A Budget-Friendly Guide for Moving Cross-Country

 

drawing of a person carrying boxes, moving

 

Moving is a stressful process that's both costly and time-consuming. But there are ways to save money when you move if you plan ahead and are smart about your decisions.

Sure, it does take some planning and creative thinking, but with the right tools and the right actions, moving on a budget can become reality. To make things easier, we put together a list of tips on how to save money when you move.

 

What You Need To Know About Moving Expenses

The first thing you need to think about is the cost of the move itself. This includes the cost of hiring a removal company, packing materials, and other costs associated with moving your belongings from one place to another.

You also need to think about how much it will cost you to set up your new home. This includes buying furniture, decorating, and setting up utilities such as gas and electricity.

Finally, there are other costs you should consider when moving house, such as stamp duty or council tax if you're buying a property or renting out your old property for more than six months after the move date.

 

How to Save Money When Moving

Everyone's moving experience is unique since there's a good chance there will be unplanned expenses. However, if you follow the steps below, you'll be better prepared for unexpected situations, and you'll manage the move a lot better.

 

1. Start Planning Early

Plan ahead of time and make a list of what you need to do before the move. This will help you stay organized and not forget anything important.

Also, it will give you time to create a budget and save for it a few months ahead. This way, it will be easier to deal with unexpected costs. Plus, you'll have the time and space to identify the best moving companies for your needs by using various apps for moving where you can read customer reviews and learn about the costs.

 

2. Look for Discounts

Many moving companies are open to a discount if the move is a large project. So, before you start asking for discounts, make sure you read the terms and conditions of your favorite suppliers.
It also helps to know the distance between the two locations and the rough volume of furniture you want to move. When you know these two values, it's easier to look for moving companies that offer discounts.

 

3. Do It Yourself

If you are on a tight budget and have the resources and people to help out (here's where friends come in handy), you can turn this into a DIY project.

Start by making a list of the things you can do yourself or with the help of loved ones.

For instance, if the distance between locations is big and you have a lot of voluminous things to transport, you should find a suitable moving company to cover the transportation. However, you can do the packing (here are some tips on how to pack everything yourself), which will add to some significant savings.

On the other hand, if you're moving a short distance or in the same city, you can rent a moving truck and have everyone help you load and unload it. It will cost less, and you can be sure your precious things will be handled carefully.

 

Key Takeaways

Moving on a budget is not as hard as it seems. You just need to plan ahead and understand the costs involved. And, unless you are on a tight budget, hiring a moving company is usually the smartest way to go about it. Professional movers know how to handle things, and you can focus on other tasks that need your attention.