Moving to a new state is exciting, yet stressful. In addition to knocking out a lengthy moving checklist, you’re likely concerned about the relocation costs piling up. According to the American Moving & Storage Association, the average cross-country move costs over $4000. However, there are some practical steps you can take to slash your moving costs and stick to your budget:
1. DIY What You Can
You can hire a full-service mover to do-it-all for you, including the packing and unpacking. However, if you’re on a tight budget, try to do as much as you can yourself. Plan and start packing at least a month before your move, so you aren’t rushed or desperate for help before moving day. You’ll pay less for a professional moving service if all the boxes are packed and ready to go when the movers arrive. Alternatively, you can save money by renting a truck and driving it yourself. Hire local movers by the hour to do all the loading and unloading for you.
2. Cut-Down on What You Take
Reducing the volume of household goods you move is the most efficient way to slash moving costs. Movers determine interstate moving rates according to the weight of the shipment. If you’re not crazy about your belongings, find a new home for them instead of paying extra to move them. Take time to envision the items you want in your new place, and move only those things. Get rid of everything else by donating it or raising some extra moving funds by hosting a garage sale.
3. Get Free Packing Supplies
Load up on your boxes every time you visit a grocery or department store. Diaper boxes are one of the best sizes for packing. They’re big enough to hold your items, but they’re small enough that you can carry them. Consider other freebies, like an old newspaper. There are many ways to obtain stacks of newspaper, which can be used for padding boxes and wrapping your breakables. You can also use other items from around the house like t-shirts or towels instead of packing paper and peanuts.
4. Cut-Down on Gas Costs
Even if you hire a long distance moving company to haul your belongings, you’ll probably still need to drive your vehicles to your new home. Use rewards from grocery shopping and credit cards with rewards for reducing costs at the pump. Stay at a consistent speed when you drive as this helps conserve gas. Driving at off-peak hours will also help you to avoid traffic, which diminishes your fuel economy.
5. Prepare for the New Place
When you move into a new place, you’ll have boxes piled upon boxes. Even if you are the best labeler, looking for plates, utensils, or other things you need when you move in can prove expensive – it might seem easier to order take-out or go through the drive-thru instead of tracking down your plates. Pack an essentials box before you move with everything you’ll need for the first few days, to reduce extra expenses. This box is especially critical for a long-distance move because you’ll likely arrive several days ahead of the moving truck.
6. Schedule Utility Turn-On Dates
Try to schedule your utility turn-on dates a couple of weeks ahead of time. Instead of missing out on work several days of work waiting for the utility companies to arrive, carve out a day or two of time to allow for your services to be turned on. Also, consider what you can do without before your big move. Do you need every cable channel, or could you get by with just Netflix? Would natural gas be a cheaper alternative to electric heat? It’s a good time to think how you should best spend your money in the new place.
7. Hit Up the Thrift Stores
No matter how much you plan, you’re likely going to need unanticipated items for your new home. Instead of dropping a large sum of money for unplanned purchases, go to a thrift store to meet your needs. Not only will it save you money, but it’s also more environmentally friendly than running out and buying something new.
Consider other ways to save money, like getting sandwich items and other food to keep in a cooler and have with you on the road. Utilize the moving coupons that come with the US Postal Service change of address packet and be sure take a moving deduction when you file your taxes. With a bit of forethought, moving to a new state can be cheaper than you might have expected!
For affordable interstate moving services, give Imperial Moving & Storage a call! In addition to providing local moving in NYC, we are also trusted long distance movers. Whether your move takes you to Miami or San Francisco, our team can help you get where you’re going! Contact us now to request a free, in-home estimate.
