How to Move Your Family Across Country on a Budget
Wednesday, June 10, 2020, 6:00 PM | Leave Comment
Moving across the cross-country is a huge undertaking. Not only are you trying to figure out all of the logistics of this complicated venture, but you are also attempting to deal with the stress of uprooting your life.
This challenge is made even harder if you are trying to move without breaking the bank.
Here are five ways that you can move your family across the country on a budget.
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Timing Is Everything
The single best way that you can save money on a cross-country move is to choose your moving date wisely. When you move can have a significant impact on how much you have to pay for various services. It is no surprise to learn that the moving industry jacks up prices during high-demand times.
For example, moving over a three-day weekend such as Memorial Day will run you a lot more than moving on a random weekend in March. In general, moving during the busy summer season is substantially more expensive than doing it during the winter. You will save the most money if you move between October and April.
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Be Sure to Shop Around
In order to save the most money on your next move, you need to be committed to shopping around to find the best deal. For example, if you need to move a vehicle along with your other belongings, you should take the time to research various car shipping quotes so that you know that you are not overpaying for this service.
Prices can vary widely on all elements of shipping your belongings, making it imperative that you do your due diligence in comparing quotes. Once you have received a variety of price quotes, you need to take care to read all of the fine print. This is not a process that you want to rush through. Doing so could cost you thousands of dollars down the road.
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Cut Costs on Packing Supplies
While most people focus on the cost of the freight when moving, the actual cost of the packing supplies can also begin to add up quickly. You can cut down on the overall costs of the move by taking care to save as much money as possible on your supplies. Begin asking around for free boxes well in advance of your move. You may be surprised to learn how many of your friends have boxes that they need to get rid of.
You may also find luck checking with online community groups. Nearby retailers are a good source for free bubble wrap and other types of protective supplies that you will need to wrap your breakables. By saving money on this portion of the move, you will free up more cash to use for other things.
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Use a Portable Moving Container
One of the most popular alternatives to hiring a full-service mover is to rent a portable moving container. A benefit of using this type of container is that it also doubles as a storage solution both before and after the move. Rather than having to load all of your belongings onto a moving truck in one day because you are on the clock, you can take your time packing up your pod and simply take it with you.
There are a variety of vendors that utilize this type of solution, giving you loads of options when trying to find the best fit for your budget and needs.
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Negotiate with Your Employer
If you are moving because of a job, now is the time to speak up and negotiate with your employer about covering some of the moving costs. Do not be afraid to ask what type of financial assistance they may be able to provide for the move. If your company agrees to pay for all or part of the move, be sure to learn about what they will reimburse and save any of your receipts for transportation, supplies, and labor.
With all of the additional costs associated with moving across the country and relocating your life, it makes sense to want to save on the actual move. Employing these five tips will help to ensure that you are getting the most out of your moving dollar.
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