9 Cheap Ways to Move Cross Country

Although moving requires a lot of time and energy, one of the most critical necessities is simply money. Conducting the proper budget that will cover all expenses should be the first task on the moving list. However, even with adequate preparation and planning costs when moving across the country, the long-distance moving costs are pretty high and can go up the roof. So if it’s your first time moving and you want to save up as much money as possible, consider reading the following text, where we’ll explore the 9 cheap ways to move cross country.

1. Declutter

It has become quite a habit to pile up stuff in this busy era even if we actually don’t need them, meaning they don’t have a purpose. However, for some, it’s tough to throw away items they acquired over a long period of time. There are a couple of options to reduce the costs or even make money — one of them is decluttering.

Decluttering home before the move will reduce the number of items you will need to pack or even ship if required.

Instead of simply throwing away things that you consider unnecessary, there are ways to make money and increase the moving budget.

Read the tips for holding a successful pre-move garage sale and follow them for throwing a garage sale where neighbors and locals can purchase the items, which can work in both ways. Also, a couple of online platforms can serve this purpose, including Amazon, E-bay, Craigslist, or even certain Facebook pages and groups.

When talking about clothes, if they are in proper condition, there are numerous specialty stores for selling your belongings, including second-hand stores.

2. Donate

If you are a different type of sport and like giving to the community, another option for decluttering your home prior to the move is to donate unwanted items before long-distance relocation. You can donate your items to charities and unprofitable organizations to put the unneeded things to good use.

3. Portable Containers

User reviews state that renting a portable moving container is an excellent option if you are considering moving cross country, especially if you want to avoid hiring professional service movers. Renting a portable moving container is much cheaper than hiring a moving company. These containers have a dual purpose, including portability and using it as a storage unit.

The cost of renting a portable container depends on the length of time you plan to use it and the unit’s size. The only thing you need to do is load your belongings and leave the rest for the company to handle. If you pay an extra fee, they will also load and unload your belongings.

4. Packing Supplies

Before you start moving, it’s essential to pack up your belongings properly, which will require you to obtain the right kind of packing supplies. Make sure to explore all the available options at the time, and even ask the local grocery stores and retailers for boxes, bubble wrap, box stores, etc. Also, don’t forget to ask family and friends for help and used boxes. Buying the whole amount of items from the ultimate packing supplies list is quite costly and it is a significant impact on your budget, especially if it’s a tight fund.

5. Moving Truck

If you decide to move by yourself completely, one of the main pieces of advice is to rent a moving truck since it’s the cheapest option as long as you choose a reliable company. The main expenses when hiring a moving truck include fuel, the agreed rate, and maybe insurance. However, keep in mind renting a moving truck will leave you to do absolutely everything on your own, including packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking.

So if it’s your first time moving cross country and you plan on moving by yourself, it might be a good idea to find a good professional moving service to help with the whole process.

6. The Right Date and Discounts

You might not know this information, but the price of the move depends on the moving date you choose. For instance, moving in the spring or summer will present quite a cost, especially if you book close to the moving date. So, try to book the moving date ( if you are hiring professional help) a couple of weeks or even months in advance.

Also, if you are a part of the military, the AAA, or similar communities, it’s sure you’ll have some discounts because of your membership.

Besides, certain companies offer to pay for moving of their employees, at least in some percent.

7. Cutting Your Expenses

Although getting an insurance policy doesn’t sound like saving up money, it can relieve you in the long term significantly if some valuable items get damaged. As mentioned before, don’t hesitate when it comes to donations. Ask a couple of moving companies for offers and choose the best one. Use shipping agencies if you want to avoid dealing with bulky pieces like furniture, etc.

8. Ask Family and Friends for Help

One of the best ways to save up money is by asking family and friends to help with packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking, especially if you are moving heavy objects. Don’t forget to clear the path of any obstacles to avoid the risk of injury — the reason why it’s important to make a good plan before you start loading objects.

9. Hire a Professional Service

If you have no prior experience with moving and can’t find a pair of extra hands to help, consider hiring a professional moving company. Here, at Dorothy And Martha Moving, we can take care of the whole process ( packing, loading, unloading, unpacking) for the right price. If you want to save up an additional amount of money, book the moving date in advance and look for discounts and vouchers.

Keep in mind there is a wide range of fraudulent companies posing as certified moving companies that can lose, misplace, or damage your belongings. To avoid any complications, make sure you choose a certified company with a reputable service (customer reviews are the best parameter).