What Is the Cheapest Way to Move Cross Country?

Although many people would think that a DIY move is a go-to option for those who wish to save some money and relocate without breaking the bank, this is a common misconception. When you count in the time that you put into moving preparations and relocation stress, not to mention your lack of skills that professional movers have, it turns out that the cheapest way to move across the country is to simply hire cross-country movers to help you. Moving services might seem expensive, but they are well worth it in the long run.

Is DIY Really the Cheapest Way to Move Cross Country?

Moving efficiently is a big undertaking whether you use movers or not. If you’re considering a do-it-yourself move, you might be wondering about the cost. Does it cost too much to move without movers, and are the benefits of moving this way worth the trouble?

There are several factors that will affect the cost of your move if you choose to do it without professional movers. The most important factor is the distance you are moving. The further you have to go, the more it will cost in terms of time and money. Other important factors include the amount of stuff you have to move and whether or not you need to rent a truck.

The average cost of a long-distance move without professional movers is $4,890. This estimate includes the cost of renting a truck, which is typically around $700 for an out-of-state move. Other costs include gas costs, lodging, and food on the road. If you’re moving a smaller amount of stuff, you might be able to get away with renting a smaller truck or even using your own vehicle.

The bottom line is that it’s possible to save money by moving without professional movers, but it’s not always going to be cheaper. Make sure to calculate all the potential costs before making a decision, and don’t forget the amount of labor you will have to put in – if it’s bringing too much anxiety about the move, is it really worth it?

Find Cheap or Free Packing Supplies

Utilizing as many free packing materials as you can is one of the best strategies to reduce the cost of relocating. You can find bubble wrap, packing paper, and tape at local stores, web stores, and community organizations. Also, be sure to look for secondhand boxes – there are many sites to hunt for free moving goods, including the following:

• Craigslist,
• Nearby liquor shops,
• Bookshops,
• Neighbors and friends,
• Recycling drop-off locations,
• Grocery stores,
• Nearby schools,
• Big-box retailers,
• Offices.

Ask Loved Ones to Lend You a Helping Hand

One way to ease the stress of moving is to ask your friends and family members to lend you a helping hand. Here are a few tips on how to ask for help so that everyone has a good experience.

First, make a to-do list of what needs to be done. This will help you determine who is best suited for each task. For example, if you need help packing dishes, you may want to ask your mom or dad since they’re more likely to have the patience for it. On the other hand, if you need someone to help you move heavy furniture, your brother or cousin would be a better option.

Give people plenty of notice. The last thing you want is for someone to feel like they’re being asked to drop everything at the last minute. Give your loved ones as much notice as possible – ideally, at least a few weeks in advance. This will give them time to clear their schedules and make arrangements if needed.

Be specific about what you need help with. Again, this goes back to making a list in advance so that you know exactly what needs to be done. When you ask for help, let your loved ones know what tasks they’ll be responsible for and how long you expect it will take. This will avoid any confusion or frustration down the road.

Lastly, offer something in return. Your friends and family are likely already busy with their own lives, so it’s important to show your appreciation for their help. You can do this by offering to pay them for their time, taking them out for lunch or dinner, or simply saying thank you once the job is done. A little appreciation goes a long way!

Could Renting a Moving Truck Save You Some Money?

The main advantage of renting a moving truck is that it’s typically cheaper than hiring professional movers. So if you’re on a tight budget, renting a truck might be your best bet. However, there are some drawbacks to renting a truck that you should be aware of.

First of all, driving a big truck can be challenging, especially if you’re not used to it. And if you’re not careful, you could end up damaging your belongings – or worse, getting into an accident. In addition, loading and unloading a rental truck can be physically demanding – if you don’t have any friends or family members who can help you out, you might have to pay professional movers to do it for you anyway.

Is Renting a Container Actually Worth the Money?

A moving container is one of the most well-liked cross-country moving choices. For many people, leasing a mobile container is preferable to hiring full-service movers. First off, hiring a professional moving company is more expensive.

Second, these portable containers can be used both before and after a move as storage containers. Still, this method isn’t perfect, and there is loading and unloading you have to account for. It can be a good choice for some, but not so much for others – you have to decide if it suits your taste.

What Can Hiring Long-Distance Movers Do for You?

When you’re planning a long-distance move, you may wonder whether it’s worth it to hire movers or not. After all, hiring a moving company can be expensive, and there’s a lot to coordinate. However, there are many benefits to hiring long-distance movers that can make your move easier, less stressful, and even save you money in the long run.

Some Benefits of Hiring Professionals

If you’ve never moved before, you may not know how to organize your move or properly pack your belongings for a long journey. Professional movers have been trained in how to efficiently and securely pack up your belongings so that they arrive at your home in a new state in one piece. In addition, they know how to load a truck so that everything fits snugly and doesn’t shift during transport. This can save you time and frustration when it comes time to unload at your destination.

When you hire long-distance movers, you can rest assured that your entire moving inventory is protected in case of damage to fragile items or loss during transit. Most moving companies offer some sort of liability coverage in their contracts, which means that if something happens to your belongings while they’re being moved, the company will reimburse you for the cost of repair or replacement. This peace of mind is worth the cost of hiring a moving company on its own.

Lastly, many cross-country moving companies offer additional services like storage in case your move takes longer than expected or if you need somewhere to keep your belongings while you’re looking for a permanent home.

Picking the Best Time When Moving Cross Country Can Save You Some Money

Did you know that the time of year you move can actually make a difference in how much money you spend? That’s right – by picking the best time of year to move cross country, you can save yourself some serious cash. Generally speaking, the best time of year to move is during the shoulder season – that is, the period between late fall and early spring.

During this time, demand for moving services is lower than it is during the summer months when everyone is trying to move at once. As a result, you can usually get a better deal on movers and other moving services if you’re moving in winter, during the shoulder season.

You Can Save Some Money by Packing up Alone

A hybrid move combines self-relocation with moving assistance. So, if you want to relocate cheaply, don’t have a lot of belongings, or don’t need to travel far, you can choose this alternative instead of hiring a full-service long-distance moving company. Thus, you can pack up all the boxes yourself and get movers to help you put your possessions into a hired van or a moving truck.

Additionally, once you’ve reached your new home, hire a new crew of movers to help with unloading. A company can move your possessions for you if you opt to pack and load things yourself. In essence, you can engage a professional to take care of any relocation-related task that you do not want to or can’t complete on your own.

Use Various Long-Distance Moving Services and Get a Bundle Deal

There are a lot of different companies that offer long-distance moving services, and they can all be a little bit overwhelming. To make the process easier and provide you with a stress-free move, we’ve put together a guide on how to get a bundle deal on long-distance moving services.

By bundling different services together – like maybe cross-country moving service and packing assistance – you can save time and money on your move. Here are the most important relocation tips you should be aware of:

If You Approach This Move Wisely, You Will Figure Out Where You Can Cut Costs

If you’re looking to move on a budget, follow the tips and tricks we’ve mentioned above for an organized, cost-effective move. By planning ahead and taking the time to pack efficiently and get help from friends and family, you can make your next relocation a breeze – without breaking the bank. So, are you ready to gear up for a cross-country move? Don’t be scared! With careful planning and execution, you can save money while ensuring that your belongings arrive safely at your destination. Follow our advice, and soon you’ll be unpacking in your new home with ease.