The big list of moving discounts and deals: 40+ ways to save on trucks, containers, movers, storage and supplies.
Moving is expensive, but almost every part of it can be discounted if you know where to look. We’ve rounded up current promotions, group discounts for military, students, seniors and first responders, and the free or low-cost tricks that save the most.
Top Moving Deals Right Now
PODS promo code
Our current PODS discount for moving and storage containers, plus tips to stack savings on your container rental.
U-Pack: pay only for the space you use
ReloCubes and trailer space for moves over 100 miles. Often the lowest price for cross-country moves.
$1 first month and move-in specials
Compare prices and specials from storage facilities near you, including $1 and first-month-free deals.
Compare mover quotes
Getting several quotes is the single biggest way to save on full-service movers. Prices for the same move can differ by thousands.
Truck Rental Discounts
Every major truck rental company offers some kind of discount, but most allow only one discount per reservation. Compare the options and use the biggest one you qualify for.
| Company | Discount | Who qualifies | How to claim |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penske | 12% or more off rentals and moving supplies | AAA and CAA members | Book with the AAA code online or by phone |
| Penske | Around 10–15% off | Active military and veterans | Book online, show military ID at pickup |
| Penske | 10% off, no underage surcharge | College students | Book online, show student ID at pickup |
| Penske | 10% off one-way rentals, free unlimited miles | Anyone booking one-way online | Reserve online |
| Budget Truck | Up to 20% off Sunday–Thursday, 10% weekends | AARP members | Book through Budget’s AARP page |
| Budget Truck | Up to 20% off local, 15% off one-way | Military, students, police, fire and EMT, motor club members | Use the group discount code at checkout |
| Budget Truck | Discount on your first rental | New email subscribers | Sign up for Budget’s email list |
| U-Haul | Rarely discounts rentals, but offers a box buy-back and free Box Exchange | Everyone | Return unused boxes with receipt |
Discount amounts and terms change often and may require a 24-hour advance reservation. Confirm the final price before you book. Estimate the full cost first with our U-Haul cost calculator.
Moving Container Discounts
PODS
Promotions on moving and storage containers, plus a military discount for active duty, retirees and veterans. See our PODS promo code.
U-Pack
Pay only for the space you use, plus a discount for current and former service members. Get a U-Pack quote.
1-800-PACK-RAT and Zippy Shell
Both frequently run online booking specials and offer military discounts. Ask when you request a quote.
SMARTBOX
Has offered discounts for enrolled college students on its portable containers in covered cities.
Not sure which container company is cheapest for your move? Compare the 7 best portable storage container companies with 2026 prices.
How to Save on Professional Movers
Full-service movers rarely publish national coupons, and many local coupons are tied to specific franchises. These strategies save more than any code:
Get at least three quotes
Compare in-home or video estimates from several licensed movers. Long-distance quotes · Local quotes
Ask for a binding estimate
A binding or not-to-exceed estimate protects you from surprise charges on moving day.
Move off-peak
Movers often discount weekday, mid-month and October–April moves when demand drops.
Ask about group discounts
Many local movers and franchises offer military, senior, student or first responder discounts that aren’t advertised.
Pack yourself
Packing services can add hundreds to thousands of dollars. Use our complete guide to packing for a move.
Hire labor only
Rent a truck or container and hire movers just to load and unload. See moving labor options.
Self Storage Deals
| Deal type | Where you’ll find it | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| $1 first month | Public Storage and many other operators on select units | Admin fee, lock and required insurance still apply. See Public Storage deals. |
| First month free | Extra Space and other chains on select units | Check the regular rate for month two and beyond. |
| Percentage off first months | Online-only rates at most large operators | Usually limited to certain sizes and locations. |
| Prepay discounts | Many local and regional facilities | Confirm the refund policy if you move out early. |
| Military and student discounts | Varies by facility | Ask at reservation and bring ID. |
The fastest way to find the best storage deal is to compare self storage prices and specials near you. And make sure you’re not paying for more space than you need: take our 60-second storage unit size quiz.
Boxes and Packing Supply Deals
Free boxes
U-Haul’s Box Exchange, grocery and liquor stores, Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor and Freecycle.
U-Haul buy-back
Return unused boxes with your receipt for a refund, so over-buying costs nothing.
Cheapest new boxes
Walmart usually has the lowest single-box prices, and bulk packs cut the per-box cost.
AAA supply discount
Penske’s AAA discount also applies to its moving supplies.
Compare prices at 8 retailers in our guide to the best places to buy moving boxes.
Moving Discounts by Group
Military and veterans
- Penske: military discount on rentals
- Budget Truck: up to 20% off
- PODS, U-Pack, PACK-RAT and Zippy Shell: military pricing
- Many storage facilities: ask with military ID
College students
- Penske: 10% off, no underage fee
- Budget Truck: up to 20% off local moves
- SMARTBOX: student container discounts
- Storage facilities: summer student specials
Seniors (AARP and AAA)
- Budget Truck: AARP discount up to 20%
- Penske: AAA discount of 12% or more
- Many local movers: senior discounts on request
First responders and educators
- Budget Truck: police, fire and EMT discounts
- Budget Truck: educator promotions at times
- Local movers: ask about hero discounts
Other Ways to Cut Moving Costs
Declutter first
Sell or donate what you don’t need. Fewer items means a smaller truck, fewer containers and lower mover fees.
Ask your employer
If you’re moving for a job, ask about relocation assistance or a lump-sum moving stipend.
Know the tax rules
The federal moving expense deduction is generally limited to active-duty military moving under orders. Check with a tax professional about your situation.
Use cash-back and card offers
Cash-back portals and credit card offers sometimes include truck rental, storage and home services.
Be flexible on dates
Avoid summer weekends and month-end dates, when demand and prices peak.
Estimate before you book
Use our long-distance moving cost calculator to know what a fair price looks like.
Moving with a container?
Get the latest PODS discount before you reserve your container.
Get the PODS Promo CodeNeed storage during your move?
Compare prices and move-in specials at facilities near you.
Compare Storage PricesMoving Discount FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move?
For most people, renting a truck and moving yourself is cheapest, followed by a moving container. Full-service movers cost the most. Decluttering, moving off-peak and using a group discount can cut costs further no matter which option you choose.
Do moving companies offer military discounts?
Yes. Penske, Budget Truck, PODS, U-Pack and many container and storage companies offer military pricing, and many local movers do too. Bring military ID and ask when you book.
Can I combine moving discounts?
Usually not. Most truck rental and container companies allow one promotion or discount code per reservation, so choose the one that saves the most.
When is the cheapest time to move?
Fall and winter, midweek and mid-month moves are generally cheapest. Summer weekends and the first and last days of the month are the most expensive.
Does AAA give a moving truck discount?
Yes. Penske is AAA’s truck rental partner, and members typically save 12% or more on rentals and moving supplies.
Are moving expenses tax deductible?
For most people, no. The federal moving expense deduction is generally limited to active-duty military members moving under orders. Some states have their own rules, so check with a tax professional.