Cross-country relocations can be exciting and yet at the same time be stressful since they are associated with complexities and expenses. As stated by the Forbes Home article the average cost of a long-distance relocation is $4,400,
Regarding organizational transition, proper and efficient planning and consideration of the financial aspect are imperative. Here, you’ll find a strategy that you can follow to save as much money as possible when relocating long distance.
Step 1: Research and Plan Ahead
Planning is a very important factor that would enable a move to be successful as it would begin early enough. Start by comparing the various moving companies and their charges as a base. While selecting a long-distance moving company, one has to take into account the experience in years, the availability of storage facilities, the type of trucks used, and if the company offers packing services. Getting to deal with a company that meets all your needs, such as prioritizing and taking care of your items as you deem fit, will avoid the expense of rushing to get them at the last minute. The study from Consumer Reports also indicated that anyone willing to compare rates from several establishments should expect savings of up to 40 percent on the general moving fees.
Step 2: Declutter and Downsize
One of the most important pieces to know to cut down and reduce overall transportation costs is to minimize the volume of items you will still bring to your new place.
Sort through your personal and general items and determine what you want vs. need to keep, what you want to sell, donate, or simply throw away. You can donate items to charity and sell or discard items such as toys, clothes, and other stuff by having a garage sale or selling the items online. According to the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, efficient sorting is the simplest and most effective way to minimize the number of items that are moved and, hence, the moving costs.
Step 3: Get Multiple Quotes
Do not hurry to be offered a given quote within your project. Procure quotes from at least three movers to make a comparison of the companies’ services, their charges, and clients’ feedback. This step can be helpful in assuring that you get the right deal that would cost you the least while delivering the best value. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), one should get as many carriers as possible to tender offers, ensuring the correct price of the desired service is secured against gouging and other trade tricks.
Step 4: Choose the Right Time to Move
You will notice that the cost of a move depends on the time of the year it is being conducted. Travel during late March or September because hotel rates will be comparatively lower. Tender the turnkey supplier to avoid the specific days of the week and specific days that attract high rates. If you are moving to a new house, hiring a mid-month, mid-week company would also prove cheap. As exemplified, the moving rates of a given company are often between 20-30% more affordable as compared to the rates at peak hours.
Step 5: Pack Efficiently
Pack smart to pay less for packing. Pack your items on your own or look for cheap packing services to save money. Boxes should also be well labeled to ease unpacking and avoid damage to some of the goods. The organization lets you save on fees and adequately arrange your things simultaneously.
Step 6: Update Your Address and Utilities
You should ensure that you give important people, such as the post office, banks, and any companies that send you things, your new address. Always unsubscribe from services at your old address and subscribe to the same at your new address in advance. This step even excludes extra charges or implications that might develop at this stage, hence creating a perfect flow.
The Bottom Line
Following these recommendations can help make a long-distance move cheap and easier when planning ahead. People always believe that a well-planned and budgeted move is not only monetary but also moving-wise. Start preparing today and receive all the advantages of proper preparation to move!
