See Ya on the Other Side: How to Affordably Do a Cross Country Move

Planning a cross country move doesn’t seem like a fun experience, especially when family members such as pets and children are involved. The stress is not just about how you’re going to move, but how much you’re going to pay. If you’re not sure of the moving charges, moving companies will tend to overcharge you.

But it doesn’t have to get to that since there are ways you can save money for  long distance moving and still have peace of mind. Are you wondering how that’s possible? Here’s how to do a cross country move affordably.

Consider Seasonal Cross Country Move

The dates you choose to move have a significant impact on the price you’ll pay. There are those seasons when people are moving a lot, and you’ll have to pay a hefty price. Most people move in summer so that they can settle before the new school year begins.

This means moving in summer will not be a good idea if you intend to save. Leases tend to expire the last week of the month; hence people choose to move end month. Moving in the middle of the month will be a good idea if you want to save.

You can also save if you move on weekdays rather than on weekends. Also, avoid holidays such as Labor Day and Memorial Day since many people are free on such days. The idea is to find a period when fewer people are moving hence no competition.

Sell Some of Your Stuff

You probably have too much stuff in your house you no longer use. Moving with too much luggage that doesn’t add value to your life means you pay for something unworthy. Selling some of your stuff saves you the moving costs and gives you an easier time packing and unpacking.

By selling your stuff, you also get extra money to add to your moving cost. If you plan for this well, you can throw a yard sale or go to a local flea market. You can also sell some of your belonging online on sites such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

Don’t Go for the Lowest Cross Country Move Rates

Getting the cheapest moving rates in the market will be the best thing that can ever happen to you. However, some cheap rates are not to go for if you want to get quality services. Some companies advertise very low moving rates only to end up charging you for additional costs which were not included the estimate.

To be on the safe side, avoid companies that will give you a quote of their rates without even checking your stuff. The chances are that they might under quote the moving costs only to end up hiking the prices on the moving day. You might also find that low rates don’t include essential services such as packing and unpacking.

Go for Free Moving Boxes and Supplies

Boxes may look cheap, but when you have to use several of them, you’ll pay the amount you never planned for. One way to save when moving to another state is to gather as many free boxes and supplies as possible. Try to make friends with people who can give you boxes, newspapers, and bubble wraps to facilitate your packing.

You can find free moving supplies from friends, family members, Craigslist, bookstores, offices, or grocery shops. These places always have boxes lying around that might even end up in the trash if no one collects them.

Shop Around for Best Prices and Discounts

While some companies charge high costs for long-distance moving, there’s always someone willing to charge less. Don’t always book the first mover you come across without shopping around to check what others are charging. While looking for the prices don’t forget to check the services included on the package and compare the costs.

Also, ask for available discounts from your movers. Some professional moving services offer reduced rates to their customers at certain times of the year. If you’re military personnel, you can also find military moving companies that offer discounts to military members and their families.

Do the Cross Country Move Yourself

It’s safe, cheap, and convenient to move yourself. If you own a truck, moving yourself can be very affordable. Even without your own truck, it’s cheap to rent one and use it to ferry your items.

Doing the move yourself is the best decision you can ever make, especially when considering animal transport. You’re the one who knows how to handle your pets and has their safety at heart. You’ll know the essential comfort items to pack and can easily stop to check on them before reaching your destination.

Moving yourself only requires you to pack your belongings in a car or hitch a trailer to the vehicle. Self-move not only saves you money but also gives you complete peace of mind.

Ship Your Items

Shipping your stuff can be one of the best ways to move affordably. If you have many household belongings, shipping can be the most convenient option to consider. Even if you have large items such as furniture, cars, etc., there are various online service providers ready to do the shipping.

Companies such as FedEx or U.S Postal Services offer shipping services at affordable rates. You can also book a flight or a bus and move to your final destination. You’ll pay for extra baggage fees for this, but it’s still cheaper than choosing moving companies.

Cross Country Move Doesn’t Have To Be Too Expensive

You can save a lot on your cross country move if you’re organized and prepared well. With a reliable moving checklist and essential saving tips, you’ll not spend more than you planned for. Proper planning also ensures you experience a stress-free moving together with your children and pets.

Need more guide on moving with pets, children, and your stuff? This article has all the tips, tricks, and guides that will help make everything easy. Don’t forget to share after reading to help others.