Cheapest Way To Move Long Distance
Looking for cheapest way to move long distance? It’s understandable! The average cost of hiring professional movers for an interstate move is almost $5,000, (based on an average weight of 7,500 pounds and average distance of 1,000 miles) so you may be a bit concerned about the costs involved. Fortunately, there are cheaper ways to handle an out-of-state or cross-country move. From hiring labor-only movers to downsizing your stuff, it’s possible to move long-distance without going broke. The best way to move across country depends on your situation and specific needs, but here are several ways you can save money on your next big move.
Sell Your Stuff
Like most people, you’ve probably accumulated a lot of things that you don’t actually need. By selling things before you move, you can earn extra money to help pay for your move, reduce the amount of items you need to pack, and you can reduce costs for shipping or moving by being able to rent a smaller truck or needing fewer movers. Of course, keep the essentials and anything of sentimental value and sell anything else that you can. If you have the time and patience, you could throw a garage or yard sale or rent a spot at a local flea market. Or you can sell your belongings online through sites like eBay, Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. There are also stores that will buy your old clothes that are in good condition, and specialty stores that will buy things like camera equipment, electronics, books, and more.
Ship your stuff
Shipping your belongings can be a great way to move cross country and could be one of the most convenient moving options you haven’t considered – especially if you don’t have many household belongings (see above, sell that stuff!). In addition to shipping items via USPS or carriers like UPS or FedEx, you can also ship larger objects through various service providers online.
Pick a better moving date
Believe it or not, the date you move can make a big impact on the cost of your relocation. Avoiding peak moving days and times can potentially save you money on truck rentals, moving companies, supplies and more. Several peak moving dates to avoid (if possible) include weekends, the summer months, and the first and last weeks of the month. Try to schedule your move for a mid-day, mid-month date between the months of October to April.
Use company relocations funds to pay for the move
Did you get a new job? If you’re moving for work be sure to check out your new company’s relocation policies. Many companies will pay for all or part of the move, so it’s worth asking the HR department. They also might have recommendations or their own preferred company of cross-country movers. If your company does offer relocations assistance, be sure to save all moving receipts (even your receipts for moving supplies), so you can document your expenses and get properly reimbursed for the move.
Hire moving labor
Looking for someone to help you pack, load, and unload your truck rental? Fortunately, there are plenty of moving companies that offer these a la carte services as well as alternative labor options. These labor-only services may also include junk cleanup and removal services, donation pickups, and packing help. By hiring labor only instead of a full-service moving company, you’ll be saving thousands of dollars.
Recruit friends and family
Everyone likes beer and pizza, right? Besides hiring moving labor, you can always ask friends and family to help. If you’re trying to find the cheapest way to move cross country, this is probably it. However, you will have to work around other people’s schedules and be sure to have enough help for heavy or difficult to move items.
Look for discounts
Before your move, do thorough research on moving companies, moving containers, truck rentals and moving supply retailers that offer deals, coupons, and discounts. Some of these discounts may be so big that it can make a previously expensive moving company the most cost-effective and cheapest solution. For those who serve or have served in the military, you can typically find various military discounts offered at both local and national moving companies. Those looking for moving supplies can also find deals and discounts through moving companies and big-box retailers.
Additional Tips to Cut Costs on a Long-Distance Move
- Donate or sell large items like furniture or appliances that will cost more to ship. Many long distance movers charge by weight so it can be worth getting rid of these heavy things before moving. Large items also take up a lot of space and might require an upgrade to a larger, more expensive truck.
- If you’re shipping expensive items, get insurance. There are some upfront costs to buying insurance, but it will save a lot of money if something very expensive gets damaged or broken.
- Ask about deductibles. Some movers have a deducible, for example $600, before they pay an insurance claim. If they break something worth less than $600, you might be out of pocket to fix it.
- Get a number of moving quotes and give yourself enough time to wait for the best one. Moving companies are usually booked 6-8 weeks out, so try to plan your move out even further than that. You’ll get the best offers the further out you are able to plan.
Prefer to hire a professional moving company?
There are few options that beat the ease and convenience of full-service movers when it comes to moving across country. Moving is stressful and time consuming enough, hiring a moving company can give you peace of mind that everything will be packed and moved safely. Full service moving companies typically offer a range of services to fit your budget.
