You never know when you will have to sell your house and move to a new place, but unfortunately, that was what I was faced with a few years back. I realized that I was really having a difficult time making ends meet, and so I started evaluating my options. Moving and relocating was simple, and I was really focused on saving cash. I found a cheaper apartment that worked well for my needs, and I began cutting out extra expenses to pare down the spending. I wanted to start a new website all about moving without the mayhem, so I made this little blog.
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Staying on budget can be very important for many people when moving from one home to another. That is why
When it comes to a local move, where you are moving within an hour of your current home, in the same town
When you don't have a lot of money and need to move long-distance from one state to another, finding the cheapest way to do so is probably at the top of your list. However, you have to be careful when looking for moving solutions from this angle, as the cheapest option can cost you big in other ways. Here are three ways you can move cross-country, how much each costs, and things to consider to help you choose the right one for you.
Driving Yourself
Quite possibly the cheapest way to move long-distance is to throw all your stuff in your car or truck and hit the road. Your expenses would only consist of gas, food, tolls, and lodging, which, if you're careful, may only cost you a few hundred dollars total, depending on your destination.
However, the cost of this option is directly proportional to how much stuff you have and the number of people you'll be relocating with, and it can quickly become a budget breaker. If you have more stuff that can fit in your personal vehicle, for instance, you would need to rent a moving truck. A truck that can fit the contents of a one- to two-bedroom home costs up to $2,000 for an out-of-state move, and this is on top of your other expenses.
That may still sound very cheap but, with this option, you need to also consider the hidden costs. You would have to do all the packing, loading, driving, and unloading yourself, for instance, which takes time. You may not be able to do anything to earn money (e.g., fulfill orders for your home business) during the lead up to moving day, so this option could result in you actually losing money. Additionally, you'll be on the road fighting with other drivers for dominance, which can be very stressful.
Be sure to fully consider all that's involved with this type of move to ensure it aligns with your goals and abilities.
Using a Moving Pod
Another option for moving long-distance is to make use of a moving pod. A moving company will drop off what is essentially a moving container at your home. Once you're done filling it with your belongings, the company will pick up the container and ship it to your final destination.
This option is a mix of a drive-it-yourself move and using movers to help you. You're still doing most of the work yourself, which is reflected in the cost, but the moving company is the one that actually has to manage the logistics of getting your stuff from one place to another. This leaves you the freedom to focus on other things.
However, this option has its drawbacks too. You may be charged storage fees if the company isn't able to drop the container off at your new home on the assigned date. You may also be limited in how much time you have to load and unload the container (e.g., 3 days) and may be charged more money if you take longer than contracted.
Lastly, these containers are delivered to your home. Thus, you may not be able to use this option if you don't have enough space for it or if your landlord or local city codes prohibit the use of these containers.
Long-Distance Moving Companies
A third option for moving cross-country is to use a moving company. At first glance, this may seem like the most expensive choice of the bunch (the average cost is $4,890), but it may actually save you time and money in the long run.
First, the movers will load, drive, and unload the moving van for you, so you don't have to spend your time and effort doing other more important things. Depending on the services you opt for, the movers can even pack your belongings, which can significantly reduce the risk of breakage.
Second, moving companies do provide insurance coverage, both a free and a paid option. So, if something does get broken, you can easily file a claim to get it replaced. The same can't be said with homeowner's, renter's, or auto insurance, which may reject claims for incidents that happen while you're between residences.
For help determining which option is best for you or to discuss your moving needs, contact a long-distance moving company.
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