If you’re planning on moving across the country, you’re probably already worried about how you’re going to get there. Moving across long distances can be stressful and extremely expensive, but we’re here to help. Here are some of our best tips to help you save money while moving across the country.
Rent Moving Containers, Trucks or Freight Trailers
A cost-efficient and hands-on option to move all of your belongings across the country is to rent moving containers or vehicles.
Moving Containers
This option involves a shipping company dropping off a large container at your current house. You can freely pack the container yourself without an impending deadline. Once you have everything inside, you simply call the company to come pick it up and move the container to your new house. The benefit of using a moving container is that you can use it as an extra storage space before and after you move. There is no immediate deadline for returning the container and rental rates are relatively affordable.
Trucks
There are many moving companies that allow you to rent vans or trucks to help you transport your belongings anywhere in the country. You’re responsible for packing your own truck and driving it across the country to your new home.
Freight Trailers
This option allows you to pack the majority of your belongings into a single vehicle. They usually stretch 28 feet and can fit most large pieces of furniture along with stacks of moving boxes. The freight trailer is dropped off at your house and the company gives you three days to fill it. After that time, the company picks up the freight trailer and drives it to your new home for you. Shipping comparison tool like Shiply has hundreds of truckload freight shippers from which you can easily choose a freight trailer.
Find Free Moving Supplies
When you move, you’ll need lots of boxes and wrapping paper. You should try to find free boxes and protective wrapping paper at local grocery stores, liquor stores, online marketplaces and even from your friends and neighbors. Many businesses toss out old boxes and bubble wrap daily. You should ask around at your favorite shopping spots to see if you can recycle some of their boxes for your move.
Ask for Volunteer Labor
When you’re packing up your rental container or vehicle, it would be beneficial to ask your friends and family for help. You can save money by supplying your friends and family with a few pizzas as a reward for volunteering to help you.
Look for Discounts and Moving Policies
Many rental and moving companies offer discounts to their customers. If you are a veteran, current service member or a AAA member, you might be able to find some great discounts with even name-brand moving companies. You should also check what type of deductibles the rental or moving company you are using has. If they have a high deductible, you should expect to replace some of your more delicate items out of pocket.
Sell Some of Your Belongings
Selling off some of your belongings before you move can be hard, but it has several benefits that can help you transition into your new home. You’ll be able to earn a little extra money to help you cover the costs of moving and to help you decorate your new home. You can also eliminate some of the weight that you’ll be transporting, which will help you cut down on moving costs.
Conclusion
There are many ways that you can save money while moving cross country. You might have to do more physical labor or let go of a few trinkets, but it’ll all be worth it when you arrive at your new home without a large dent in your wallet.
