How to Find Moving Deals and Discounts

Best Times of Year to Find Moving Discounts

When you decide to move can really impact your final costs, so it’s especially important to move during the right time if you’re trying to move on a budget. Here’s what to know when looking for seasonal and scheduling-based savings:

Off-Season Savings

Most people schedule their moves in the summer months between May and September. The weather’s better, school’s out, and it’s when most people buy and sell homes. That also makes it the most expensive time to book a mover.

If you’re not locked into those months, shifting your plans to winter or early spring can make a noticeable difference. There’s less competition for services, and some companies offer seasonal deals just to keep their schedules full. It’s worth asking about, especially if you don’t have to move in a rush.

Mid-Week and Mid-Month Pricing Perks

The end of each month and weekends are the busiest for moving companies. Leases turn over and closings happen, which means everyone needs trucks and labor at the same time. That rush can drive prices higher and limit your options.

If your schedule allows, aim for a mid-month, mid-week move instead. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often quieter, which can mean more availability, less stress, and a better shot at a discounted rate.

When to Book for the Best Rate

Booking early gives you more control over timing and often opens the door to better pricing. How early you should book depends on the type of move you’re planning:

• Full-service moving usually works best when scheduled 6 to 8 weeks in advance. That’s especially true during summer or other high-demand periods.
• Labor-only moving doesn’t require quite as much lead time. About 4 to 6 weeks is typically enough, though you might get lucky on shorter notice.
• DIY rentals (like trucks or containers) are more flexible, but even then, 2 to 4 weeks out can help lock in lower rates and ensure availability.
• Long-distance moves: Because more logistics are involved, you should book your move as early as possible if you’re moving long-distance. We recommend at least 8 weeks in advance, if possible. 

One last note: not every deal shows up on a website. If you’re booking by phone or chat, ask about early booking incentives. Some movers offer them quietly, especially when they’re trying to fill open slots.

Where to Look for Moving Deals

Finding moving discounts takes a little digging, but it’s worth the effort. Whether you’re working directly with a moving company or exploring outside platforms, there are several places where deals tend to show up if you know when and what to ask. You may also qualify for discounts when moving based on your age, profession, or memberships. 

Ask the Moving Company Directly

Before you book, ask if any promotions are available. Some companies offer seasonal pricing, midweek specials, or discounts for certain groups, but they don’t always list those deals online.

A quick phone call or email can go a long way. You might say: “I’m comparing quotes and wondering if you offer any discounts for early booking, weekday moves, or repeat customers.” This kind of straightforward question opens the door for them to share what’s available.

Use a Platform That Helps You Compare

One of the easiest ways to spot a deal is to get multiple quotes side by side, and understand how moving companies charge. However, this can mean a lot of research and legwork on your part, though. That’s where MovingPlace comes in. Instead of calling around to ten different companies, you can compare multiple quotes in one place on our platform and find the lowest price for the services you need on the date you want.

Because MovingPlace works with vetted movers and uses transparent pricing, you’re getting a better sense of what’s included and whether it fits your needs. 

Promo Codes, Coupons, and Local Ads

Some moving deals don’t show up until you go looking for them. And even then, it can take a little digging.

Sites like Slickdeals or RetailMeNot occasionally have promo codes for moving services like rental trucks, containers, or even full-service bookings. Tools like Rakuten can also be helpful. They scan the checkout page and try a bunch of codes automatically, and sometimes they hit something useful. Other times, not so much—but it’s worth it to try.

Also worth checking:

• The company’s email signup (sometimes that triggers a one-time discount)
• Their social pages, especially Facebook or Instagram stories
• Local ads or flyers if you’re hiring a smaller, regional mover

One heads-up: even a legit-looking coupon might have strings attached. Some apply only to long-distance moves, or only if you hit a minimum price. Always check the details before you assume it’ll work.

The Coupons.com app often offers discounts on essential moving supplies like tape and boxes, so it’s worth enabling push alerts to receive deal notifications. Meanwhile, Groupon frequently features deals on local labor, sometimes in the 15% to 40% range.

Membership and Association Discounts

Some moving discounts aren’t publicized, but they are tied to memberships or affiliations you might already have. AAA and AARP are two of the more common examples, but they’re not the only ones. Alumni networks occasionally offer something too, though that varies.

To determine whether your membership qualifies you for a moving discount, ask directly before booking and confirm any payment terms in writing, or check:

• Member portals
• Membership benefits pages
• Partner and discount sections

The discounts themselves might be modest, but when paired with early booking or flexible scheduling, they can help make the cost more manageable. And for a long-distance move, even small savings add up faster than you’d think. In addition to membership perks, you may also qualify for discounts based on your background or affiliation.

Who Qualifies for Moving Discounts

Moving companies often offer discounts for people of specific ages or with particular professions or memberships. However, they don’t usually advertise them, so it’s a good idea to check whether you’re eligible for a discount when requesting quotes. 

Military and First Responder Discounts

The following groups typically qualify for military and first responder discounts:

• Active military personnel
• Veterans
• Reservists
• Police officers
• Firefighters
• EMTs

Discount rates vary between companies. You can typically expect to save between 5% and 25%, although some families report savings of as high as 50% off standard interstate rates, depending on the company, location, and time of year.

Most companies will ask to see proof that you qualify for a moving discount, such as your military or first responder ID. Depending on the company, spouses or dependents may also qualify for savings.

To access military and first responder discounts, check directly with each moving company when you ask for a quote. Our guide to military discounts contains additional tips to help you find and maximize moving deals. 

Senior Discounts

If you’re an older adult, you may qualify for senior discounts or special pricing. Depending on the company, you’ll usually qualify at 55+ or 60+. 

How much you’ll save depends on the moving company and where you live, but many offer senior discounts between 5% and 15%. You could also qualify for lower rates or tailored services if you plan to downsize to a smaller home, retirement community, or assisted living facility. 

Student and Teacher Discounts

Moving companies often offer discounts to current students and educators, including teachers, faculty, and school staff. Discounts typically range between 5% and 15%, although they can vary significantly between moving companies and locations.

You’ll usually need to show proof of your student or educator status to qualify for a moving discount. Most companies accept student, faculty, or school IDs, but it’s worth asking which documents your moving company requires.

Whether you can stack student or teacher discounts with seasonal promotions and off-peak pricing depends on your moving company’s policy. Some companies allow deal stacking, while others limit you to one discount per move, so check your moving company’s terms before booking.

Tips to Get the Best Deals

Getting a good deal on your move may not be one big discount. It’s usually a mix of smaller choices that add up, like when you book, what services you combine, and how you approach quotes. Knowing where to look (and what to ask) can make a real difference, especially if you’re trying to stay within a set budget.

Here are a few ways to cut costs without cutting corners.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Every quote looks a little different, and some can be tricky to compare at first glance. One might seem like a deal until you realize it doesn’t include key services or charges extra for basics like stairs or long carries.

That’s why it helps to gather a few estimates (ideally from different kinds of movers) and take the time to see what each one actually covers. MovingPlace makes this easier by laying out vetted options in one place on our platform, with clear pricing and service details up front. It’s a more straightforward way to see what you’re paying for, and to avoid surprises later.

Ask for Price Matching

If you’ve already found a quote that fits your budget better, it’s fine to bring that up. Some companies have more flexibility, and they’re often willing to match a lower rate or offer a similar deal.

Be honest about what you’re seeing and ask if they’re able to work with you. Sometimes all it takes is asking the question! And you could end up saving more than you thought possible.

Bundle Services for Discounts

You might save by combining services through the same provider. For example, if you’re hiring help to pack, it may cost less to also have them load your truck or container. Similarly, pairing short-term storage with transport can sometimes bring down the total cost.

Ask whether bundling is an option when reviewing your quote. It’s one of the easiest ways to reduce overall spend without cutting corners.

Declutter First to Lower Weight-Based Pricing

The less stuff you move, the less you pay. That’s especially true for long-distance moves, which are typically priced by weight or volume. Before you start packing, set aside time to pare down anything you no longer want or need.

Donating, selling, or recycling unused items can trim your shipment and your bill. For help getting started, check out Decluttering: How to Get Rid of Everything and Move.

One simple strategy is to sort your things into four piles: keep, donate, sell, or toss. If you’re on the fence about something, ask yourself how hard or expensive it would be to replace it later. Items that are bulky, worn out, or rarely used are usually good candidates to let go.

Moving Deals by Type of Move

The kind of move you’re planning can shape the deals you’ll find. Whether you’re handling it all yourself or bringing in a crew, there are different ways to save depending on how your move is structured. Here’s what to know based on the type of service you’re using.

DIY Truck Rentals

If you’re renting a truck and driving yourself, you’ll likely find more frequent promotions, especially from national brands like U-Haul, Budget, and Penske. These often include:

• Percent-off deals for booking online
• Free extra days or mileage with certain rentals
• Discounts for students, military, or AAA members

Weekday rentals and mid-month moves are typically cheaper, too. It also helps to reserve early, since pricing can jump quickly as trucks get booked out.

Labor-Only Moving Services

Labor-only movers are a great fit when you’ve already got your own transportation (like a rental truck or moving container) but still need help with loading and unloading. These services are often more affordable than full-service options, and you may be able to apply a discount code during booking.

Look for seasonal promos or local coupon listings on moving platforms or through browser extensions like Rakuten. You’ll sometimes find limited-time offers for weekday moves or slower time slots, which can keep your costs lower without sacrificing help where you need it most.

Full-Service Moving

If you’d rather not worry about the heavy lifting (or the driving), full-service moving can be a great option. It usually includes transportation and unloading, with optional packing help available for an extra fee. That kind of convenience takes a lot off your plate. But with that convenience comes a higher price, so it’s worth looking closely at what each quote includes.

When you’re comparing quotes, two or three are usually enough to spot which ones feel solid. If something seems unusually low, don’t be afraid to ask questions. A trustworthy company will be upfront about what’s covered: things like mileage, stairs, bulky items, and insurance. Some movers also offer bundled pricing when you book multiple services together, which can be a good way to save without giving up peace of mind.

Long-Distance Moves

Long-distance pricing is often based on weight or volume, which gives you a few different ways to find savings. Booking early is one of the biggest factors. Some companies offer lower rates to customers who lock in dates well in advance.

You can also ask about backhaul availability. That’s when a moving company has a truck returning empty from another job and can offer a discounted rate to fill the space. These aren’t always advertised, but if your timing is flexible, it’s a great question to ask. For cross-country moves, even a small discount can mean a big difference in the final cost.

How Savings Can Stack Up

Even small savings can make a noticeable difference when you start combining them. 

For example, let’s say you’re moving from Phoenix to Denver. You get quotes from three full-service movers and notice one comes in $500 lower, but the breakdown reveals it’s missing stair fees and fuel charges. You decide to go with a more transparent provider that bundles packing and transport, saving $200 off the total cost by booking both services together.

Because you’re flexible on dates, you shift your move to a mid-week time slot in early spring, which knocks off another $300. Then you apply a AAA discount worth $100, and cut down on volume by decluttering before the move, reducing your load by about 600 pounds, saving another $150 on weight-based pricing.

By the time everything’s booked, you’ve saved $750–$800 without sacrificing quality. And you avoided surprise fees by asking good questions upfront.

Various savings strategies and their estimated savings

Watch Out for “Deals” That Cost More

Not every discount ends up being a real deal. Some offers look great upfront but come with strings attached or surprise charges that show up when it’s too late to change your mind. One thing to look out for is bait-and-switch pricing. That’s when a company gives you a low quote to get your business, then adds undisclosed fees once the move is underway.

Another common pitfall? Unlicensed movers offering deep discounts. It might feel like you’ve found a steal, but working with someone who isn’t properly registered can lead to major issues: lost items, damage with no coverage, or even no-shows on moving day. A quick search through the FMCSA’s mover lookup tool can give you peace of mind.

It also helps to take a second look at what’s actually included in your quote. Some moving packages bundle in services you might not need, like full packing or long-term storage. If something doesn’t fit your situation, ask if it can be removed or adjusted. The goal is to get the right help for your move—not to pay for extras that go unused.