Moving to an entirely new location can be exciting, but a long distance move is a lot more challenging than a move that’s close to home. On top of that, it can be costly. If you’re trying to figure out how to save on a long distance move, these tips should be a big help.
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Pick The Right Time To Move
Can you be flexible with your moving date? If you can, you should try to avoid moving in the spring or the summer. Instead, you should try to move in the fall or the winter, when costs tend to be more inexpensive.
People generally prefer to move when temperatures are warmer. Summer is a popular season for moving because school is out of session. If you’re able to schedule your move during a less popular time, you’ll have more options, and you’ll spend less money too.
Sell & Donate Some Of Your Things
Your moving costs are going to be higher when you bring more with you. There are likely many items in your home that you don’t want, need, or use. You should try to clear out some of these items in advance of your move.
When possible, you’ll want to sell your things. That way, you’ll get the extra money that you’ll be able to put towards your move. If you have older items you can’t sell, you should donate them. You may be able to write the donation off on your taxes!
Work With Movers
You may think that the cheapest way to get through an interstate move is to do everything yourself. However, if you do the math, you may see that if you choose an out of state moving company, it is the most cost-effective option for you.
Why work with movers? As mentioned above, it’s essential to set a budget that you can stick to. When you hire movers, your moving company will be handling most moving-related tasks, and you’ll know exactly what you’re going to be spending. Beyond that, movers can help you to avoid expensive setbacks and problems.
Get Supplies For Free When You Can
You don’t necessarily have to use up your budget on moving supplies. You’ll be able to get a lot of the things you need for free. For example, grocery stores are often happy to give away cardboard boxes if you ask for them.
You should also borrow items that you can’t get for free. Do you need a rolling cart for your out of state move? You should see if you have a friend that will be able to lend this item to you. If you’re able to get the things you need for free, you can put that money towards some of your other expenses.
Make Sure You Can Stick To Your Budget
It’s one thing to set a moving budget, and it’s another thing to stay within that budget. Moving costs can add up quickly, and if you’re not careful, you could wind up spending far more than you planned to. This is more likely to happen when you’re moving long distance or out of state.
To ensure that you don’t go over your budget, you’ll want to set aside money to cover expenses you didn’t predict. If you have money for these costs in your budget, you’ll be able to stay on track even if things go wrong.
Be Smart About Grocery Shopping
You can bring pantry items with you when you move, but the perishables that are in your fridge and freezer may not survive the trip. If you’re not careful, you could wind up having to throw away many of the groceries you’ve purchased.
In the weeks leading up to your move, you should try to limit the grocery shopping. Focus on using up as much of the food in your house if you can. You’ll have a lower grocery bill in the last few weeks before your move, and that means more money for your move.
Don’t Wait To Start Planning
The most important way you can save on your move is to start preparing as soon as you can. If you put off moving plans, you’re going to have to scramble to get things done, and you could wind up spending a lot more too.
Moving takes planning, and if you’re not prepared, the costs of your move could skyrocket. You should start the planning process as soon as you start thinking about your move. Create a moving checklist and make sure you don’t overlook anything that you need to do.
Once you know how you can save on a long distance move, you’ll be able to get through your move without going over your budget. Moving can be very expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. All of these cost-cutting tips can keep your spending in check.
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