Pro Tips on How to Save on Moving Costs Without Breaking a Sweat

October 23, 2017 / Posted in How-to
Hannah Michaelson

Hannah is a freelance relocation writer from NYC that has become an expert on packing and unpacking

Planning to move soon but running on a tight budget? You’re probably wondering how to save on moving costs. We’ve got the inside scoop that will help you do it without sacrificing your comfort (or your coffee budget). Let’s dive in and make your move as budget-friendly as it is breezy!

person counting money
Make a financial plan in time to save some cash

Saving on Moving Costs is a Challenge

There’s a common misconception about how hiring long-distance movers will come with some price tags that will make your eyes roll into the back of your head.

However, with the right relocation and car shipping company, you might just be surprised at how cost-effective it can be. After all, you can’t put a price on ensuring all of your prized possessions are in safe hands!

Only around 25% of Americans have a written budget plan

That’s not to say that movers are free – far from that. The whole process of relocating to another state comes with so many different expenses, not to mention the fact that once you get to your new home, it’s important to have some money left for that first couple of months.

The secret to budgeting is getting organized for a move and having a well-developed plan. If you find a reliable long-distance moving company and do your research on the cheapest way to move out of state, your only job will be to stick to the plan throughout the whole process. Of course, you can always make a list of questions to ask movers – after all, they’re here to help.

glass pot filled with coins
Organize your move so you avoid having any unexpected expenses down the road

The DIY Packing Materials Challenge

Some of the major sources of expenses during the relocation process are packing materials. Those who don’t know any better go all out, spending unnecessary amounts on items such as moving boxes instead of getting them for free.

Of course, if you’re dealing with extremely fragile items or particularly heavy things, you’ll need to use high-quality supplies and equipment. Booking packing services for such things is a smart move, literally. However, for everything else, you can introduce a bit of the DIY spirit into the whole process.

Get Reliable Moving and Car Shipping Services GET A QUOTE

Original Boxes Are the Best Boxes

Do you still have the original packages from your appliances, shoes, or other items? Then don’t hesitate to use them. These packages fit the dimensions of their contents perfectly, so you can rest assured it’s gonna be a safe move.

Turn to Your Local Grocer for Help

Do you have any groceries or some bigger food and beverage companies near you? Then pay them a visit and ask if they have any leftover boxes they don’t need. More likely than not, they will be happy to let you take those off their hands, and you’ve just got yourself free packing materials!

paper, bubble wrap and tape
Ask your grocer for packaging supplies - every empty box can help you a lot

Use Old Clothes and Stop Wondering How to Save on Moving Costs

Boxes aren’t the only thing you will need to pack and protect your belongings during the moving day preparations. You’ll also need supplies such as wrapping paper, bubble wrap, plastic wrap, and foam peanuts. While none of these are usually too expensive, the costs can quickly add up.

So, instead of shopping for brand-new protective materials, using some things you already have could mitigate this process. Wrap your fragile items in kitchen rags, winter hats, and other old pieces of clothing. The only thing you need to do is to make sure everything is clean and dry. You can also use newspapers instead of wrapping paper, although you will run the risk of having the ink rub off on your belongings, so make sure it’s not anything too valuable.

With Decluttering, Your Savings Are Higher and You Can Make the World a Better Place

Relocations can be pretty expensive, especially if you’re relocating from California to Florida and you’ll have to transport your stuff across the country. Aside from reusing what you have in your home to pack your belongings, you should also think about decluttering your home to reduce costs. Here’s how to do it:

  • Tackle one room or area at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed,
  • Create piles for items to keep, donate, sell, and toss,
  • If you haven’t used it in the past year, get rid of it,
  • Keep only one of each item type unless spares are essential,
  • Dedicate a specific amount of time to decluttering each day to keep momentum.

Decluttering Is an Effective Way to Reduce Costs

A big factor in the final price for most companies is the overall weight of the things or the relocation inventory. In other words, the fewer things you’re taking to the new home, the lower the costs. So, downsizing for a move is really a no-brainer.

Organize a Garage Sale and Donate What You Can’t Sell

Once you have your “leave behind” pile, we suggest organizing a garage or yard sale. This way, you will not only be reducing the weight of your shipment, but you’ll also be making some extra cash on the side.

If there are any things left after the garage sale is over, pack them into a box and take them to the nearest Goodwill Organization. Sure, you won’t make any cash off of these items, but you will still be getting rid of unnecessary cargo. Even more importantly, you will help someone in need, like small children and old people, and there’s no better feeling than that.

jar with coins spilled on the floor
One of the best ways to cut down costs is decluttering the home

How to Save Money on Moving Costs – A Few Additional Tips to Help

While we’ve covered the main tricks, there are still a lot more relocation tips that can make the whole ordeal a lot easier financially. First and foremost, you’ll have to think wisely about what kind of help you require from your cross-country movers.

When hiring a company like Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving to provide you with long-distance moving services, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. For example, that name isn’t just for show – they double as an auto transport company, and they can provide this service. So, if you need it, go for the most cost-effective options – terminal-to-terminal delivery and open trailer.

You can also schedule the move during the week, as the demand is lower and can result in a cheaper deal. Following that line of thought, relocating during the holidays is really a no-go.

Do What You Can on Your Own

Some things, such as disassembling furniture or wrapping fragile valuables, should be left to professionals. However, other tasks, such as finding the best way to pack books, are much easier and you can tackle them on your own. All in all, find the easiest way to pack when it comes to the less complex stuff and leave everything else to professionals.

person holding money
There are several ways to save your money

The Grand Finale – Saving Cash and Keeping Your Cool

Cross-country moving doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to your hard-earned cash. With these pro tips in your back pocket, you can glide through the process like a budget-savvy ninja – no sweat required! By planning ahead, getting a little creative, and making smart choices, you’ll be able to save big without sacrificing the quality of your move.

And if you’re looking for a company that’s as dedicated to your budget as you are, Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving is ready to help. We’ll make sure your move is smooth, stress-free, and easy on your wallet. Contact us today for a quote, and let’s start planning your affordable, hassle-free move!

Get a guaranteed price

      Flat Price Moving & Auto Shipping

      © Copyright 2024 © Flat Price Autotransport. All Rights Reserved.
      Download Moving Checklist
      Get a Free Estimate 888-647-0024