The easiest ways to save money are to downsize unwanted items, hold a moving sale, request utility deposit refunds, and collect donation receipts for tax deductions. Learn how partnering with Atlas Van Lines offers transparent, customized services that prevent hidden costs.
Everyone wants to save money, and moving can quickly add up in terms of costs. As a global transportation company, Atlas knows how stressful, expensive, and time-consuming a big move can be. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take in order to save money when relocating.
Smart Ways to Cut Moving Costs
TIP 1: GET BACK UTILITY DEPOSITS
If your gas, electric, or water utility has not returned the deposit you made for your current address, ask for the money now. If you have paid your bills on time, request a good customer letter. It might save you a utility deposit in your new town.
TIP 2: USE COUPONS
Coupons can save you money on all kinds of purchases, like dining and groceries, services for home and auto, and even home furnishings. We are living in a digital world now so most coupons can be found online. The best apps to use to find deals and coupons in the area are:
Walmart Savings Catcher and Ibotta also help you earn money back on items you purchase.
TIP 3: DOWNSIZE
Reducing the number of items you move greatly lowers moving costs.
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Sell, donate, or recycle what you no longer need.
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Keep furniture you may still use since replacing it later could cost more than moving it.
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If you’re unsure, wait until you’re settled before deciding what to sell or give away.
For more downsizing tips, see: How to Declutter Before a Move.
TIP 4: HAVE A MOVING SALE
When you are relocating on a budget, turn unwanted items into cash.
- See How To Hold a Moving Sale for tips, including advice on writing an ad and questions to ask before you place a classified ad in the local paper.
- You can also use the Internet to sell your items. Sites like Poshmark, Depop, ThredUp, and Facebook Marketplace allow you to resell secondhand items.
- Online auction sites, such as eBay.com, let you sell to the highest bidder. There are even businesses that will manage an online auction for you.
TIP 5: KEEP DONATION RECEIPTS
When you donate items to charity, ask for receipts. You can use these to claim tax deductions and save money on your federal income tax.
TIP 6: CONSIGN FURNISHINGS
Selling your furnishings on consignment may bring more money than you would make from a moving sale. Visit one or more consignment shops to find one that is a good fit. Ask:
- Do people shop there for the kind of furnishings you have?
- Is the pricing attractive, yet high enough to make a nice profit for you?
Only consign items that are in good condition. Usually, you specify an amount you will take and the shop adds a markup. If the item remains unsold after a period of time, the store may reduce the price.
TIP 7: HAVE ITEMS APPRAISED
Before you sell or give away that unusual item, make sure you know how much it is worth. If you are in doubt, have it appraised. Many jewelry stores offer free appraisals. For antiques, rugs, and other furnishings, search online for appraisers.
This is especially true of inherited items, such as furnishings or odds and ends. Do not be too hasty to get rid of old tins, books, odd pieces of china, etc. They could be worth some money.
TIP 8: DO YOUR RESEARCH
By taking the time to do some intensive research about your moving company, you may save time and money with your move. Making sure that your moving company is providing the best services for your money may seem like a daunting task, but with the right research and information, it will pay off in the long run. Here's what to look for when selecting a professional moving company.
Make Your Move Work Smarter, Not Harder
When you’re focused on cutting costs for your move, it’s not just about doing more on your own, but doing the right things with the right people. That’s where Atlas Van Lines comes in.
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Streamlined Coordination: With Atlas’ full-service moving network, you get one expert point of contact who handles everything from packing and transport to delivery. That means fewer surprises, fewer delays, and fewer cost-leak opportunities (which helps keep your budget on track).
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Customized Service Options: We offer scalable solutions so you only pay for what you need versus an off-the-shelf package with hidden extras. Whether you need just a truck and driver or full packing, our consultative approach keeps your move aligned with your budget.
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Transparent Pricing & Support: Receive clear estimates, real-time updates, and detailed support for your move with Atlas so you always know where your money is going.
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Cost Savings Through Time Savings: Packing, organizing logistics, and coordinating multiple vendors can take days (or even weeks) of your time. Atlas’ professional packing, unpacking, scheduling, storage, and move-management support drastically cuts that workload.
Choose the Moving Partner That Delivers Real Value
With Atlas, you gain experienced professionals, industry-leading protection for your belongings, dependable timelines, and personalized support tailored to your relocation needs. Those benefits don’t just make your move easier; they help prevent costly issues, delays, and damage that can turn a “cheap” move into an expensive one.
