This $1397 Moving Expenses Budget Trick Made My Movers Blush With Embarrassment

My Moving Expenses Budget Was 63% Less Than Everyone Else's And My Stuff Still Arrived Unbroken

Moving expenses can break your bank if you don't plan right.

Most folks spend way too much money when they move.

This $1397 moving expenses budget trick made my movers blush with embarrassment because they knew I had found the secret to saving big bucks that most moving companies don't want you to know.

And I'm going to share it with you right now.

The Moving Money Secret Most Companies Hope You Never Discover

Let me tell you something that might shock you.

The moving industry doesn't want you to know how to make a smart moving expenses budget.

Why? Because when you panic and rush, you spend more money. Much more.

I learned this the hard way.

Before I discovered the $1397 trick, I spent over $3,200 on my last move.

That's crazy!

But then I talked to Jae Burnham, the owner of Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving, and everything changed.

"Most people spend 62% more than they need to on moving," Jae told me. "They don't plan right, and they end up wasting hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars."

You're probably thinking: "Okay, so what's this magical $397 trick?"

Well, it's not magic.

It's a smart system for creating a moving expenses budget that actually works. And I'm going to break it down step by step.

Click here to grab a copy of my best-selling book "Save Money Moving" from Amazon!

Why Your Moving Budget Keeps Failing You

Before we dive into the $1397 trick, let's talk about why most moving expenses budgets fail.

It's simple:

1. People forget to count all the hidden costs

2. They don't know about the special timing tricks

3. They waste money on things they don't need

4. They hire the wrong movers

Sound familiar? Don't worry.

You're not alone.

But after today, you'll never make these mistakes again.

The $1397 Moving Expenses Budget Breakdown That Changed Everything

Here's the real deal – this $1397 trick is about spreading your money in the right places, not just cutting corners.

Here's exactly how it works:

1. The $189 Packing Supplies Strategy ($189 of the $1397)

Most people spend over $400 on boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and other packing stuff.

That's crazy!

Here's how to cut that down to just $189:

• Get free boxes from grocery stores, liquor stores, and Facebook Marketplace ($0)

• Buy only professional-grade packing tape, not the cheap stuff that breaks ($27)

• Use clothes, towels, and blankets as padding instead of buying bubble wrap ($0)

• Get just 15 heavy-duty boxes for the stuff that really needs protection ($45)

• Splurge on 2 wardrobe boxes that save hours of folding and unfolding clothes ($58)

• Invest in color-coded labels that make unpacking 70% faster ($14)

• Grab 5 moving blankets that protect your furniture better than the ones movers provide ($45)

This simple switch saves you at least $211 right off the bat.

2. The $129 Timing Magic ($329 of the $1397)

Did you know that moving on a Wednesday in the middle of the month can save you up to 30% on moving costs? Most moving companies charge premium rates for weekend moves and moves at the beginning or end of the month.

By choosing a mid-week, mid-month move date, you can save an average of $129 on a local move and much more on a long-distance move.

"It's the industry's best-kept secret," says Jae Burnham from Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving. "We offer special rates for these off-peak times, but most customers never think to ask about them."

3. The $179 Labor Hack ($179 of the $1397)

Here's where most people waste the most money.

They either:

• Hire a full-service moving company for everything (expensive!)

• Try to do everything themselves (exhausting and risky!)

The smart approach?

A hybrid model that costs just $179 more than doing it all yourself but saves you from the back-breaking work:

• Pack all non-fragile items yourself

• Disassemble only the furniture you're comfortable with

• Hire professionals like Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving for just 3 hours to handle the heavy lifting and loading

• Have them move only the bulky, awkward items that could cause injury

This approach gives you the best of both worlds: professional help with the hard stuff without paying for services you don't need.

The Embarrassing Truth About Moving Companies

When I told the movers from my previous company about my $1397 budget trick, they looked embarrassed.

Why? Because they knew I had figured out the system.

I wasn't going to overpay for services I didn't need or fall for the common traps that most people do.

One of them actually said, "I wish more customers knew how to budget like this. We hate seeing people waste money."

The truth is, good moving companies like Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving WANT you to budget smartly.

They prefer working with prepared customers who know exactly what they need.

7 Hidden Moving Expenses That Blow Most Budgets

Now that you know the $1397 trick, let's talk about the hidden expenses that catch most people by surprise:

1. Storage Costs During Transition

If your new place isn't ready when you need to leave your old one, you might need temporary storage. This can cost $100-300 per month depending on size.

Budget Trick: Look for moving companies like Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving that offer free or discounted short-term storage options. Many do but don't advertise it!

2. Extra Fees for Heavy Items

Many movers charge extra for things like pianos, gun safes, or exercise equipment. These fees can add $100-400 to your bill!

Budget Trick: Ask specifically about heavy item fees upfront, and get them in writing. Some companies like Mr. BigStuff include these at no extra charge.

3. Last-Minute Packing Help

Ran out of time to finish packing? Emergency packing services can cost $40-60 per hour, per packer.

Budget Trick: Pack a little each day starting 3 weeks before your move. Just 30 minutes a day adds up to 10.5 hours of packing time!

4. Moving Insurance Reality

Basic moving insurance usually covers just $0.60 per pound. That means if your 30-pound TV worth $800 breaks, you'd get just $18!

Budget Trick: Check if your homeowner's or renter's insurance covers moves. If not, ask Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving about their full-value protection options.

5. Unexpected Travel Costs

Gas, meals, hotel stays for long-distance moves – these can add hundreds to your moving budget.

Budget Trick: Pack a cooler with food and plan your route with free apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas.

6. Utility Connection/Disconnection Fees

Many utility companies charge $15-75 to disconnect or connect services.

Budget Trick: Ask if they waive fees for transfers rather than new connections, and schedule them well in advance.

7. The Empty Fridge Problem

Many people forget they'll need to restock their entire kitchen and bathroom at the new place. This can cost $200-400!

Budget Trick: Bring as many unopened non-perishables as possible, and make a "first week" grocery list before you move.

Why Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving Is Different

I've used several moving companies over the years, but Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving stands out for a few key reasons:

1. They're upfront about ALL costs - no surprise fees on moving day

2. They offer customizable services so you only pay for what you need

3. Their team is trained to work efficiently, saving you money on hourly rates

4. They have special rates for mid-week and mid-month moves

5. They're founded by Jae Burnham, who literally wrote the book on efficient moving

With over 75 five-star reviews since launching in January 2024, they've quickly become the most trusted name in moving for people who want quality service without overpaying.

The Moving Expenses Budget Template That Saves You Thousands

Now that you know the $1397 trick, let's put it all together with a complete moving budget template.

This is the exact template I used to save $2,803 on my last move:

Basic Moving Costs:

• Professional movers (3 hours): $300-450

• Truck rental (if needed): $50-100

• Packing supplies (using our $189 strategy): $189

• Moving insurance: $0-100 (often covered by existing insurance)

Hidden Costs to Plan For:

• Utility deposits/connection fees: $50-200

• Cleaning supplies for old/new place: $25-50

• Gas for personal vehicle during move: $30-100

• Food during moving day: $40-60

• Small repairs at old place: $20-100

• First grocery trip in new place: $100-200

Optional Costs (As Needed):

• Storage unit: $0-300

• Hotel for long-distance moves: $0-150

• New furniture/appliances: Varies

• Special item shipping: Varies

Emergency Fund:

• 10% of total budget: $80-180

With this template, most local moves can be completed for $700-1,500 total, saving you thousands compared to the average $3,000+ most people spend.

5 Questions Everyone Asks About Moving Expenses Budgets

Let me answer the most common questions people have about creating a moving expenses budget:

1. "How much should I budget for moving expenses?"

For a 2-bedroom apartment local move: $700-1,500 For a 3-bedroom house local move: $1,200-2,500 For a long-distance move (1,000+ miles): $3,000-6,000

These figures assume you use the $1397 trick and hire a company like Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving that offers transparent pricing.

2. "Is it cheaper to hire movers or do it myself?"

The hybrid approach is almost always cheapest. Do the easy packing yourself, and hire professionals like Mr. BigStuff for the heavy lifting. This approach typically saves 40-60% compared to full-service moving while protecting you from injury and stress.

3. "What's the best way to save on moving expenses?"

The biggest savings come from:

• Moving mid-week and mid-month (up to 30% savings)

• Getting free boxes from stores and online (saves $100+)

• Packing non-fragile items yourself (saves $300+)

• Comparing quotes from 3 companies (saves $200+)

• Decluttering before your move (reduces volume and cost)

4. "Are moving expenses tax deductible?"

For most people, unfortunately not anymore. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act eliminated this deduction for most non-military moves. However, if you're moving for a job and are in the military, you may still qualify.

5. "What's the biggest mistake people make with moving budgets?"

Underestimating time requirements. When you run out of time, you make expensive decisions like paying for last-minute packing help or emergency storage.

Start packing 3 weeks before your move date, doing a little each day, and you'll avoid these costly time crunches.

The Shocking Truth About Cheap Movers

You might be thinking, "I'll just find the cheapest movers and save money that way."

Big mistake.

The horror stories I've heard would make your skin crawl:

• Furniture held hostage until additional "fees" are paid

• Boxes of valuables that mysteriously "disappear"

• Movers who don't show up at all after taking deposits

• Damaged items with no insurance coverage

The cheapest quote often becomes the most expensive move when all is said and done.

Instead, find a reputable company with fair prices like Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving. Their 75+ five-star reviews speak volumes about their reliability and value.

How to Create Your Moving Expenses Budget Step by Step

Let's break down exactly how to create your own moving expenses budget:

Step 1: List Everything You Own

Take inventory of your belongings by walking through each room. This helps you:

• Estimate how many boxes you'll need

• Identify special items that may require extra handling

• Decide what to keep, sell, or donate before moving

Step 2: Get Multiple Quotes

Contact at least 3 moving companies, including Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving at (517) 948-0894.

Make sure each quote includes:

• Hourly rates and minimum hours

• Truck fees

• Any extra charges for stairs, long carries, or heavy items

• Insurance options

• Cancellation policies

Step 3: Choose Your Services Wisely

Decide which services are worth paying for:

• Full packing services (usually not worth it)

• Loading and unloading (almost always worth it)

• Furniture disassembly/reassembly (often worth it for complex pieces)

• Specialty item moving (worth it for valuable or fragile items)

Step 4: Factor in the Hidden Costs

Remember to budget for those easily forgotten expenses:

• Utility deposits at your new place

• Gas and food during the move

• Cleaning supplies for both homes

• Initial grocery shopping at the new place

• Pet boarding if needed

Step 5: Add a 10% Contingency Fund

Something always comes up. Always. A 10% buffer gives you peace of mind.

Moving Day Secrets That Save You Money and Stress

When moving day arrives, use these insider tips to keep costs down and efficiency up:

1. Have everything 100% ready before movers arrive. Every minute they spend waiting costs you money.

2. Keep essential items in a separate "first night" box. This prevents panic unpacking to find pajamas or coffee makers.

3. Label boxes by room AND contents. This speeds up both loading and unloading.

4. Take photos of electronic setups before disconnecting. This saves reassembly time.

5. Use small boxes for heavy items, large boxes for light items. This prevents injuries and damaged goods.

6. Keep valuable documents and items with you. Never pack jewelry, financial papers, or family heirlooms in the moving truck.

7. Have cash on hand for tipping. Good movers appreciate it, and it builds goodwill if you need extra help.

Click here for my comprehensive 8-Week, 72-point epic Moving Checklist

The Peace of Mind a Good Moving Budget Brings

There's something almost magical about having a solid moving expenses budget.

The stress just melts away when you know exactly what to expect.

• No more lying awake at night wondering if you've forgotten something important.

• No more anxiety about whether you can actually afford this move.

• No more fights with your spouse about unexpected expenses.

• Just clarity, confidence, and control.

That's what the $1397 moving expenses budget trick gives you – not just savings, but peace of mind. And honestly, that's priceless.

How Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving Can Transform Your Next Move

I've shared all these tips and tricks, but there's one more thing that makes all the difference: working with the right moving company.

Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving isn't just another moving company.

Founded by Jae Burnham, a YouTube influencer and published author, they bring a fresh approach to an old industry.

Click here to pick up your own copy of "How Much Do Movers Cost? ...And othe Moivng FAQs." from Amazon

Their team understands that moving isn't just about transporting stuff – it's about transitioning lives.

They know how to make your moving expenses budget work harder for you, with services designed to maximize value without cutting corners on quality.

With Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving, you get:

• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

• Flexible service options to fit your budget

• Professional, trained movers who work efficiently

• Special mid-week and mid-month rates

• Peace of mind from their stellar reputation (75+ five-star reviews in just a few months!)

Don't Waste Another Dollar on Moving Expenses

Now that you know the $1397 moving expenses budget trick, you're armed with information that most people don't have.

You understand how to allocate your moving budget wisely, avoid the common traps, and work with the right professionals.

But knowledge only becomes power when you act on it.

Your next move can be different. It can be better. It can cost less while delivering more.

All you need to do is take the first step.

Ready to Save Hundreds on Your Next Move?

Call Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving today at (517) 948-0894 for a free, no-obligation quote.

Mention this article and ask about their mid-week specials!

Visit their website at https://justthebigstuff.com to learn more about their services and read those glowing reviews for yourself.

Don't let moving expenses drain your bank account.

Use the $1397 trick, work with professionals who respect your budget, and transform your moving experience from a financial nightmare into a manageable, even pleasant, life event.

Your wallet will thank you.

Your stress levels will thank you.

And yes, you might even make your movers blush with embarrassment when they realize how savvy you've become.

The Bottom Line on Moving Expenses Budgets

Moving doesn't have to break the bank.

With the right planning, the right strategy, and the right moving partner, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your next move.

The $1397 moving expenses budget trick works because it focuses your spending where it matters most while eliminating wasteful expenses that don't add value.

Remember:

• Get free boxes wherever possible

• Schedule your move for mid-week, mid-month

• Use the hybrid approach to moving services

• Budget for hidden costs

• Work with a transparent, reputable company like Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving

Follow these principles, and you'll join the small percentage of people who actually stick to their moving budget and come out ahead.

Ready to get started?

Pick up the phone and call (517) 948-0894 now.

The team at Mr. BigStuff Labor and Moving is standing by to help you create a moving plan that respects your budget without compromising on quality.

Your stress-free, budget-friendly move is just a phone call away!