in your new home. If you know a couch, desk, shelving unit, or other large item won’t work in your new space, selling or donating it before the move may make more sense than paying to transport it.
This is especially useful when you’re moving from a larger home into a smaller apartment.
Don’t automatically assume that every inexpensive piece of furniture should come with you, either. Consider the cost of transporting it, the space it takes up, and what it would cost to replace it after you arrive.
5. Compare Moving Estimates Carefully
Getting multiple estimates can help you understand the range of options available for your move, but don’t choose a mover based solely on the lowest number.
For an interstate move, FMCSA requires movers to provide written estimates, and the estimate should account for the services and charges involved in the shipment. Binding and non-binding estimates also work differently, so make sure you understand which type you’re receiving.
When comparing estimates, look at what is actually included. Ask whether the estimate accounts for:
- Transportation
- Packing or unpacking
- Stairs
- Elevators
- Long carries from the truck to the home
- Specialty or unusually heavy items
- Additional stops
- Storage
- Other requested services
A lower estimate isn’t necessarily the better deal if important services are left out.
6. Ask the Right Questions Before Hiring an Out-of-State Moving Company
Before signing a contract, make sure you understand who you’re hiring and what your move includes.
For an interstate move, FMCSA recommends checking that the mover or broker is registered and understanding the terms and conditions of the moving contract. Interstate movers are also required to provide consumers with information about their rights and responsibilities.
Some useful questions include:
Is your company registered to perform interstate moves?
What type of estimate will I receive?
What services are included in the estimate?
Are there circumstances that could change the estimate?
What items can you not transport?
What valuation or liability options are available?
Will additional services or access issues change the price?
These questions aren’t just about finding the cheapest mover. They’re about making sure you’re finding the right service for you and understand what you’re paying for.
7. Choose Your Moving Date Carefully
Your moving date can affect your options and, depending on the mover and schedule, may affect the cost of your move.
Instead of assuming that a particular weekday or month will always be cheaper, ask the moving companies you’re considering how scheduling affects your specific estimate. Availability, demand, route, and the details of your move can all matter.
If your schedule is flexible, tell your mover. Having some flexibility may give you more options when you’re comparing dates.
8. Consider What You Can Handle Yourself
A full-service move isn’t your only option.
You might decide to hire movers for the heavy lifting and transportation while handling your own packing. Or you might pack most of your belongings yourself and bring in professional help for large, heavy, fragile, or difficult-to-move items.
Think about the parts of the move that cost you the most in time, physical effort, and risk.
For example, packing a closet yourself may be manageable. Moving a piano, large safe, pool table, or oversized piece of furniture is a different situation. Trying to save money by handling a risky item yourself can lead to an injury or property damage that costs far more than professional assistance would have.
9. Be Honest About Your Inventory
One common source of moving-cost surprises is an inaccurate picture of what needs to be moved.
When you’re requesting an estimate, give the mover a realistic inventory. Include large furniture, appliances, specialty items, storage units, and anything else that will take up meaningful space or require additional handling.
If your inventory changes after you receive an estimate, let the moving company know. Adding a large amount of furniture or requesting additional services can change the cost.
Being accurate from the beginning makes it easier to compare estimates and plan your budget.
10. Look for Discounts or Reimbursement Options You Actually Qualify For
Some movers offer discounts for certain customers or situations. At Little Red Wagon Moving, we currently offer military and senior discounts, so if either applies to you, ask our team about eligibility when you request an estimate.
You may also have access to employer relocation benefits. If you’re moving for a new job or transferring with your current employer, ask your HR department whether relocation assistance is available before paying for moving expenses yourself.
Be careful with tax-related advice, though. Most taxpayers cannot currently deduct moving expenses on their federal tax return. The IRS says exceptions include certain active-duty members of the Armed Forces moving under military orders, and certain intelligence-community employees beginning in 2026.
If you think you qualify for a tax benefit, check the current IRS guidance or speak with a qualified tax professional rather than assuming your moving expenses are deductible.
11. Plan Your Travel Costs Separately
The moving company isn’t necessarily your only major expense.
If you’re driving to your new state, build a separate travel budget for fuel, lodging, meals, tolls, and other transportation costs. If you’re flying, consider how you’ll get from the airport to your new home and how you’ll handle your vehicle.
If you’re moving with children or pets, account for their travel needs too.
Separating your moving budget from your personal travel budget can make it much easier to see where your money is actually going.
12. Keep a Moving Budget From the Beginning
Instead of tracking only the moving company’s estimate, create a complete moving budget.
Include categories such as:
| Expense | What to consider |
| Moving company | Transportation and requested services |
| Packing supplies | Boxes, tape, paper, protective materials |
| Travel | Gas, flights, lodging, meals, tolls |
| Storage | Short-term or extended storage if needed |
| Cleaning | Cleaning supplies or professional cleaning |
| New home | Deposits, setup costs, and immediate necessities |
| Furniture | Items you’ll need to replace after moving |
| Miscellaneous | Unexpected expenses and small purchases |
Leave some room for unexpected costs. A budget works best when it gives you a little flexibility rather than assuming every expense will be exactly what you planned.
What Should You Not Try to Save Money On?
Saving money doesn’t mean choosing the cheapest option for every part of your move.
There are a few areas where cutting costs can create bigger problems:
Don’t Skip Proper Packing for Fragile Items
Glassware, electronics, artwork, antiques, and other fragile belongings need appropriate protection. If you aren’t confident packing something correctly, ask about professional packing rather than risking damage.
Don’t Overload Boxes
An extremely heavy box can be difficult to handle and more likely to fail. Spread heavy belongings across multiple boxes and use appropriately sized containers.
Don’t Attempt Dangerous Heavy Lifting
If an item requires more strength, equipment, or people than you have available, don’t try to save money by lifting it yourself. Large appliances, safes, pianos, and other specialty items can cause serious injuries or property damage if handled incorrectly.
Don’t Choose an Unverified Mover
A low quote isn’t much of a bargain if the company isn’t properly registered, the estimate doesn’t reflect your actual move, or you don’t understand the terms of the agreement.
FMCSA provides resources for checking interstate movers and understanding your rights before you hire a company.
Don’t Forget the Small Moving Expenses
Small expenses can add up during an interstate move.
Before moving day, think about things such as:
- Change-of-address costs or services
- Cleaning supplies
- Utility deposits or connection fees
- Food while traveling
- Hotel stays
- Temporary storage
- Replacement household items
- Parking or access requirements
- Pet or child travel expenses
For your mail, USPS recommends submitting a permanent Change of Address request when you move and notes that mail forwarding can take time to begin.
Handling these tasks early can help prevent last-minute expenses and missed bills.
Moving Out of Colorado? Plan for the Long Distance
If you’re leaving Colorado Springs for another state, your move may involve more than simply loading a truck and driving away.
Interstate moves are regulated differently from moves that stay within Colorado. The Colorado Attorney General explains that in-state movers are regulated by Colorado authorities, while interstate movers are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
That makes it especially important to understand your moving documents and choose a properly registered interstate mover.
Colorado weather can also affect travel planning. If you’re moving during winter, check the weather and road conditions along your route rather than focusing only on conditions in Colorado Springs. Mountain passes and changing conditions can affect travel plans even when the weather looks fine where you’re starting.
When Is Hiring Professional Movers Worth the Cost?
A DIY move isn’t automatically the cheapest option.
Think about what your time is worth, how much equipment you’d need to rent, how far you’d have to drive, and whether you have enough people to safely handle your belongings.
For a long-distance move, the calculation can be especially different. You may be paying for a truck, fuel, lodging, meals, mileage, packing materials, and your own time. A professional moving estimate gives you a number you can compare against the actual cost of handling the entire move yourself.
We offer long-distance residential moving throughout the country, as well as packing and unpacking services. We can also provide free moving estimates so you can see what professional help would cost for your specific move.
You don’t have to decide that you need every available service. Ask about the options and choose the level of help that fits your move and your budget.
A Simple Budget-Friendly Moving Plan
If you’re trying to keep an out-of-state move affordable, start with this order:
1. Declutter. Don’t pay to transport things you don’t want.
2. Get your inventory together. Know what you’re actually moving.
3. Gather affordable packing materials. Use appropriate boxes and containers you already have when possible.
4. Decide what you’ll pack yourself. Handle manageable items yourself and consider professional help for difficult or fragile belongings.
5. Request estimates. Compare the actual services and terms, not just the final number.
6. Ask about discounts. Check whether military, senior, employer, or other legitimate discounts or assistance programs apply to you.
7. Budget for travel and other expenses. The moving truck or moving company isn’t your only cost.
8. Leave room for unexpected expenses. A realistic budget needs some flexibility.
Plan Your Out-of-State Move With Confidence
Moving out of state on a budget is mostly about making deliberate choices. Move fewer belongings, handle the tasks you can reasonably do yourself, understand your moving estimates, and don’t sacrifice safety or proper protection just to save a few dollars.
If you’re leaving Colorado Springs or moving into Colorado from another state, we’re happy to talk through your moving needs and provide a free estimate. Our long-distance moving team can help with transportation, and we also offer packing and unpacking services if you’d like to hand off some of the work.
Request a free moving estimate from our happy movers at Little Red Wagon Moving and let us know your starting location, destination, moving date, and what you’ll need help with. We’ll use those details to create an estimate for your specific move.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Out of State on a Budget
What is the cheapest way to move out of state?
The cheapest option depends on the size and details of your move. Reducing the amount you move, packing some belongings yourself, using appropriate low-cost packing materials, and comparing professional moving estimates can all help control your total expenses.
Is it cheaper to move yourself or hire movers?
Not always. A DIY move may reduce the amount you pay a moving company, but you’ll also need to account for truck or transportation costs, fuel, lodging, packing supplies, equipment, and your own time. Comparing the total cost of a DIY move with a professional estimate gives you a more useful answer.
How can I reduce the cost of a long-distance move?
Start by decluttering, reducing the amount of furniture you transport, packing manageable belongings yourself, and comparing estimates from reputable movers. Also ask about discounts or scheduling flexibility that may apply to your particular move.
Should I get multiple moving estimates?
Yes. Comparing estimates can help you understand your options, but don’t automatically choose the lowest number. Look at the services included, the type of estimate, access requirements, and any circumstances that could change the final cost.
Are moving expenses tax deductible?
For most taxpayers, no. Federal moving-expense deductions are generally unavailable, although the IRS provides exceptions for certain active-duty Armed Forces members and certain intelligence-community employees beginning in 2026.
Can I use free boxes for an interstate move?
You can use appropriate sturdy boxes, including boxes obtained for free, as long as they’re clean, dry, structurally sound, and suitable for the items you’re packing. Avoid using damaged boxes for heavy or fragile belongings.
Is it cheaper to move during the week?
It can depend on the mover and the specific date. Rather than assuming a certain weekday is always cheaper, ask the moving companies you’re considering whether your schedule allows for more flexible or lower-cost options.
How early should I plan an out-of-state move?
Earlier is generally better, especially for a long-distance move. We recommend starting the planning process well before your desired moving date so you have time to compare estimates, declutter, pack, and handle the logistics of your new home. Our long-distance moving page currently recommends starting about six to eight weeks before the desired move date.
What should I ask an out-of-state moving company?
Ask about interstate registration, the type of estimate you’ll receive, what services are included, potential additional charges, items the company cannot transport, and available liability or valuation options. FMCSA provides additional guidance on selecting interstate movers and understanding your rights.
Does Little Red Wagon Moving offer long-distance moving?
Yes. We offer long-distance residential moving services and can help with moves across state lines. We also offer packing and unpacking services and provide free moving estimates.
