Written by


Alex is the founder of 9Kilo Moving, which he started to help people easily find and choose the right moving company to make their move as stress-free and seamless as possible. He has spent over 20 years working in the moving industry, so he knows every aspect of the business and uses his knowledge to write about the industry and give moving advice. More on about us page

It's no secret that moving is expensive, and if you are moving across the country, the costs can be even higher. Are you one of those moving across the country soon and dreading the high cost of doing so? You're not alone. The average cost of moving is between $1,000 - $4,000, but it can be even more depending on the size of your home, how far you're moving, what season you're moving in, and other factors. There's always a lot of money to be saved in every move. But with the weight of moving costs and how much you must spend, it can be hard to find those savings. So, we've compiled a list of different ways for you to save money when moving across the country. To start things off, here are ten ways to help make your move cost a little bit less.

CALCULATE MY MOVE

Get rid of everything you don't need

This may seem obvious, but it's amazing how much "stuff" we accumulate over time. Please do a thorough purge of your belongings before packing them up to move. It is much easier (and cheaper) to move fewer items. You can sell your unwanted items online, have a garage sale or donate them to charity. By selling your extra stuff, you may be able to offset some of the costs of your move. You can organize a garage sale by contacting your local Council to see if you need a permit, promoting your sale on community websites or Facebook groups, and setting up on the day. You'll save on rental truck costs and storage fees if you have less to move. And it's always nice to start fresh in a new place! This is another great way to get rid of clutter and start fresh in your new home.

Rent a portable moving container

Portable moving containers are a great way to move your belongings across the country. They are often much cheaper than hiring a professional moving company, and they can be rented monthly.

Here are some tips to help you save money when renting a portable moving container:

  1. Compare prices from different companies: Prices can vary significantly from one company to the next, so it's important to shop around.
  2. Look for discounts and promotions: Many companies offer discounts for online bookings, so be sure to check the websites of various providers.
  3. See if you can negotiate a lower price: If you're planning on renting a moving container for an extended period, see if you can negotiate a lower monthly rate.
  4. Choose the smallest size possible: The cost of renting a moving container is based on the size of the unit, so be sure only to rent the amount of space you need.
  5. Consider renting a used container: If you're on a tight budget, you may be able to find a used moving container for rent. Be sure to inspect the unit carefully before making your decision.

Ship your belongings

Before your move, you can save money by shipping your belongings instead of renting a moving truck if you have time. The cost of shipping your belongings will depend on the weight and size of your shipment and the distance it needs to travel. The most important thing to consider is whether your items are fragile or breakable. If so, you'll want to choose a shipping method that offers extra protection, such as padding or packaging. You'll also need to consider the size and weight of your items. Larger items may need to be shipped via freight, while smaller items can often be shipped via parcel post. And finally, you'll need to consider your budget. To estimate shipping costs, you can use an online calculator like this one from UPS.

Find free moving boxes and other supplies

When you're moving across the country, every penny counts. It pays to find free moving boxes and other supplies whenever possible. Check with local businesses, community groups, and your friends and family to see if anyone has any boxes or other supplies that they're not using. You can also check online classifieds websites and social media groups dedicated to helping people with their moves. Craigslist is a great resource for finding free boxes. Once you've gathered up all the free boxes and supplies you can find, start planning how you're going to pack everything up. Make sure to label each box clearly, so you know what's inside, and try to pack heavier items at the bottom of each box. With a little effort, you can save a lot of money on your cross-country move.

Rent a moving truck

Moving across the country can be a costly endeavor, but there are ways to save money. One way to do this is to rent a moving truck instead of hiring a professional moving company. This may seem like a daunting task, but it can be done if you plan and pack efficiently. Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to pack and make multiple trips if necessary. You will also need to factor in the fuel cost for the truck. However, renting a truck will likely be cheaper than hiring a professional moving company. With some careful planning, you can save money on your move by renting a moving truck. And if you have friends or family who are willing to help with the move, it can be even more affordable.

CALCULATE MY MOVE

Use a freight trailer

If you're planning on moving across the country, one cost-effective option is to use a freight trailer. While this may not be the most comfortable option, it can save you significant money. In addition, many trailers come equipped with features that can make your move easier, such as ramp kits and tie-down straps. When choosing a freight trailer, be sure to select one that is the appropriate size for your needs. It would be best if you also considered the terrain you'll be traversing, as some trailers are better suited for rough roads than others. Using a freight trailer can save you both time and money when moving across the country.

Choose a cheaper moving date or time

If you're looking to save money on your cross-country move, you may want to consider booking your move for a date or time outside of the peak season. Summer is the peak moving season in the United States, and as a result, moving companies often charge higher rates during this time of year. Late fall and early winter are typically slower times for moving companies, and as a result, you may be able to get a discounted rate. Another way to save money is to book your move for mid-week instead of the weekend. Weekends are usually the busiest time for movers, so you may be able to get a lower rate if you're flexible with your dates. Whatever data or time you choose, compare rates from multiple moving companies before booking your move.

Get multiple quotes from different moving companies

When planning a cross-country move, it's important to get multiple quotes from different moving companies. This will allow you to compare rates and services to find the best deal. When getting quotes, ask about any hidden fees or charges that may not be included in the initial estimate. These fees can add up, so it's important to be aware of them before choosing a moving company. In addition, be sure to read reviews of any moving companies you're considering before making a final decision. By taking the time to compare rates and services, you can save money on your cross-country move.

Pack your belongings

Packing your belongings is one of the easiest ways to save money on a cross-country move. While it may take some time and effort, packing your boxes can be much cheaper than hiring a professional moving company. If you're not sure how to pack your belongings, plenty of resources are available online. You can also ask friends or family for help. And if you're short on time, you can always hire a professional packing service to do it. While this will add to the cost of your move, it will likely be cheaper than hiring a full-service moving company.

Have Shipping company for Move your Stuff

If you're planning a move across the country, you may be wondering how to save money on your shipment. One option is to use a company that offers cost-effective group shipping. By pooling your belongings with other customers, you can utilize economies of scale and reduce your overall shipping costs. In addition, many group shipping companies offer additional services such as storage and insurance, which can further help keep your costs down. So if you're looking for ways to cut costs when moving across the country, consider using a group shipping company to get the job done. Or, if your company is relocating you for work, see if they offer any corporate relocation services that can help offset the cost of your move.

Hiring Moving Labor

When making a long-distance move, hiring moving labor can be a great way to save money by hiring extra help to load and unload your belongings. This can be a great option if you're on a budget or have friends or family who are willing to help with the move. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before hiring moving labor:

  1. Check references and get quotes from several different companies.
  2. Ensure that the workers are insured in case of any damage to your belongings.
  3. Communicate your expectations clearly to the workers so that there are no surprises on moving day.

Drive Yourself

There are many reasons to drive yourself when moving across the country. One of the most important is that it can help you save money. The cost of hiring a professional moving company can be high, and if you have a tight budget, driving yourself may be the best option. In addition, driving yourself allows you to transport your belongings in your vehicle, which may be more convenient than using a rental truck. And finally, driving yourself allows you to control your schedule, so you can take as much time as you need to make a move. Whether you're looking to save money or have more control over your move, driving yourself is worth considering.

Read the contract carefully

When hiring a moving company, it's important to read the contract carefully before signing. Otherwise, you may pay hidden fees or be charged for services you didn't receive. Be sure to ask about any extra charges that may not be included in the initial estimate. These fees can add up, so it's important to be aware of them before signing any contract. In addition, be sure to get everything in writing to avoid confusion about what services you're paying for. By reading the contract carefully and asking questions about any fees, you can save yourself a lot of money when hiring a moving company.

Ask for discounts

Don't be afraid to ask for discounts when you're hiring a moving company. Many companies offer seniors, students, military personnel, and AAA members discounts. So if you belong to any of these groups, be sure to ask about any available discounts. You may also be able to get a discount if you're willing to pay cash or have a large shipment. So if you're looking to save money, be sure to ask about any discounts that may be available.

Look for discount codes

Discount codes can be a great way to save money when hiring a moving company. Many companies offer these codes to encourage customers to use their services. So if you're looking to save money, be sure to ask about any discount codes that may be available. You may be able to find these codes online or in ads for the company.

Ask family and friends to help

If you're on a tight budget, one of the best ways to save money is to ask family and friends to help with the move. Many people are willing to help with the packing, loading, and unloading of your belongings. So if you have friends or family who are willing to help, be sure to take advantage of their offer. This can be a great way to save money and get some extra help on moving day.

CALCULATE MY MOVE

Conclusion

There are many ways to save money when moving across the country. You can keep your costs down by driving yourself, being mindful of hidden fees, and asking for discounts. And if you're on a tight budget, don't be afraid to ask family and friends for help. By following these tips, you can make your move as affordable as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to move across the country?

There is no one "best" way to move across the country. The best way for you will depend on your budget, timeline, and personal preferences.

What are some tips for saving money when moving across the country?

There are several ways to save money when moving across the country. One option is to drive yourself instead of hiring a professional moving company. You can also save money by being mindful of hidden fees and asking for discounts. And if you have a tight budget, you can ask family and friends to help with the move.

What is the best way to transport my belongings when moving across the country?

There are several options for transporting your belongings when moving across the country. One option is to rent a moving truck. Another option is to hire a professional moving company. If you have a limited budget, ask family and friends to assist with the relocation.

What are some things to consider when moving across the country?

When moving across the country, things to consider include your budget, timeline, and personal preferences. You'll also need to decide how you'll transport your belongings and whether or not you'll need professional assistance.

Why is it so expensive to move across the country?

Moving across the country can be expensive because you'll need to transport your belongings over a long distance. If you hire a professional moving company, you'll also need to pay for their services. And if you're renting a moving truck, you'll need to pay for gas and other associated costs.