When relocating to a new area, the fees involved in the move can be exorbitant. Most people don’t realize that there are ways to save money when moving long distance, so they continue paying their high movers’ bills for months after their move. Here are some tricks to save money in the relocation process:
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1) Pick a cheap moving company.
While it may seem as if the choice of “cheap movers” over a high-end service will decrease your chances of having an excellent move, not only is this not true, but it can save you money! An affordable long distance mover will probably use fewer men to load and unload your items due to their lower overhead costs; therefore, your valuables are in less danger of being damaged by sweat and labor. It’s also beneficial because many affordable movers for relocation offer additional add-ons at reduced rates, such as wrapping or packing services. Although these extras don’t ensure that all of your belongings arrive in pristine condition, they still help you save some cash on your move.
2) Book a moving date further in advance.
Another way to save money when moving long distance is by booking your moving date far enough in advance to receive discounted rates. Moving house movers will often offer lower prices for reservations made ahead of time, so fill out a quote form today! The company will know how many movers and trucks they’ll need to rent several weeks before your move; therefore, the cost will be cheaper than if you wait until the last minute to schedule it.
3) Ask movers for discounts.
Since every mover has a different fee structure, some companies may be willing to cut you a deal on your relocation bills if you ask them nicely. You can either call the company and ask for a discount or call one of their sales representatives to negotiate the price. Be sure to have a copy of your moving contract handy so that you can tell the salesperson exactly what it says for him to offer his best deal possible.
4) Get free boxes and packing supplies.
In addition to many low-cost moving options, many local governments will also give away their used boxes and packing supplies for free! Local recycling centers are always happy to receive donations of trash bags and cardboard boxes (but not plastic ones), so if you need some materials for stuffing your breakables into, stop by your friendly neighborhood recycling center before calling movers.
5) Use a friend’s truck to move.
Long distance moves can be expensive, especially if you plan on driving your belongings across state lines. However, if you have friends who live close enough where they can drive over to your house in their trucks and trailers, you can save a lot of money by using them instead of hiring professionals. Make sure all drivers have valid licenses for operating heavy machinery before loading up their cars with your belongings, so you don’t end up injuring yourself or anyone else in the process!
6) Sell your things on Craigslist.
While some people will argue that selling items like furniture is a drag, the fact of the matter is that you can almost always make a profit from it if you do it right! The easiest way to do this is by setting up an account with the online auction site Craigslist and posting ads for each item you have for sale as soon as they’re packed up inboxes. This not only helps you recoup some of the cash you spent on moving costs, but it also gets rid of all of those things that just took up space in your house anyway!
7) Moving Charities and Grants.
If you have a low income and need moving assistance, don’t be afraid to ask for help! Many local charities will provide their services at no cost to those who cannot afford them. They often work with businesses that donate free labor and supplies for these types of situations.
8) Last-minute moving tips.
If you have a short window of time you need to move due to a layoff or other emergency, don’t panic! One way to save money is by asking for help from friends and family members. Your loved ones would be happy to pitch in if it means helping you out in your time of need, so call up some people who are willing to help and get packing! Another option is by using online resources that will allow you to compare pricing between professional movers.
Conclusion
The tips and tricks that we’ve provided in this blog post should help you save a lot of money on your next long-distance move. From booking ahead to negotiating with movers, there are plenty of ways for you to reduce the costs associated with moving cross country or even locally. We hope these strategies will give you some additional insight into how you can plan for your relocation needs so that it’s as affordable as possible!