Changing addresses within the same city is challenging, but moving across the country is complex.
Professional moving companies charge anywhere between $1,500 and $15,000 for cross-country moves. The total cost depends on the number of articles and the distance you intend to move.
There are some practical strategies you can implement to stay within your budget. Considering the recent increase in moving prices, here are some of the best options for moving across the country.
Do-It-Yourself Move
Moving long distances on your own is the cheapest method. The cost of labor is usually the most expensive part of a move, so doing everything yourself will save you money.
On the other hand, if you’re doing the work yourself, rental fees and gas will be your only costs. Even though DIY moves are the most affordable option, they require your labor and time. Also, it will take longer since there will be no crew to help you.
Hybrid Move
As part of your DIY move, you can choose which aspects of the move you would like to perform yourself. If you drive the moving truck yourself, you will significantly reduce your labor costs.
The cost of moving your items is largely due to the time it takes to move them. Hiring a company to load and pack a truck can save you a lot of time. Ask friends and family to help you pack and load if you want to get the most value for your money.
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Rent a Shipping Container
Shipping containers, often also known as storage ‘shipping’ units, allow you to drive your large items, including vehicles, anywhere around the globe. These storage units are highly secure, thus, incredibly convenient.
It doesn’t matter where you live; you can find one nearby. Let’s say you’re in Colorado, type “Aurora CO storage units,” and the shipping company will drop one off at your house, and you can then fill it up at your pace.
After the portable moving container is full, schedule a pickup, and the company will pick it up and ship it wherever you need.
Each container usually costs the same amount, but additional delivery fees may apply depending on the company. Small to medium-sized households may find this option to be a good fit.
Freight Trailers Are a Good Choice
Freight trailers don’t differ much from the ‘shipping’ storage units. You will be responsible for packing and unpacking, and you will use a professional freight company to transport it across the country. It is a good choice for a large home since freight trailers are large, typically 28 feet long.
Freight companies only give you a limited number of days to fill them out. Your items are priced according to the amount of space they take up, not by weight. If the trailer is not full, they will resell the unused space to another client.
Ship it
If you only have a few things to move, shipping them across the county is an option. Shipping over the ground is convenient, quick, and can save you a lot of money, especially if you choose the top shipping companies’ ground service option.
Several shipping companies can also ship large items at an affordable rate. You may want to move some of your things in a moving truck and store the rest in a storage unit.
Plan the “Off-Season” Move
Moving in the off-season is the best way to save on costs while having more options available. May through September are the busiest months for moving.
There may not be many options for picking up on the specific day of the week you want due to the spike in business during this period.
Try to move during the week, rather than the weekends, if your moving date is flexible and you can move between October and April.
Take Advantage of Packing Supplies
A small price to pay for packing supplies may seem inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. It is still possible to save a lot of money on your move when you consider all the little ways you can save. Grab used boxes from the grocery store or ask someone who just moved to give them to you.
You will have more money to spend on other unexpected moving expenses, such as shipping, truck rentals, etc., by getting all your moving supplies for cheap or free.
Garage Sale and Decluttering
It’s always a good idea to declutter before packing. Get rid of extra items to save money and time. If you have not used an item for years, it makes no sense to move across the country. Consider donating or having a moving garage sale.
Check for Discounts
Many moving companies offer discounts throughout the year. Typically, they are offered to military and AAA members. Other types may be available to you as well.
In that case, it’s a good idea to do your research and shop around for the best option. Companies may offer discounts you can combine to save even more.
Ask for Help
When packing up for a move, extra hands are always welcome. One of the largest expenses in moving is labor. Call on friends and family for help. Loading and unloading will be a more efficient process.
To reach your new destination, you may wish to enlist a friend or family member for assistance. A driving companion can keep you entertained on a long drive and reduce fatigue.
Conclusion
Do you want to move across the country for the best price? You’re not alone, as the average cost of moving 7,500 pounds across 1,000 miles is $4,890. Even the cheapest cross country mover will probably cost thousands of dollars.
Moving across the country is cheaper than it used to be. Whether you hire labor-only movers or rent moving containers, the cost of moving cross country doesn’t have to break the bank. You should consider your individual needs and budget when deciding on the best way to move across the country.
This list shows the four most common types of cross-country moves and estimates each type’s cost. The cost of your move depends on how much stuff you have to move, your distance to travel, whether or not you need additional services, and when you’re moving.
