If you’re considering a long-distance move, there are a few tips you can use to save money on moving costs. For instance, you can choose to do it yourself or hire a self-service moving company. Also, make sure to avoid moving during peak moving season. If you want to save even more money, consider downsizing your possessions. These tips can help you save on the cost of moving and ensure that everything arrives at its new home in good condition.
Do-it-yourself
Before hiring a moving company, consider these do-it-yourself long-distance moving tips. You can save a lot of money by relocating yourself. First, choose a larger truck for your move. Moving a long distance means that you must move a lot of items. It also means that you will need to move heavy items downstairs. Most people underestimate the weight of their items, so it is vital to learn how to move heavy items safely.
Secondly, consider doing the packing yourself. This will save you money and give you more control over the packing process. Start by packing smaller items like clothing and kitchenware, and move on to bigger pieces like electronics, furniture, books, and art. This way, you will be sure to pack everything safely.
Packing your items properly is essential for long-distance moves. Take extra care when packing fragile items. Use paper and bubble wrap to protect your items. Old t-shirts make good boxes for fragile items. Using old clothes also keeps your items organized and will help the movers treat your belongings with extra care.
If you are considering a do-it-yourself long-distance move, ensure that you have adequate supplies to protect your possessions from damage. You may save a lot of money by moving your belongings on your own, but skimping on the supplies could cost you more than you intended. A checklist will help you not miss any important items.
Self-service
Self-service long-distance moving can be a cost-effective option for long-distance moves. While it requires more time and effort than hiring professional movers, DIY moving can save you money and time during the move. You can do as much as possible on your own or enlist friends or family to help. Follow these tips regardless of your chosen method to ensure a smooth move.
Organize your belongings. Packing household items can take weeks, so it is best to begin as early as possible. If you leave the task to the last minute, the likelihood of your belongings surviving the move is low. Also, don’t forget to bring a cooler of snacks and drinks for your movers.
Choose your self-service moving company carefully. Many “you pack, we ship” moving companies provide limited services and will drive a moving truck to your new home. However, you will be responsible for loading and unloading your household items and packing them. This option is often unsuitable for fragile items, valuables, and speciality items.
Self-service moving can save you money. It can also be a faster option than hiring movers. The cost is significantly lower than hiring a full-service moving company. Self-service moving is also a better option for movers who aren’t comfortable driving a large truck.
If you need a long-distance moving company in Denver, CO, you can choose Green Planet Movers. Green Planet Movers is a national cross-country moving company that offers a wide range of relocation services. Their services include long-distance, interstate, and residential and commercial moving. They also offer packing and storage services. Their services make moving as painless and hassle-free as possible.
Packing checklist
Moving long distances is a big undertaking and requires a lot of planning. It’s best to start planning as soon as you know where you’re going. Whether you’re travelling across the country or relocating to the same state, a long-distance moving checklist will help you prepare for the journey.
To begin, make an inventory of your belongings. This inventory will ensure that your movers bring all of your belongings. Double-check your inventory before the movers leave for the move. This way, you’ll be able to locate anything that may have been left behind quickly.
You’ll also want to start packing the things you won’t need in the next five weeks. This includes any items you’ve chosen to sell or donate. It’s also a great time to check with your cable, internet, and utility companies to ensure you can stay connected. Many companies require a month’s notice to end contracts, so you’ll want to start early.
Whether you’re moving long-distance or across town, you’ll need to prioritize the items you plan to keep. The first box you open should contain items you’ll need for the first few weeks in your new home, such as toiletries, your favourite clothes, and personal necessities.
Avoiding peak moving season
Schedule your move during off-peak hours or mid-months to avoid paying high rates for long-distance moving. This way, you’ll have more options and lower rates. In addition, you’ll avoid the rush of weekend moving. Plan your trip well in advance if you plan to move during this time.
The cheapest moving season is late September through early April. This time of year is ideal because movers are not as busy during the summer or fall. In these months, college students and renters are usually moving out. Also, the busiest days for movers vary by city.
Moving companies typically charge more during the summer months. Moving services can be difficult to find during these months, so it’s wise to plan your move ahead of time. During non-peak months, moving rates can be as low as 30%. Also, try to schedule your move for the middle of the month. This is when most rental leases end. That way, you’ll avoid paying higher rates.
Another way to avoid expensive moving during peak moving seasons is to move during the week instead of at weekends. Moving costs can be 20-30% higher during the weekend than during the rest of the week. Also, if you have many household items, consider downsizing them. This can help you avoid paying for extra furniture and items you don’t need.
Using moving containers
Moving long distances can be expensive and time-consuming. You may not have time to pack your entire house in one day, so using a moving container is an affordable solution. Using a moving container can get all your items packed and delivered to your new home in a week or less. You can also hire help to load and unload the container to focus on the other aspects of the move. A moving container rental is more affordable than full-service van lines.
U-Pack offers moving container services nationwide. They charge only for the space used and are 60% cheaper than other moving container companies. They offer ReloCube portable storage containers, 70 inches by 82 inches by 93 inches, and 28-foot moving trailers. If you need more space for your moving items, U-Pack can deliver up to four containers on one truck.
If you are looking for an affordable way to move long distances, consider using moving containers. They come in various sizes, with small containers equivalent to a studio apartment and larger ones holding three to four bedrooms. In general, a long-distance move will cost more than a local move. Long-distance moving usually means moving more than 100 miles from your current location.
While not all moving container companies offer long-distance services, several companies specialize in affordable long-distance moving. For example, PODS offers services in the United States and Canada. They only offer services to 44 states, leaving out states like Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Puerto Rico.
Planning ahead
Planning for long-distance moving can save you money in a variety of ways. It is easier to ship some items, such as your car, to your new location than to move them yourself. You can also save money by relying on a courier service to handle fragile items. Or, you can find a friend in the area who can transport your items.
Before moving long distances:
- Decide what you need to move and what you can donate or sell. While some items may seem important to bring, others may be easier to replace or buy at your new location.
- If you don’t need these items, consider donating them or selling them online.
- Make a schedule and prioritize which items are most time-sensitive.
It is also important to consider the best day of the week for your long-distance move. For example, you may want to move at the end of the week when demand for equipment is lower and fewer people are on the road. Some companies even offer discounts for weekday moves. For these reasons, planning and booking well in advance is important. Also, consider the time of year you are moving. If you’re moving in the summer, movers are likely to be booked for weeks in advance. If you don’t plan, you may end up settling for a less reputable or more expensive option.
Moving long distances can be exhausting and expensive. But if you plan, it can go smoothly. A moving checklist can reduce stress and ensure that all your belongings arrive at your new location on time.