10 Tips to Save Money on Your Move

10 practical ways to cut moving costs — timing, reducing items, negotiation, and choosing the right mover.

Small Changes Can Save Big

Moving costs depend on timing, volume, and your choice of mover. Here are 10 practical tips for single-person movers.

Tip 1: Avoid Peak Season (March–April)

Skipping late March to early April alone can save 30–50%. If you can choose your timing, June, July, November, and January are the cheapest months.

Tip 2: Move on a Weekday, Early in the Month

Weekdays are cheaper than weekends. Month-end is busy due to lease turnovers, so early to mid-month is even better.

Tip 3: Skip Time Selection (Free Time)

Letting the mover choose the start time ("free time" option) is cheaper than requesting a morning slot. Good if your schedule is flexible — but note the start time may only be confirmed on the day.

Tip 4: Reduce Your Belongings

Less stuff = lower cost. Moving is the perfect chance to declutter.

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Sell on flea market apps: Mercari, Rakuma — earn money instead of paying disposal fees.

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Recycle shops: Convenient for bulk disposal.

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Municipal bulk waste pickup: Cheap (a few hundred to a few thousand yen per item).

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Ask your mover: We also handle disposal at Korokoro Movers.

Tip 5: Get Free Boxes

Beyond getting boxes from your mover, you can get them for free:

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Supermarkets and drugstores: Often have empty boxes from deliveries.

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Home centers: Also frequently have spare boxes.

Tip 6: Do What You Can Yourself

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Pack and unpack yourself (skip the packing service).

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Transport small items in your car or suitcase.

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Air conditioner removal/installation costs ¥10,000–20,000 if done by a mover. Sometimes buying new is cheaper.

Tip 7: Choose a Single-Person Moving Specialist

Specialists for solo moves are often cheaper than major companies. They use right-sized vehicles and plans for single-person loads, eliminating waste.

Tip 8: Consider Buying New at Your Destination

Sometimes it's cheaper to dispose of old furniture/appliances and buy new ones than to transport them.

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Large items (beds, sofas) may incur extra transport fees.

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Appliances older than 5 years may break soon after the move anyway.

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Electronics stores offer affordable "new life" bundles (fridge + washer + microwave).

Tip 9: Compare Quotes and Negotiate

Get quotes from multiple companies. Mentioning a competitor's lower quote can sometimes earn you a discount. Note: this is harder during peak season.

Tip 10: Book Early

Especially during peak season, booking 1+ months ahead can result in lower prices. Last-minute bookings may come with surcharges.

Potential Savings Summary

Method	Estimated Savings
Avoid peak season	¥10,000–50,000
Choose a weekday	¥3,000–10,000
Free time option	¥3,000–5,000
Reduce belongings	¥5,000–20,000
Use a specialist mover	¥10,000–30,000

Korokoro Movers

We specialize in single-person moves starting at ¥9,800 — with free time scheduling included. Send your items via LINE for a quick quote.