When planning an interstate move, it’s understandable that you’d want to keep your moving costs down to a minimum. Who doesn’t? That said, the cheapest options aren’t always the best options, but moving cross-country doesn’t have to break the bank either.
With careful planning and organizing, you can manage to find a moving option that suits your individual budget and needs. Below, a list of five options for moving across the country – from New York to Melbourne, from cheapest to most expensive.
Get rid of as much stuff as possible
There are several routes you can take when it comes to reducing the number of items you need to pack and move. The first one is to simply give your possessions away to friends, family, or your local donation center. Oftentimes, charities will offer to come pick things up at your house, especially larger objects, so that’s a plus.
For more expensive, newer furniture pieces, it’d probably be best to sell them online. Jewelry and electronic devices could be dropped off at your local pawn shop. Of course, you can always hire someone from junk clearance companies to declutter your home before you move.
Unless you’re moving on a short notice, consider organizing a yard sale. This will help you get rid of some stuff and make some quick cash along the way.
Explore different DIY options
Moving cross-country is also something you can DIY if you’re ready to invest some extra time and effort. Renting a truck or a trailer can be a great money-saver when it’s time to move. That said, there’s a lot of planning and physical work involved, so it can end up being quite stressful.
If you don’t mind calling around and hunting for the best shipping prices and are traveling light, consider shipping services. There are fluctuations in prices throughout the year though, so keep this in mind when looking at freight shipping options.
The last DIY option is to rent a moving container and have the company move it to your new place. Although an inexpensive option, you’ll still need to pack, load and unload your furniture and possessions on your own. This can be a little risky if you’re moving specialty items like pianos, so you’ll need to be extra careful.
Hire a local packaging service
Making your long-distance move easier on your family is a matter of taking a strategic approach to the packing process. Between selling your old house and buying a new one and moving to new employers and schools, it can take weeks or even months to get everything in order.
Because of that, finding time to pack everything safely and properly can be quite challenging. Instead of packing and organizing your belongings on your own, ask yourself: Are there any moving companies offering packing services near me that I can delegate this tedious task to?
By hiring a team of professionals, you don’t have to worry about packing supplies, strategies, or safety of your belongings. You also get to live in your current home for as long as possible before the moving truck is parked in front of your home or you need to arrange for shipping and mailing some of your belongings.
Be flexible with your moving date
This tip can come in handy regardless of whether you decide to hire a moving company or a truck/trailer rental. When your move date takes place will largely influence the overall long-distance moving costs.
If there’s some wiggle room in your move, try to avoid relocating on peak moving days. This includes everything from first and last week in a month, summer months, and weekends in general.
To cut your moving costs significantly, try to be flexible with your moving date and move during fall or winter. For additional savings, aim to move mid-day, ideally sometime in the middle of a month.
Go with a hybrid option
Sometimes, the best option for moving across the country will be a combination of options that offer practicality and affordability. The best hybrid option for a cross-country move includes relying on shipping and mailing some of your belongings. Sometimes, it can mean hiring certain services while also driving some of the items yourself.
Shipping containers can be great for transporting bulkier pieces of furniture, and a great option when you’re moving a small amount of belongings. You can also look at different services your moving company offers and choose a combination that works best for you.
Remember to pack an essentials box as well as several suitcases you can bring with you. Doing so will ensure you have everything you need when you first arrive at your new place.
Wrapping up
Cross-country moves are exciting, but the costs can easily add up depending on the moving option you select. Naturally, not all moving options will work for everyone, so make sure to carefully consider your needs before choosing one. Stick with what feels right for you and your budget, and you’ll manage to make your long-distance move go as smooth as possible.
