Did you know that typically the average American moves 11.7 times in their life? When you move, for whatever reason, you’re willing to uproot your life and move west, east, north, or south.
You might have recently accepted a job in a different state or decided it’s time to move closer to your family. Unfortunately, it’s a big decision to move cross country, one that will affect your finances, social network, and environment.
Deciding to move cross country is the easiest part. But now you suddenly need to figure out how to move all your belongings across the country. Instantly you think a ‘headache’ is coming! No need for that!
Long-distance moving is typically not the simplest way to organize and does not come cheap. This is especially so if you are making a move on a budget. So why not use the following tips as you plan your exciting cross country move?
How to Cross Country Move Without Going Bankrupt
The cost of your move will primarily depend on how you approach it. Will you rent a truck and move everything yourself, or will you hire movers? Of course, moving is never cheap or painless, but there are methods to save on moving costs and make money simultaneously.
1. Compare Movers’ Rates
When hiring a moving company, comparing moving estimates is essential. Whatever services you choose to pay for or avoid, make sure you shop around. Don’t settle for the first company you chat with.
To do it yourself may not be the best option when dealing with a tremendous amount of stuff in a large house. Instead, you may find the greatest value for all of the relocation services you require by comparing costs across multiple moving companies.
2. Insure Valuable Items
If you need to ship expensive and valuable items, be sure you have adequate shipping insurance. Costing what it may initially, moving insurance could ultimately save you a considerable amount of money. This is of the utmost importance if you have a lot of valuables and expensive items to transport.
3. Scale Down to Save Money on Your Move
Moving fewer goods means reduced rental, moving, or shipping costs.
If you’re making a move on your own, choosing a smaller, lighter truck will save you money. In addition, you can save on petrol if you don’t have to move as much.
Professional movers typically charge on the total weight of your belongings. So getting rid of that old sofa and cleaning out those closets will help reduce moving costs. It’s not hard to see why getting rid of old stuff is beneficial.
Host a Garage or Yard Sale
Why not have a yard sale or reserve a table at a nearby flea market if you are patient and able to do so? You may not make as much as selling online, but you will have some fun too!
Sell Online
Also, many people are turning to online auction sites to unload their unused or unwanted possessions. It’s simpler than ever to sell things online with the help of online marketplaces like:
- Mercari online shop
- OfferUp
- eBay store
- LetGo website
- List on Craigslist
- Facebook market place
- Online Amazon
You can make a little money by selling unwanted or unused items on the above sites. You know what is said, one man’s junk is another’s treasure!
Use Second-Hand Specialty Shops
You could also consider selling to second-hand stores or specialty stores too. Shops catering to specific interests exist, selling just about anything you can think of, from old clothing, CDs, and books to cameras and electronics.
Support Your Local Charity
Can’t find the time to sell? Donate the things you won’t use in your new place.
4. Plan Your Relocation on an Off-peak Time
Daily and monthly prices vary for hiring professional movers or renting a moving truck. Here are some of the reasons for moving expenses to be higher at certain times:
- In the warmer months, moving companies will raise their charges.
- Demand makes weekends more expensive
- As leases expire, the initial and final weeks of the month are also busy with relocating
Because of the above, moving midweek, mid-month, and off-season saves you money on a cross-country move.
5. Ask Your Employer for Help With Expenses
If your job requires you to move across the country, talk to your company about relocating expenses. Many companies will help you with funds, and some will even handle the whole operation.
Asking is often all you have to do. However, if you go down this track, keep all of your moving receipts in a safe place so you can get reimbursed.
6. Pack Right
Be imaginative when packing to move if you are doing your own. For example, suitcases and rubbish bags work for non-fragile items such as clothing and linen.
Plastic tubs stack well and protect fragile goods. Recycled boxes can save money and materials, but ensure they’re robust and well-taped to avoid accidents.
If you need padding, see what you already have around the house. Towels, blankets, and even your undergarment drawer all come in handy for cushioning fragile goods during transport.
7. Do It Yourself Move
The cost of shipping your belongings across the country could be reduced by driving the moving truck yourself. It’s a vacation of sorts! Also, a means of transport and, if necessary, a tool to ship a car cost all rolled into one!
It’s not hard to get where you want to go with a rented moving truck if you’re prepared to put in the time and effort. However, you’ll be responsible for loading and unloading the truck.
Make Your Move Cross Country Smooth!
It’s a great idea to be organized and prepared if you would like to save on your move cross country. If you follow the suggestions given here, you should be able to reduce your relocation costs.
Preparation can make settling into your new house easier, especially if you’re relocating with family. Staying organized from beginning to end will make unpacking easier as you settle into your new state.
If you found this post interesting, you may find similar ones in our How to and Lifestyle.
