Long-Distance Moves on a Budget

Can you move across the country on a budget? Even though a long-distance move might have a higher price tag than the shorter distance option, take a look at what you need to know about saving money.

Should You Hire a Mover?

Yes, a professional moving service can save you money on a long-distance move. Even though you will need to pay the contractor, the professionals can:

• Save you money on a truck rental. Do you have enough space in your car, SUV, or minivan to haul everything you own across the country? If not, the cost per day or mile of a rental truck could outweigh the price of a moving service.
• Save you money on shopping fees. The cost of packing and shipping fragile or heavy items could also add up to more than what you would pay a mover—and the mover will safely hand-deliver your breakables.
• Save you money on additional services. Do you have artwork, a piano, or another specialty item to move? Instead of hiring multiple contractors, save money and consolidate your move with one professional.
• Save money on unnecessary overnight stops. Will driving your haul slow down your move significantly? A slower move means more overnight stays. This adds up to extra hotel and restaurant charges that you might not have if you hire a pro.

Before you choose a mover, explore the rates companies in your local area charge for long-distance services. Get two to three quotes from reputable contractors. This can help you to better understand the price range for a cross-country move and will give you the chance to choose the best rate and service combination.

How Can You Save Money on Packing Supplies?

The boxes, bins, bags, labels, tape, and everything else you need to move can increase your budget significantly. A long-distance move takes time and can get bumpy. This makes it important for you to safely and securely pack everything you own in the best moving materials possible. But these moving materials shouldn't take up the bulk of your budget.

To save money on supplies for your cross-country move:

• Start with the moving contractor. Does the mover supply boxes and other materials? The mover may have industry-insider rates. 
• Reuse what you already have at home. Do you have a garage filled with old electronics or appliance boxes? Do you already use plastic bins to store items in your basement or attic? Use, or reuse, the containers you already have to save money.
• Skip the fancy labels. You don't need to spend extra cash on fancy moving labels. Instead, use a permanent marker and masking tape or inexpensive address labels from an office supply store. 

You can also upcycle old linens and towels, turning them into bubble wrap-like protective material for your move. This strategy makes it unnecessary to buy new wrap or packing paper and reduces the risks to your fragile or breakable items during the move.

How Can You Save Money on a Moving Service?

Have you now decided to use a professional mover and know the best ways to save money on packing supplies? You can still cut your cross-country moving budget. To save money on a professional moving service, declutter first. The less you need to move, the lower the overall price. Recycle, sell, or donate anything that you won't use in your new home.

After you declutter, make sure you have the best type of quote for your long-distance moving needs. The three primary types of moving estimates are the binding, non-binding, and binding not-to-exceed estimate. A binding estimate is a fixed price, regardless of the actual weight of your haul. A non-binding could change, if your truck-load has a lower weight than expected.

The binding not-to-exceed estimate offers the best of the other two quotes. This type of estimate won't go over the stated price if the move-day weight of your items is heavier than projected. But you might pay less if it doesn't weigh as much.

Are you ready to plan your long-distance move? Contact All America Moving for more information.