Moving to a new home can be expensive, especially when you are already managing a limited income. Truck rental fees, deposits, fuel, packing supplies, and paid labor can quickly add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the total cost.

The good news is that affordable moving options and local assistance programs are available throughout the United States. Some organizations may help with moving costs directly, while others can reduce related expenses such as rent deposits, temporary housing, transportation, or utility bills.

This guide explains where to look for assistance and compares several lower-cost moving companies.

Important: Moving prices and assistance-program availability vary by location, date, household size, and funding. Always request a written quote and confirm what is included before making a payment.

Start by Looking for Moving Assistance

Before paying a moving company, contact local assistance programs. Funding is often limited, so it is best to apply as early as possible.

When contacting an organization, ask whether it provides help with:

• Moving-truck rentals
• Moving-company payments
• Security deposits
• First month’s rent
• Application fees
• Temporary storage
• Gas or transportation
• Utility deposits
• Emergency motel stays
• Furniture and household supplies

Even when an organization cannot pay a mover, it may cover another expense and leave more money available for the move.

1. Call 211 for Local Moving and Housing Resources

United Way 211 is one of the best places to begin. Call 211 or use the online search tool to find programs in your ZIP code.

Local 211 specialists can connect callers with housing assistance, emergency financial aid, transportation programs, shelters, charities, and other community services. The service is confidential, and local agencies maintain information about resources available in their communities.

When calling, say:

“I have a low income and need help paying for an upcoming move. Are there any local programs that help with moving trucks, deposits, transportation, storage, or relocation expenses?”

Be specific about why you need to move. Programs may prioritize people facing eviction, homelessness, unsafe housing, domestic violence, disability-related needs, natural disasters, or employment-related relocation.

2. Contact a Community Action Agency

Community Action Agencies help low-income households access local services. Assistance differs by agency, but programs may include emergency financial support, housing stabilization, transportation, employment services, energy assistance, and referrals.

Use the National Community Action Partnership locator to search by ZIP code, county, or state. The national network includes more than 1,000 local Community Action Agencies.

Ask whether the agency has:

• Emergency relocation funds
• Homelessness-prevention funding
• Rapid rehousing programs
• Transportation vouchers
• Security-deposit assistance
• Flexible emergency funds
• Community Services Block Grant assistance

Some agencies may require proof of income, identification, a lease, an eviction notice, or documentation explaining why the move is necessary.

3. Apply Through Modest Needs

Modest Needs provides small emergency grants to eligible low-income workers who are at risk of falling into poverty and who may not qualify for conventional assistance.

Its Self-Sufficiency Grant program is intended to help working households manage short-term emergency expenses. Approval is not guaranteed, and applicants must meet the organization’s eligibility requirements.

Applicants should be prepared to provide documentation showing:

• Household income
• Monthly expenses
• The amount requested
• The reason the expense is necessary
• A bill, estimate, invoice, or lease
• The service provider that would receive payment

Because Modest Needs does not fund every type of request, review the current eligibility rules before applying.

4. Ask The Salvation Army About Emergency Assistance

Local Salvation Army offices may provide emergency financial assistance, rent support, utility assistance, transportation help, shelter, or referrals. Programs and available funding are different in every community.

Use the Salvation Army service locator to find the nearest office. The organization operates social-service programs across the United States, but assistance depends on local funding and eligibility.

Explain that you are preparing to move and ask whether the office can help with the move itself or with related expenses such as rent, utilities, food, transportation, or temporary lodging.

5. Speak With a HUD-Approved Housing Counselor

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development maintains a network of approved housing-counseling agencies. Counselors may help people understand rental options, housing programs, displacement rights, homelessness-prevention resources, and local financial assistance.

Call 800-569-4287 or use HUD’s housing-counseling search.

A housing counselor generally will not act as a moving company. However, the counselor may know about local grants, public-housing resources, nonprofit programs, and protections that could reduce your relocation costs.

6. Check Whether You Qualify for Formal Relocation Benefits

People who are required to move because of certain federally funded projects may be entitled to relocation counseling and moving-expense payments under federal relocation rules.

This can apply when a residence is affected by eligible acquisition, rehabilitation, demolition, or federally funded development activity. It does not apply to every move.

Before leaving the property, ask the landlord, housing authority, city agency, or project administrator:

“Is this move connected to a federally funded project, and am I eligible for relocation payments or advisory services?”

Do not assume that you are ineligible. Request the decision and any available relocation information in writing.

Affordable Nationwide Moving Companies

A traditional full-service mover may be difficult to afford on a low income. A do-it-yourself or hybrid move is often less expensive because you handle some or all of the packing and loading.

The following companies provide nationwide or broad multistate moving options. No company will be the cheapest for every route, so compare at least three quotes.

U-Haul

U-Haul is often a practical choice for local moves, small households, and people who can drive the rental vehicle themselves.

The company advertises some local truck rates starting at $19.95, but mileage, fuel, taxes, equipment, insurance, and other charges may be added. One-way prices depend on the route, vehicle size, date, and availability.

U-Haul may be a good choice when:

• You are moving locally.
• You have friends or relatives who can help load.
• You only need a van, pickup, trailer, or small truck.
• You can return a local vehicle to the same location.
• You want access to many pickup locations.

U-Haul also operates the Moving Help marketplace, where customers can compare local loading and unloading providers. Labor is usually booked separately and commonly has a minimum number of hours.

Before booking, calculate the full price, including estimated mileage and fuel. A low daily advertisement does not represent the final cost.

Budget Truck Rental

Budget Truck Rental offers local and one-way rental trucks in participating locations. It can be an affordable alternative when its price for your route is lower than U-Haul or Penske.

Budget promotes discounts for certain groups and partners, including military members, students, AARP members, first responders, motor-club members, and others. Eligibility and discount terms may vary.

Budget may be a good choice when:

• You find a promotional rate for your route.
• You qualify for a membership or group discount.
• You are comfortable driving and loading a rental truck.
• A Budget location is available near both addresses.

Ask whether mileage is included and whether the reservation guarantees a specific truck size. Also review deposit, cancellation, insurance, towing, and fuel requirements before paying.

Penske Truck Rental

Penske Truck Rental offers local and one-way moving trucks from thousands of locations.

Penske frequently provides discounts for AAA members, college students, military personnel, and qualifying promotional rentals. Its one-way rentals may include unlimited mileage, which can make the total price easier to estimate on a long-distance move.

Current offers may include:

• AAA savings of 12% or more on qualifying rentals
• A 15% discount for eligible active-duty military members and veterans
• Promotional savings on selected one-way rentals
• Special local rates in participating cities

Discounts have restrictions and may not be combined. Documentation may also be required at pickup.

Penske may be a good choice when:

• You are moving a long distance.
• Unlimited mileage reduces the risk of extra charges.
• You qualify for a discount.
• You want to compare a fixed one-way rate against mileage-based options.

U-Pack

U-Pack is a hybrid moving service for long-distance moves. The company delivers a trailer or ReloCube container, the customer loads it, and U-Pack transports it to the destination.

With a moving trailer, customers pay according to the space used, subject to a minimum. Fuel, the professional driver, tolls, and taxes are included in the quoted trailer price, according to the company.

U-Pack may be a good choice when:

• You are moving out of state.
• You do not want to drive a large truck.
• You can load and unload your belongings.
• You can reduce costs by taking fewer possessions.
• Your property has space for a trailer or container.

U-Pack is usually not the lowest-cost option for a small local move. However, it may be competitive for long-distance moves after fuel, hotels, mileage, and the difficulty of driving a rental truck are considered.

The company also suggests checking off-peak dates or service-center delivery options when requesting a quote.

U-Haul Moving Help for Labor-Only Assistance

People who can afford a truck but cannot lift heavy items may not need a full-service mover. Hiring labor only can reduce costs.

Through U-Haul Moving Help, customers can compare local providers for services such as:

• Loading
• Unloading
• Packing
• Unpacking
• Cleaning
• Moving furniture inside a home

Prices are set by individual providers and vary by location. Compare reviews, minimum hours, travel fees, cancellation terms, and coverage options before booking.

Specialized Moving Assistance

Some households may qualify for additional support because of their circumstances.

Veterans Facing Homelessness

Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness can contact the VA’s homeless-services network. VA programs may provide housing support, case management, homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing, and referrals.

Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838. The line is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.

The VA’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families program helps eligible veteran households move into or maintain permanent housing. Assistance is provided through local organizations and depends on eligibility and local availability.

Visit the VA homeless-services website for more information.

Survivors of Domestic Violence

Survivors preparing to leave an unsafe home may be able to receive emergency shelter, hotel placement, transportation, financial aid, transitional housing, or rapid-rehousing assistance.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day. Advocates can help survivors create a safety plan and locate local service providers.

Call 800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788, or use the website’s chat service.

When safety is involved, avoid publicly posting the moving date, new address, truck reservation, or travel plans.

How to Compare Moving Quotes

Do not choose a company based only on the advertised base rate. Ask every provider for the estimated final amount.

The quote should explain:

• Truck or service price
• Mileage charges
• Included mileage
• Fuel requirements
• Taxes
• Deposit or card hold
• Insurance or damage protection
• Equipment rental
• Stair, elevator, or long-carry fees
• Labor minimums
• Storage charges
• Cancellation fees
• Late-return penalties
• Tolls
• Extra-day charges

For an accurate comparison, request quotes for the same truck size, moving date, addresses, and services.

A Simple Price-Comparison Example

A rental company may advertise a truck for $19.95, but the final cost could also include mileage, fuel, taxes, equipment, and coverage.

Another company may quote a higher base price but include mileage. For a longer trip, the higher advertised rate could result in the lower final bill.

Compare the complete cost, not the headline price.

Ways to Reduce Moving Costs

Move During an Off-Peak Period

Weekends, the end of the month, and summer dates are often in high demand. Check prices for weekdays and different dates when your lease allows flexibility.

Take Only What You Need

Moving fewer items may allow you to rent a smaller vehicle or use less container space. Sell, donate, recycle, or discard items that would cost more to move than replace.

Do not pay to transport broken furniture, expired food, old mattresses, or items you no longer use.

Ask for Free Packing Supplies

Check local grocery stores, bookstores, workplaces, apartment buildings, community groups, and online neighborhood forums for free boxes.

Use towels, blankets, clothing, and reusable bags to protect household items instead of buying large amounts of packing material.

Request Help From Local Groups

Churches, mutual-aid groups, neighborhood organizations, disability organizations, veterans’ groups, and community centers may have volunteers with vehicles or people available to help load.

Ask for specific assistance, such as:

“I have already rented the truck, but I need two volunteers to help load a bed, dresser, and six boxes on Saturday morning.”

A clear and limited request is often easier for an organization to fulfill.

Ask the Landlord or Employer

A new landlord may agree to split a security deposit into payments. An employer may offer a relocation advance, payroll advance, transportation reimbursement, or access to an employee-assistance program.

Get any agreement in writing.

Protect Yourself From Moving Scams

When hiring a company to transport household goods across state lines, verify its registration and complaint information through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Be cautious when a mover:

• Demands a large cash deposit
• Refuses to provide a written estimate
• Will not identify its physical business address
• Uses a rental truck without clear company identification
• Gives a quote that is dramatically lower than every competitor
• Asks you to sign blank paperwork
• Refuses to explain additional charges
• Holds belongings until unexpected fees are paid

Keep copies of the estimate, contract, inventory, receipts, photographs, and all messages.

Documents to Gather Before Applying for Assistance

Having paperwork ready may speed up the application process.

Collect:

• Photo identification
• Social Security cards when required
• Proof of income
• Benefit letters
• Bank statements
• Current lease
• New lease or housing offer
• Eviction or foreclosure notice
• Utility shutoff notices
• Moving-company estimates
• Truck-rental quotes
• Security-deposit statement
• Disability or medical documentation when relevant
• Police reports or protective orders when safely available
• Proof of veteran status when applicable

Organizations may pay a landlord, utility company, or moving provider directly instead of giving money to the applicant.

A Practical Step-by-Step Plan

Start by calling 211 and your local Community Action Agency. Ask about moving expenses, security deposits, transportation, and homelessness-prevention funds.

Next, request quotes from U-Haul, Budget, Penske, and U-Pack when the move is long distance. Use the same dates and service details for each quote.

Then, apply for any assistance programs for which you may qualify. Submit complete documents and written estimates.

Finally, reduce the size of the move, obtain free packing supplies, and ask trusted community members for loading help.

Final Thoughts

Moving on a low income is difficult, but you do not have to rely on the first expensive quote you receive.

Begin with assistance programs before using credit cards, payday loans, or high-interest financing. A local nonprofit may not pay the entire moving bill, but help with a deposit, utility account, food, transportation, or temporary housing can make the move possible.

Compare several providers, calculate the full price, request written terms, and verify any company that will transport your belongings. The most affordable solution is often a combination of community assistance, a do-it-yourself rental, and help from people you trust.