Tips for Moving Across the Country
Moving Across Country? Here Are Some Tips
Moving across country can be an overwhelming thought for many people. The process of moving across the country is much more involved than moving to a new town in your state. If you are moving a far distance and feel stressed, you are not alone. Here are some tips for how to move across country safely and efficiently without breaking the bank.
Moving Expenses
Your moving expenses depend on the amount of help you need for your move and how far you are moving. If you hire a moving service to do the work for you, the cost of moving is going to be high compared to doing everything yourself. The more you do yourself, the less you will have to pay. Depending on your finances, you may consider hiring a company to move you from one place to another or save money by doing it yourself and asking friends and family to help.
Here are some moving options for all budgets:
Full-Service Movers
The easiest yet most expensive way to move your belongings across the country is to hire a full-service moving company. These types of companies provide transportation and will pack/unpack your belongings. They will even provide the boxes and packing materials. You pay for these services upfront so there are no surprise costs involved. Full-service movers can be quite expensive, but worth it if you have the finances to do so.
Moving Containers
Moving container companies are a great money-saving option when moving across the country. You choose the container size, and the company drops it off at your old home. Once you receive the container, you pack it with everything you want shipped to your new house and once it is ready, the company ships it to your new address.
Freight Shipping
This is another low-cost option for moving across the country. With freight shipping, you pack your belongings into a trailer and only pay for the space you use. Be sure to pack fragile items carefully as your things may move around in transport.
Moving Truck
The most common moving option is to rent a moving truck. The cost of renting is low, but you will have to do most of the work yourself. To lighten the workload, you can hire movers if it is in your budget to do so.
Moving Trailer
Instead of renting a full moving truck, you can rent a trailer that attaches to your personal vehicle. Before renting, make sure that your vehicle can handle the hitch and trailer weight for deciding on this option.
Personal Vehicle
If you need to save money or are looking to downsize, you can eliminate items to just what fits in your own car. This could be a great option if you are moving on your own and do not have much to bring with you.
How to Further Reduce Costs When Moving Across the Country
Moving across the country costs money no matter how you plan to do it. Here are some ways to further cut costs on a cross-country move:
- Downsize - this will cut down on moving costs and give you the opportunity to make some extra money by selling your unwanted items. Be sure to donate what you are unable to sell.
- Take on more of the move yourself - pack your home up on your own to eliminate labor costs. You can also drive the moving van to save on hiring a professional driver.
- Do not buy moving supplies - instead of paying a high price for moving supplies, you can get sturdy boxes from your local wine shop, grocery store, or big box store. Use blankets as moving pads and old newspapers as packing materials.
- Move during the slow months - moving costs are highest between Memorial Day and Labor Day. If you have a flexible moving date, try to move outside of the peak season.
- Ask friends and family to help - the more people you have helping you pack, the easier it will be to move. Asking friends and family to help you move is much less expensive than hiring a professional company. Be sure to offer them something in return for helping.
Moving to a new home is a complex process, especially if that new home is across the country. But with proper research and planning, your move does not need to be stressful.
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