The Cheapest Way to Move Long Distance: 7 Money-Saving Tips

by / Thursday, 12 December 2024 / Published in International Moving

We’re not here to sugar coat things. By now you’ve probably heard about the stress involved in moving.

Whether it’s a local move or international move, there will be some measure of stress involved. The organization, interruption of your daily routine, packing and expense of moving can all take its toll.

We’re here to help you manage your stress levels!

In this blog, we will cover 7 tips and tricks on the cheapest way to move long distance.

1. Create a Moving Budget

This is a no-brainer!

Stay on top of your moving expenses by calculating an exact budget for your long distance move.

Whether it’s an international or cross-country move, managing your budget should be your top priority.

Start out a few months in advance and assess whether you have the funds to put aside to cover your moving expenses.

This way you will have a kitty of money to dip into and can avoid creating debt for yourself.

The cheapest way to move long distance is to include the following in your budget:

  • Moving company expenses
  • Packaging material costs
  • Vehicle transportation i.e. additional gas
  • Shipping costs
  • Post-relocation costs
  • Additional services i.e. costs for home maintenance and fixes
  • Any unexpected or miscellaneous expenses.

2. DIY Moving

Now, this may not suit everybody, but DIY moving is probably the cheapest way to move long distance.

There are three components to DIY moving:

Truck Rental

There are several companies on the market which allow you to load and unload your home or business contents into their trucks. Your goods are then driven to your new destination, while the costs of fuel, liability coverage and taxes are covered.

Container Rental

A moving container is a great solution to spending copious amounts of money on moving materials such as boxes and packaging tape!

Certain companies offer the option of reserving a container for all your household or business goods.

You pack the container and they take care of the shipping.

Self-Packing

This may be tiresome and time-consuming, but to save a huge chunk of your budget, choose to pack your boxes or shipping container yourself.

Money is often wasted on hiring professionals to pack up your home or business for you.

If you have the time, choose to DIY your packing!

3. Timing Is Everything

If you are blessed with a little flexibility as to your exact move-out/move-in date, then play this to your advantage!

If you book in a move early with a professional moving company, you will generally receive a discount on standard rates.

If you book a move during off-peak moving times – generally from September-May each year, you may even receive a 20-30% moving discount!

But, without a doubt, the cheapest way to move long distance is to avoid moving at the beginning of the month, over weekends or national holidays!

Maximize your time like a pro by creating a moving calendar. Include deadlines for when packing and loading must be complete. This way, moving day won’t catch you unawares!

4. Sell Unwanted Items

Moving cross-country, or cross-continents, is a great way to de-clutter your life.

The cheapest way to move long distance is to cut your losses on household or business items which are gathering dust.

Create a system during your packing process where commonly used items are prioritized, while the rest is either sold or donated. This way, you will have less to pack and, ultimately, less to pay for when it comes to trucking or shipping your contents.

A good rule-of-thumb is: if you haven’t used it in over a year, don’t pack it!

Sell your unwanted items and add the funds to your moving kitty to help with your expenses.

5. Don’t Waste Money on Moving Materials

Even if you choose to ship your items in a moving container, you may still need moving boxes to get the job done.

Along with moving boxes, you’ll also need packaging tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper.

Now, it may not seem like a huge expense, but if you’re packing up an entire house or business – these things can add up!

The cheapest way to move long distance and save a few hundred bucks while doing so is:

  • Ask friends and family via social media if they have unused boxes laying around which they are willing to donate.
  • Search on sites such as Freecycle and Craigslist for cheap, bulk specials.
  • Approach local supermarkets and shopping centers and inquire if they have used produce boxes they are willing to give away.

6. Maximize Job Relocation Perks

Your cheapest way to move long distance could be maximizing on job perks!

If you’re relocating for career purposes, the perks of a new position could assist in your cross-country or cross-continent move.

Certain companies may only cover a portion of your relocation costs, while others offer the full jackpot, and will cover 100% of your expenses!

Before you settle on an offer from a company, enquire whether relocation compensation is something they offer.

Ask, and perhaps you shall receive!

7. Keep Things Thrifty

Once you have made it to your new hometown and you’ve unpacked and settled in, you’ll want to explore.

This is where temptation sets in!

After your big move, funds may still be a little tight. It’s important to keep your spending to a minimum for the first couple of months in your new hometown.

You may have outstanding payments you’ll need to cover or debts to settle.

While it’s tempting to buy brand new things for your brand new home, try and hold back a little and keep it thrifty!

Alero: the Cheapest Way to Move Long Distance

If you’re looking for a reliable, affordable and professional moving service, Alero Moving & Storage is your go-to mover!

As industry specialist with over 24 years’ experience, we offer residential, commercial, cross-country and international moving services.

We assist with every detail of your household or business relocation.

View our full range of long-distance moving services and then get in touch if you have any questions!

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