Free Moving Services for Low-Income Families

Programs That Help Low-Income Families With Moving Costs

Various organizations offer programs to help families cover moving costs. They vary by location and eligibility, but they generally fall into three main categories:

• Government programs
• Nonprofit and charitable programs
• Community programs

If you are planning a move that will take you further away, you can also explore out-of-state relocation assistance. The table below provides a quick overview of the assistance programs available to help you find the best fit:

Who Qualifies for Moving Assistance?

To get discounted moving help, you usually need to meet certain income limits. A lot of programs look at the federal poverty guidelines to see if you qualify. When you apply, you should be ready to show a valid photo ID, some proof of income like recent pay stubs, and paperwork proving your current address.

Several situations and groups qualify for fast-tracked applications:

• Income below poverty guidelines
• Risk of eviction
• Disaster displacement
• Domestic violence relocation
• Veterans or seniors

What Relocation Assistance Programs Usually Cover

Moving assistance falls into a few main categories. Knowing the difference helps you find the right kind of support for your situation.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance includes grants and emergency funds to help cover particular moving costs. This commonly includes:

• Truck rentals and packing supplies.
• Professional moving labor.
• Assistance for families leaving unsafe housing or facing an unexpected eviction.

Logistical Help

Logistical help refers to physical support for your move to make the process easier when you lack reliable transportation. These types of assistance can include:

• Volunteer-based moving labor.
• Discounted transportation services.
• Short-term storage solutions for gaps between homes.

Relocation-Related Housing Support

Relocation-related housing support helps families already receiving federal benefits transfer their aid to a new location. It might involve some financial assistance, logistical help, or a combination of both. Here are some examples:

• Assistance for Housing Choice Voucher recipients to move their subsidy to a new area.
• Security deposits for new apartments.
• Utility connection fees at the new residence.

How to Get Help With Moving Costs

Finding free moving services takes a little research, preparation, and planning. Follow these general steps to search for moving assistance and get the support you need:

1. Check nonprofit relocation programs: Reach out to national charities that offer emergency grants or vouchers for moving expenses.
2. Call 211 for local assistance: Dial 211 to speak with a community specialist who connects you to housing support and emergency funds in your zip code.
3. Contact local housing authorities: Call your local public housing office to ask about short-term relocation aid or security deposit assistance.
4. Apply for relocation grants: Submit applications to organizations that offer one-time emergency housing grants to cover your costs.
5. Ask churches or community groups: Contact nearby religious congregations or community centers to request donated labor or access to moving trucks.

Government Programs That Help With Moving Costs

You might be surprised to learn that government programs help families on a tight budget pay for a move. What they offer changes based on your location, but many programs provide financial support or physical moving help if you qualify.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development does not provide funds directly to families but offers programs through local agencies.

• Housing Choice Voucher Portability: You may transfer your current rental subsidy when relocating to a new area.
• Emergency Solutions Grants: These grants help people experiencing homelessness cover truck rentals, moving labor, or storage.
• Federal Relocation Assistance Program: If a federally funded project displaces you, this program covers transportation, packing, and temporary storage.
• Good Neighbor Next Door: This program provides discounted housing and possible relocation support in designated areas for teachers, firefighters, and law enforcement officers.

FEMA Disaster Relocation Assistance

The Individuals and Households Program through FEMA helps people displaced by declared natural disasters. The program covers temporary housing and moving costs, and you can apply and check your eligibility by visiting disasterassistance.gov.

Community Action Agencies

Community action agencies provide support for low-income families, including moving vouchers and volunteer assistance. Many cities and counties also receive Community Development Block Grants to fund relocation aid and housing support. You can find an agency near you by visiting their website or asking your city housing department.

City Grants and Financial Assistance

Many major cities offer relocation assistance in response to housing instability or rising rent. For example, Seattle helps tenants displaced by development, and New York City provides emergency cash assistance for moving costs. Search online for financial assistance for relocation in your city and state to find programs in your area.

Veterans Administration Housing Assistance

If you served in the military, the Department of Veterans Affairs might help you move. They offer housing support, moving assistance, and sometimes even donated furniture. Reach out to your local VA or a nearby veterans group to get started and see what you qualify for.

USDA Rural Housing Service

If you live in a rural area and have a smaller budget, the USDA Rural Housing Service serves as a great resource. They offer programs to help with affordable housing and moving costs. You can apply by visiting their website or calling your local USDA office.

Military OneSource Relocation Assistance Program

Active-duty service members can access the Military OneSource Relocation Assistance Program for moving support and tax deductions for unreimbursed moving expenses. You can learn more about military moving benefits by reading our dislocation allowance guide.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

TANF provides cash assistance to low-income families with dependent children. States use TANF Non-Recurrent Short-Term benefits to offer one-time emergency moving grants, cover moving expenses, or pay for utility hookups. Reach out to your state human services department to apply.

Nonprofit and Charitable Organizations Offering Free Moving Assistance

Many national charities offer support to low-income families facing relocation.

• 211: Dialing 211 connects you with a trained community specialist who refers you to local emergency relocation programs.
• Catholic Charities USA: This organization offers emergency moving assistance, furniture banks, and assistance with utility connections.
• The Salvation Army: Offers emergency relocation support, furniture assistance, and moving vouchers. Their Housing Now program helps families transition into stable housing.
• Modest Needs: Provides one-time emergency grants to low-income workers to cover moving expenses.
• Feeding America: Getting help with groceries from local food banks frees up your budget for critical moving costs.
• YWCA USA: The YWCA offers emergency housing and relocation support, specializing in helping domestic violence survivors find a safe place to stay.
• Habitat for Humanity: Habitat for Humanity ReStores offer free donation pickups to help you downsize before you move.
• The Milligan Foundation: This organization serves domestic violence survivors by helping them relocate safely. Learn more about how these moving companies move domestic abuse victims for free.

Community Programs Offering Free or Discounted Services

The support you need may be available right in your own community. Finding these local services often requires more legwork than applying for large government grants, but the extra effort is worth it. These types of local services can often offer help much faster than federal programs. Since these organizations operate on a smaller scale, they can usually respond to your immediate needs and help you find exactly what you need to keep your move on the right track.

• Local churches and religious organizations: Congregations often provide volunteer moving help, truck loans, and furniture to families in need.
• Transitional housing and domestic violence programs: These programs offer emergency relocation support and temporary storage for survivors fleeing unsafe situations.
• Mutual aid networks: Community-based support networks allow neighbors to help each other directly with free moving labor and packing supplies.
• Veterans organizations: Local veterans groups provide moving assistance, truck rental discounts, and donated furniture to former service members.

Relocation Grants and Financial Assistance

In addition to federal programs, you may qualify for financial help closer to home. While these options are not traditional assistance programs, they can be worth it to investigate to lower your moving expenses. Any help you receive takes the cost burden off your shoulders and ensures you can relocate with confidence. Exploring these local resources is a smart way to keep your transition professional and organized.

• Employer-based relocation stipends: Your employer might provide a relocation stipend to cover moving labor, transportation, and temporary housing if you relocate for a job.
• College or student aid programs: Some colleges provide emergency assistance for students moving into or out of housing. Contact your financial aid office to ask about transition support.

Free or Low-Cost Alternatives for Moving Assistance

Many people are willing to lend a hand or give away supplies. However, while most people using peer-to-peer platforms mean well, taking a few precautions still keeps you secure. When connecting with others online, remember to avoid clicking suspicious links, keep personal information like your Social Security number private, and never send money online.

• Craigslist: Search the free section for moving boxes, bubble wrap, and furniture pads, but always meet in a public place.
• Nextdoor: Create a post with your move date to ask neighbors in your immediate area for free supplies or volunteer help with loading.
• Facebook: Join local Buy Nothing or Helping Hands groups to post requests for free packing materials and volunteer labor.
• Crowdfunding: Use platforms like GoFundMe to raise money from your friends and family for urgent moving expenses.
• Shared truck rentals: Coordinate with someone else who is relocating to share a moving truck and split the rental costs.

You should also check out our guides on finding the cheapest moving trucks and where to get free moving boxes to stretch your budget further.

Last Tips for Saving on Moving Costs

Even if you cannot get your entire move covered, there are plenty of ways to cut down on key expenses. Here are a few practical ways to save:

• Get free packing materials: Ask local grocery stores, liquor stores, or recycling centers if they have spare boxes. Many are happy to give them away if you call ahead.
• Time your move on off-peak days: Most people move on weekends or at the end of the month, which can drive prices up. If possible, schedule your move mid-week or during the winter to secure lower rates.
• Negotiate moving costs: Ask your moving company if they offer discounts. HireAHelper lets you compare local quotes in one place to easily find budget-friendly options.
• Rent trucks with discounts: Truck rental companies do not just offer discounts to students. While deals vary by brand, many providers also extend reduced rates to military members, veterans, first responders, seniors, and AAA members. Always check the company website to see what deals they currently offer.