Typically, it’s cheaper to move in the off-season; because cross country movers are more in demand in May through September, you can save money with moves scheduled in October through April. There can also be a spike around Christmas, so avoid the two-week period before the holiday. Plus, when you’re looking for the most cost-effective move, schedule yours on a weekday: Monday through Thursday. Here are additional money-saving tips when cross country moving. Get an accurate estimate from a trustworthy relocation company. This means you won’t be surprised by hidden costs that you haven’t put in your budget. Before you get your quote, declutter. It’s natural to have possessions accumulate over the years — something you’ll definitely notice when you think about packing! — and, when you get rid of what you can’t use anymore, the reduced weight of your belongings can lower your moving quote. Toss what no one wants, hold a yard sale, and donate items to charity. You can give your unopened, non-perishable canned and boxed food to Move For Hunger if your mover partners with them (and Daryl Flood does!). We’ll pack your food and deliver it to a local food pantry—at no cost to you. As another tip, if you’ll be doing your own packing, visit local stores to see if they’ll give you used boxes that would otherwise go into the trash or be recycled. Even if they charge you for them, it will be less than the cost of buying new ones.