4 Easy Ways To Save Money On A Long-Distance Move

Moving cross-country is such a big adjustment. You have to find new schools, hospitals, and recreational areas. Apart from the challenges of adjusting to a new environment, the cost of moving itself will leave a huge dent in your pocket. Therefore, you must take time to find ways of cutting down your cross-country moving expenses. Read on to explore the four ways you can save money on your long-distance move.

1. Move At The Right Time

If you want cheap rates when moving, flexibility is the key. First, avoid the popular dates for moving. This is because long-distance moving company rates change according to consumer sentiments. For example, many people move in mid-summer. During this time, expect the moving rates to be higher than in the off-peak season.

Try scheduling your move between September and May. Avoid moving during the weekends, the end of the month, or national holidays. This enables you to save money. Furthermore, during off-peak season, you have various moving services available. Since the competition is stiff, you will likely find a long-distance mover who will accept your budget.

When planning your move, you should also select a date according to your family’s and friends’ commitments. For example, choose a date when your family and friends can help you pack and prepare for the move. This enables you to avoid paying for extra moving services like disassembling furniture and packing.

2. Use The Right Packing Strategy

Many long-distance moving services include packing in their overall moving rate. One of the great benefits of letting professional movers pack for you is that they do it correctly and use their packing supplies. However, you can save money by using the right packing strategy.

Long-distance movers will base their charges on the size of your belongings. Therefore, try to downsize your possessions. You should declutter your home a few weeks before the moving date. This will leave you with only the necessary items. As a result, you will save on packing time, packing materials, and the cost of moving your belongings.

If you don’t want assistance packing, familiarize yourself with good packing practices. These include using quality packing supplies and safe packing methods. In addition, you can get cheap packing supplies by taking advantage of promotions, discounts, and free supplies.

If you run out of packing supplies, use alternatives such as baskets, backpacks, crates, and suitcases instead of packing boxes. You can also replace bubble wrap and packing paper with magazines, newspapers, old clothes, and towels.

3. Explore Other Moving Options

If you have a lot of things you want to move, it will be costly to rely on truck moving services alone. Instead, try and find other alternative moving options. This will ensure your moving truck carries only basic things while other moving services deal with special items like cars, boats, and pianos.

For example, consider a shipping service if you want to move large items at a reasonable price. There are specialized shipping services that deal with cars, boats, and pianos.

If you are only moving a few items, it may be expensive to use a moving truck. A moving container and freight trailer are the best options in this case. The moving container will be delivered to your house, and you can fill it yourself. After filling the container, you can schedule a pickup. These service providers charge a flat rate for each full container.

A freight trailer uses the same concept as a moving container. However, freight trailers are large; therefore, they are suited for large households.

4. Plan Meals In Advance

You should plan meals and snacks in the days leading up to the moving day. Many homeowners forget that they need to pack all the foodstuff in the refrigerator and freezer. The cost of buying supplies for packing food items will add up to your total long-distance moving costs.

Therefore, take an inventory of fresh, dry, and frozen food items and make a plan to use up a significant portion before the moving day. Planning meals in advance will mean fewer take-out orders, fewer trips to the grocery store, and less to pack.

Additionally, have a meal plan for the trip to your house. Regardless of how you will travel to your new home, you will end up spending money on food at hotels along the way. Therefore, it is cheaper to pack nutritious snacks to help keep you and your family satiated throughout the journey.

In Closing

Long-distance moving can be stressful, especially if the total cost is more than you are prepared to spend. Comparing the quotes of different service providers is only one way to find affordable moving rates. 

Choosing the right time and using the appropriate packing strategy will save you a lot of money. Also, consider other moving options and choose a cheap way to get to your new state. If in doubt, consult long-distance moving services for advice on ways to trim your moving budget.

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