It’s a wise move to try and save money on moving supplies. If you’re after cheap boxes, blankets, mattress covers and other moving supplies, start by looking online. Some sites allow people to post free or cheap items they no longer need, and moving supplies are frequently on the list. There are also services that sell used cardboard boxes and more. If all else fails, head to your local department store or ask your moving company if they sell supplies.

There are plenty of places you can go to find cheap moving boxes. If you want new boxes, start with large chain retailers that sell moving supplies. However, you can also find cheap or even free deals by heading to other locations. 

Liquor stores receive their merchandise in boxes and may be willing to donate them to you. Grocery stores, bookstores, pet stores and department stores all receive boxes as well. Just remember to always ask for permission before you take any boxes from retailers and stores. 

You can also head to your recycling center to see if there are any boxes available. Or, go online to see if anyone in your neighborhood is trying to get rid of boxes.

Book movers at least two months in advance for a local move and at least four months in advance for a cross-country move. If you’re moving during the off-season, it’s best to book movers about four to eight weeks in advance. Factor in an extra two to three weeks if you have antiques or valuables that are difficult to transport.

May through September is considered peak moving season, according to the American Moving & Storage Association. If you’re moving during this time, hire movers as far in advance as possible.

Local moves are among the most common moves. Unlike a long-distance move, a local move is typically less than 50 miles and does not cross state lines. Generally, a local move only takes one day, and movers tend to charge by the hour. 

The definition of a long-distance move may vary depending on the moving company. Generally, a long-distance considered to be any move of 400 miles or more. However, some say a long-distance move is over 50-100 miles. 

Interstate moves require additional legal preparation and will incur additional costs for distance, the amount and weight of your items, the preparation required and various other factors. Moving companies tend to do an initial weighing of the truck, which you should be present for.

A move that crosses state lines is considered an interstate move or an out-of-state move. Contrast this with an intrastate move, which begins and ends in the same state, but is typically above 50 miles. 

To determine whether your move is local or long-distance, contact the best movers in your area.

Long-distance movers transport your belongings across the country for you. No more renting a trailer and road-tripping from state to state with your entire house hitched to your bumper. Long-distance movers make the move happen so you can fly to your new home, suitcase in hand, and wait for your furniture to arrive. Nationally, the average price range for long-distance movers is $1,490-$2,230. The distance you are moving and the number of cubic feet the movers have to transport will both affect cost. Another factor in long-distance moving costs is whether you choose to pay for an exclusive move or a consolidated move.

In an exclusive move, which is more expensive, your belongings are the only cargo on the moving truck. The movers travel directly to your new house and deliver your belongings on a scheduled day. A consolidated move is more affordable because the movers transport your belongings along with those of other people, saving them time and gas — which means you save money. The downside is that your belongings typically arrive with a two-week delivery window rather than on a prescheduled day. Read reviews to make sure you can trust the company with your possessions to ensure a peaceful moving process.

It’s recommended that you tip your movers individually around $4 to $5 per hour. For example, if a team of four movers spends a half-day (four hours) on your move, tip each mover $20. Or, some people tip 5% to 10% of their total bill for small moves and 15% to 20% for larger moves.

If you’re moving across state lines, you may hire different crews to load and unload your goods. In that case, divide the tips between both crews. It’s also a good rule of thumb to add a bit extra for tipping movers if you have special circumstances that have made the move harder, like a spiral staircase or an exceptionally heavy sofa. 

Moving large furniture can be done with help from the best movers in your area and careful planning. First, get an idea of how much the furniture weighs and how much each mover can manage. The next step is figuring out the path the furniture will take as it exits its point of origin and makes its way to its new home. Professional movers then use dollies, furniture protectors and personal safety gear for a safe, smooth move. 

To protect furniture when moving, get furniture protectors. These will help cushion accidental impacts that may occur while making your way through tight spaces. You can also use furniture sliders for hardwood floors, which can make moving heavy or awkward furniture across your floors a lot easier than lugging it all the way. 

A professional mover near you will likely have these and other moving equipment to ensure your furniture remains intact and doesn’t damage your new — or old — home.

Yes, you can hire movers to move one item. Single-item movers are usually more than happy to give you a quote, which will likely be based on a few factors.

One of the primary things to take into consideration is the number of movers it takes to move one item. For instance, if you want to move one item of furniture, it may take several movers — particularly if it is a challenging move involving multiple floors.

Contact single-item movers near you to find out what services they offer, and get free estimates.

It costs around $290, on average, to move a couch. However, your actual cost will depend on a variety of factors. Couch movers will often quote the job based on the size of the couch, as well as how far it has to travel. A larger couch, such as a sectional, will likely cost more money to move.

On the other hand, smaller couches typically cost less, as there are fewer sections and fewer people are required to move it. Some couches may be very delicate due to their age, or they may have certain decorative details that complicate the moving process. These may cost more as well.

Contact professional furniture movers near you to get estimates for your move.