A cross-country house move can be a logistical nightmare if you aren’t adequately prepared. Long-distance house moves can present you with more challenges than simply moving to a new neighborhood in the same state. It can also be expensive when factoring in the distance you need to travel and unexpected issues that can arise.
That doesn’t mean you can’t cut costs on long-distance house moves.
Hire Cross Country Movers
You want to make sure the moving company you hire is experienced and specializes in cross country moving. They will be aware of the time it takes to move to and from different states, what they need to package your items to ensure they survive the trip, and any costs you pay will remove any added extras or hidden costs. All of this will be factored into the price.
Move Mid Week of Out of Season
If you can be flexible with your dates, then moving home a mid-week or even from October to April could mean you pay lower costs with moving companies. You can take advantage of quieter times and lower demand by asking around for quotes and scouting companies to find out when they aren’t as busy to help you negotiate on the price.
Move Less
The fewer items you have to move, the cheaper it will ultimately be. You don’t want to be paying to move belongings you don’t want. Cutting down on packaging costs will be cheaper all around if you sort your belongings before packing and know what you will and won’t be taking with you.
Source Free Packaging Materials
Avoid buying your packing options from moving companies as you will pay a lot more for them. Visit low-cost stores or local supermarkets and ask if they have empty boxes they don’t need that you can take off their hands. Stock up on packing tape and use paper, towels, or bubble wrap for packaging delicate items to avoid damages.
Use suitcases and storage boxes you have in the home to pack items into – this is what they are designed for and can be filed to reduce the number of boxes you are packing.
Use Your Car
If you can reasonably make return trips in the days leading up to your house move, then it is worth considering taking some smaller items yourself to allow you to book a smaller moving van. This could end up costing you more in fuel if you make more than one trip, but if you drive that way anyway, load up your car with smaller boxes and your valuables so you know they are safe and will arrive when you do.
Plan in Advance
The earlier you book your moving slot, the cheaper it will be. Take advantage of early booking offers by securing the moving company service as soon as your moving dates are confirmed. When booking, try asking for extra discounts. If you are a member of AAA, for example, then you may be eligible for more discounts on top of a lower early booking price.