Embarking on a cross-country journey is no small feat, especially when moving your entire life’s belongings enters the mix. The costs can skyrocket if you’re not careful, making the entire experience more daunting than it should be. But what if there were strategies to keep those expenses in check? With the right planning and insights, even long distance movers can provide cost-effective solutions for your big move.
This guide will unveil proven techniques to ensure your long-haul relocation keeps your wallet intact. Whether you’re a seasoned nomad or a relocation rookie, this guide is tailored to equip you with the knowledge to move smartly, efficiently, and affordably.
How to Move Cross-Country on a Budget
There are many ways to cut costs when moving cross-country. Here’s how to save money on a long-distance relocation from the beginning.
1. Compare Multiple Quotes from Long Distance Movers
Compare the cost and service of each company when you start planning your cross-country move. Pricing and contract details can vary widely, even if you know the type of moving company that you are looking to hire.
Request an in-person quote to obtain the most accurate estimate. Inform the moving company of special services, like shipping a vehicle or moving a piano. Find out what type of contract each professional mover offers. A nonbinding estimate can change if you find that your possessions are heavier than anticipated, while a binding quote cannot be altered no matter what. Compare quotes to find the best long-distance moving companies.
2. Find Discounts on Moving Services
Some moving companies discount certain groups, such as teachers, military personnel, and college students. You can ask your moving company if there are any special offers for you. These are the major moving companies that offer discounts.
AmeriFreight Discounts:
- Law Enforcement
- First responders
International Van Lines Discounts:
- Seniors
Penske Discounts:
- Military personnel
- AAA Members
- College Students
U-Haul Discounts:
- One-way cross-country moves
U-Pack Discounts:
- Online Reservations
- Military personnel
- Seniors
- College Students
Online promo codes can reduce your bill by an amount or even a percentage.
3. Understanding Insurance Coverage
You may not have to pay for damaged or lost items during your move if covered by insurance. Ask your moving company about their liability before you begin to look at policies.
The moving company will be responsible for all costs associated with the relocation. Released value coverage is less comprehensive and only covers 60 cents per pound for each item. If you want to be sure that your items are covered, consider supplementary coverage.
Third-party moving insurance costs are usually calculated as a percentage. If your policy covers $25k worth of goods, your insurance company may charge between 1% and 5%. Your policy will cost between $250 to $1,250.
4. Moving During Off-Season
Moving during the off-season is only sometimes possible. However, it can save you money. The offseason is generally considered to be October through April by most movers. Ask for a larger discount if you are comfortable negotiating during these months to make your move as cost-effective as possible. Avoid last-minute moving costs and avoid moving at weekends.
5. Negotiate Relocation Benefits With a New Company
Ask your employer if it offers relocation assistance. Recent survey results revealed that 26% of those relocating had their moving expenses reimbursed by their employers, while 16% received some assistance with living expenses.
The HR department of your company can provide you with information on relocation assistance. If you are still in the middle, you can negotiate relocation benefits as part of your salary and benefits negotiations. Some common perks are reimbursement for long-distance movers, accommodation before moving into your new house, and storage costs.
6. Remove Extra Clutter
If your moving company charges by space or weight, the cost of a long-distance move will increase if you have more items. Declutter your belongings as much as possible to avoid moving too many items to your new house. Garage sales are a great way to get rid of expensive items. Use the proceeds for your moving expenses.
You can save yourself the trouble of bringing items to your local thrift store by donating or listing them online for free. People can instead pick up the items at the curb. You could save $500 on a $5,000 move if you reduce the amount of items by 10%.
7. Use Used Packing Materials
Packages such as boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape are needed to coordinate a cross-country move. While you can hire a company to pack and source for you, you will save money if you do it yourself.
Save boxes from Amazon in the weeks before your move. Also, look on Facebook for people giving away leftover boxes from recent moves. This expert tip can save you money and be more environmentally friendly than buying all new materials for your move.
8. As Much Packing as You Can!
Consider doing some of the work yourself to save money. You can still source packing supplies, unpack, and pack yourself, even if you hire movers to drive, load, and unload.
Moving companies charge $60 an hour on average for packing and unpacking. Move.org estimates that the average cost of moving is between $300 and $800, but this can be higher if your home has a lot of personal items. You’ll also need to gain control of how fragile items will be packed. You can save money by doing it yourself and avoid replacing anything delicate.
9. Family and Friends Can Help You Out
Get help from your family and friends to reduce the cost of moving. According to Angi.com, professional movers charge between $25 and 50 per hour for two employees. You can give them less and get great results if you manage young adults well.
Ask for help with other tasks to save money on your move, even if you can’t afford cheap labor for unloading or loading. Ask a neighbor or family member to watch your young children while you do some moving chores.
10. Moving Containers is the Best Choice
Moving containers can be useful for long-distance moves, as they allow you to navigate gaps between houses without having to unload and load your belongings into a storage unit. You or your movers can load the containers and then store them in a facility until they are ready to be delivered to your new home. You can leave a portable moving container on your property to be loaded at your leisure rather than hiring movers.
Some moving container companies charge only for the space that you use. U-Pack charges only for the space used, while PODS charges by container size. This could reduce costs when moving large items. Research the best moving containers for your budget while still meeting your needs.
11. Maximize Space in Your Vehicle
Think strategically about the things you will need when you arrive at your new destination. Include items you will need upon arrival, like a coffee maker and mugs, as well as towels, toiletries, and linens. You can avoid purchasing duplicates by keeping them close at hand.
Bring fragile and valuable items to the move to avoid damage to the truck or container. Fill up empty spaces with blankets or pillows to keep things from shifting. An overhead carrier can be an inexpensive investment to increase the space in your vehicle and minimize what you have packed in the moving truck.
12. Plan Your Trip in Advance
Remember your travel expenses when creating your moving budget. Include all expenses, such as food, gas, and hotels, for the entire trip. Find ways to reduce your costs. For example, make car rentals or lodging reservations in advance to get the best deals.
If you have travel rewards from your credit card, consider using them for hotel costs. Stock up on car snacks in the grocery store instead of paying high gas prices. Check out a moving checklist for your state to ensure you are prepared.
13. Enjoy the Surprises
It’s always a good idea to keep a buffer fund in case your moving costs end up being higher than you expected. The contingency cushion should be 5-10% of the total moving cost. A $5,000 move is between $250 and 500 dollars, while a $10,000 move is $500 to $1,000.
Conclusion
Moving across the country can be costly and challenging, but with the right strategies, saving significantly is possible. From comparing multiple quotes and seeking available discounts to decluttering and maximizing space in your vehicle, there are numerous ways to make long-distance moving more affordable. Residents in Miami, FL, looking to relocate should consider employing these tactics to ensure a smoother and more budget-friendly move.
If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable long-distance moving Miami, FL, look no further! Elite Movers Miami, FL, offers top-notch services catering to your moving needs. Choose Elite Movers Miami, FL, today and experience a hassle-free relocation without breaking the bank.
FAQs
How much money do I need to move across the country?
The size of your house and the moving options you select will determine how much you need to save. It is cheaper to do your move than hire a moving company. Compare several quotes.
What is the cheapest month to move across the country?
You’ll save a lot of money if you move across the country in January. However, you can make savings between October and April. If you control the date, you can schedule your move to coincide with this period.
What is the best method to transport a vehicle across the country?
A professional moving company offering car shipping is the best option for shipping a vehicle nationwide. Towing a small vehicle with a larger vehicle is a cheaper option.