Moving out is an expensive process, primarily when covering long distances.
The first step is calculating your moving expenses to ensure a smooth relocation without overspending.
After all, creating a moving budget helps you effectively manage and conserve your funds.
Remember, a long-distance move should not be a financial burden that drains your savings!
You can take control of your move by either doing it yourself or hiring an affordable moving company.
For that, you need a strategic plan, a thrift savings strategy, and good negotiating skills.
Here are 11 tips that help you pinch pennies strategically for your next cross-country or cross-state move.
1. Plan Your Long-Distance Move (Way) Early
It all starts with proper planning. Last-minute packing can leave you feeling unprepared and may lead to exceeding your budget.
Hence, create a moving budget and a room-by-room moving checklist with realistic deadlines.
Start with the things that require immediate attention, such as getting multiple quotes from different moving companies far ahead of time.
When creating a schedule for a long-distance move, we recommend following a six-month timeline to stay organized.
You should also keep a printable moving checklist handy throughout.
Six Months Before Moving Out
- Compare moving quotes and fees from different local movers.
- Figuring out the average cost of a move and how the item’s size impacts moving costs when shifting to a new place.
- Find the moving supplies you need and select affordable packing supplies.
- Cost of moving vehicles and equipment.
- Preparing for pet travel restrictions and pet safety when moving with a dog.
Three Months Before Moving Out
- Finalize your moving day.
- Reach out to utility providers to update your address.
- If you are moving to a condo, contact your new property/building manager to learn about parking logistics, elevator access, and loading dock access.
- Confirm the moving company you will choose.
- Find the proper storage unit for organizing your belongings.
One Month Before Moving Out
- Contact your movers and inform them about your moving date, time, and other instructions.
- Pack your miscellaneous belongings such as seasonal clothes, extra glassware set, etc.
- Start decluttering and organizing your items.
- Update your new address and notify your banks, doctors, schools, family, and friends.
- Make reservations at driver-friendly lodging hotels.
2. Declutter to Reduce Your Load When Moving Long Distance
Decluttering your house is a blessing. The biggest advantage of the “carry-less” mentality is that you don’t pay extra, requiring fewer packing supplies and a smaller moving vehicle to transport your items.
You can declutter your house in many innovative ways. You can make piles of “donate, purge, sell” items and let go of them before you start packing.
Moving itself is a stressful process; your decluttering should not be. Find creative solutions to toss your items instead of getting emotional when letting go of them.
How to Declutter Without Feeling Guilty & Save Money
1. The 20/20 Decluttering Rule:
When in doubt, apply the 20/20 rule. The 20/20 rule allows you to take a call by answering just one question: Is this item replaceable for less than $20 in less than 20 minutes?
If yes, then toss that item. It has been unused for a longer period now. For example, if you have a kitchen appliance that you haven’t used in a year and can be replaced for less than $20, it’s a good candidate for the ‘purge’ pile.
2. Donate Your Items to Those in Need
If you have untouched personal grooming items, sanitary products, clothes, shoes, food, or furniture, it’s time to donate them for good.
Check for the nearest homeless shelter, NGO, or women’s shelter that accepts and distributes these unopened items to those needing them.
3. Recoup Some Money by Selling Items Online
There are a few household items that might have cost you a fortune. Purging them is not a good idea.
Therefore, go for online marketplaces that allow you to sell your items. You can post your designer clothes, expensive furniture, or artwork on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist.
3. Don’t Overspend on Packing Supplies and Boxes
Buying packing materials is an added expense, but you can reduce overspending by being resourceful.
Alternative ways of covering and packing your household items
1. Use blankets for extra cushioning
Instead of buying separate boxes or packing tapes, reuse what you already have at home.
For example, the best way to protect delicate items like mirrors, TV sets, glassware, etc., is to cover them with blankets, towels, and clothes of suitable thickness.
2. Look for boxes at local stores.
Saving on packing materials can be done in several ways.
You can arrange boxes from grocery stores, liquor stores, or departmental stores nearby or ask your friends if they have spare boxes.
Another excellent way is to reuse boxes and packing supplies from previous moves instead of buying new plastic containers or cardboard boxes.
4. Save More by Renting a Moving Equipment
Try to cut costs by renting moving tools and equipment. For long-distance moves, you probably need that equipment for a shorter period, so avoid purchasing new furniture dollies, hand trucks, furniture pads, or appliance dollies on your own.
You can simply rent them from your nearest retail store. All you need to do is check the availability of the moving tool, reserve the nearest pickup store, and buy the rental for four hours, one day, or one week, depending on your requirements.
5. Consider Renting a Truck or a Moving Container
Renting a truck or a moving container is another simple, cost-effective way to transport your property items.
Choosing between the two depends on the move you are doing, your property type, and your moving budget.
Let us break it down for you:
Moving out of a one or 2-bedroom house? Rent a moving truck.
A moving truck is the cheapest option for moving a condo with minimal furniture.
When you load and unload your belongings, you can park your moving truck outside your house for a few hours without bothering your neighbors.
Are you moving out of a 2+ bedroom house? Use a moving container.
Moving containers is the most affordable option when you have heavy and oversized furniture that requires a lot of space.
They come in different sizes, from small five-by-five-foot cubes to 40-foot-long containers that can fit your entire house.
Moreover, moving or freight containers are highly appropriate for long-distance moves as they are weather—and rodent-proof.
Hire a Moving Company
Professional moving companies are not expensive if you scout for affordable options.
The right moving company will help you reduce costs by handling everything professionally, from packing and wrapping to loading and unloading.
With Let’s Get Moving, you get exceptional packing services that protect your belongings from damage or tearing.
Their well-maintained fleet of trucks ensures safe transportation and faster delivery, making it a frugal move for you.
6. It’s All About The Right Timing!
Timing has a considerable impact on your moving costs. Moving during the off-season, typically between October and May, can benefit you.
Also, avoid weekends and the beginning or end of the month when everyone’s moving, and the demand is highest.
Mid-week and mid-month moves often come with discounts, helping you move at lower prices.
Some Notable Benefits of Moving During The Off-Season are:
- Less traffic resulting in faster delivery.
- More available off-season discounts.
- It allows you to compare quotes from different moving companies and to schedule your booking whenever you like.
- Low real-estate housing prices.
7. DIY (Do It Yourself) To Save Money
Handling the move yourself is a surefire way to save money on your long-distance move. You are alone in packing, loading, and even driving the moving truck.
While this approach might lower your moving cost, it has many challenges, and you might pay more for your move.
When moving your house across the country or state, you may spend more on packing supplies, break delicate items due to poor handling, or invest in the wrong moving equipment.
In such cases, compare how you would like to move: DIY vs. hiring Professional Movers.
The former might sound cheaper, but the latter offers safety, moving expertise, and secure handling of your belongings.
Therefore, determine how much it costs to hire a professional company for your long-distance move and compare it with DIY move expenses.
8. Opt for a Hybrid Move – The Best of Both Worlds!
A hybrid move is the most affordable method of moving long distances. It allows you to save money while still involving professional movers.
In a hybrid move, you can pack and unpack your belongings if you are comfortable, but hire movers to lift bulky items and transport them.
This way, you save a handful by partly taking care of things alone and partly getting professional help from a moving company.
9. Ask for Help from Friends and Family
Moving is a daunting task, especially for long-distance moves. That said, having support from friends and family can make a significant difference.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help when packing boxes, loading the truck, or driving the moving vehicle if that scares you.
Their assistance can save you time and money and give moral support, too. Remember to treat them with a lunch or a small gift to show them you are thankful for their help.
10. Hunt for Moving Discounts
Many moving companies offer students and seniors promotional deals, coupons, or special rates.
Put simply, every penny counts. Moving locally or cross-country, you need to save your moving costs as smartly as possible.
Here are Some Tips For Finding The Best Deals For Your Long-Distance Move
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Look For Offers on Packing Supplies
Before buying your packing materials, compare prices online on e-commerce websites and retail stores. Sometimes, you can find discounted prices on packing tape, bubble wrap, or cardboard boxes.
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Look For Discounts on Moving Company Websites
Some professional moving companies have weekday moving offers that help you schedule your move on time and save some moving costs.
For example, Let’s Get Moving offers lower weekday prices for moves scheduled between the 4th and the 26th of each month.
11. Select a Budget-Friendly Moving Company
Finding reliable movers for your long-distance move is essential, particularly when you want to reduce miscellaneous expenses and complete your move within a limited budget.
How To Find The Right Moving Company
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Compare Moving Estimates
One of the biggest tips for finding the right moving company is to compare multiple moving quotes from each company you aim to go with. Your moving company should offer reliable services at a fair price that can help you without hidden fees.
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Check Their Ratings and Customer Reviews
The best moving companies have a good rating. If not a five-star, aim to contact those with 4+ stars on Google. Also, read reviews on Google with customer testimonials to decipher whether it’s a genuine moving company.
Not all moving companies are the same, so research to find the one that fits your budget. Professional help should not be a financial burden but be a catalyst for making your long-distance move successful.
Summary
A long-distance move is more challenging than a local one due to the unanticipated expenses and faraway distances.
The good news is that you can overcome all the challenges by following the above tips.
For a successful long-distance move, you need efficient planning skills, decluttering techniques, and careful packing and lifting. Equally important is moral support.
Don’t hesitate to seek professional or personal help, as with their support and guidance; you can cut down on your moving expenses to a greater extent.
Ultimately, your cross-country or state move should be peaceful and affordable without breaking your wallets.
FAQs
1. What is the Cheapest Month to Move?
January is the most cost-effective month to move. Before finalizing the move-in date, compare the best and worst moving months.
Moving between the fall, winter, and early spring months, i.e., September to May, benefits you with budget-friendly rates. During the slower season, movers slash prices, saving you transportation costs.
2. What is the Cost of a Long-Distance Move?
A typical long-distance move costs between $2,000 and $6,000 for moves over 100 kilometers.
However, the cost will vary depending on certain factors, including the size of the apartment, the number of packing supplies needed, and specialty items.
3. Is $7,000 good to move across the country?
Yes, the average cost to move across the country is between $6,500 and $7,000. The highest price is $14,000, and the lowest can be as low as $2,500.
However, the moving budget depends on factors such as distance, size of the item, and the season you choose to move in. You can either do it yourself or select professional movers.
4. What is the Cheapest Option For Long-Distance Moves?
Do-it-yourself is the most cost-friendly option for long-distance moving. Alternatively, you can rent a truck and move your items independently or avoid buying pricey packing supplies or equipment.
Remember, packing, hauling, and unloading items alone can pose challenges and might increase your expenses if in case you break them.
Ensure you lift, pack valuables, and handle your oversized furniture without any breakages.
5. Moving Insurance – Do You Need It?
The short answer is yes. Your moving insurance covers damages, theft, and breakages to valuable items, such as delicate artwork, entertainment units, and heavy appliances during transit.
Any damage or risk to your belongings during transportation can add further stress.
Therefore, compare each insurance company’s coverage limits and claim procedures to get the best, most affordable insurance coverage for your items.
