There are many ways to save money even when you are going to the other side of the country.Get rid of as many of your possessions as you can.No matter which transportation method you choose, it will save you money.Once you've arrived, take a well-earned break and plan out your trip in advance.
Step 1: It's a good idea to clean your home.
It is a good idea to do a little spring cleaning.You can sort through all the things you own.Take an inventory because it will be more than you think.If you want to save, you should sort your possessions into groups of necessities.Pack similar items into groups.Pack pans and pots together.
Step 2: You should get rid of items that aren't important to you.
The amount of stuff you need to transport is the big expense, but this is something you can control.Throw away everything you don't need.If you can, leave furniture and electronics in large items because they are hard to move.Food, books, toys, and clothing may be cheaper to replace than to move.There are well worn items that should be left behind.It might cost more to ship your old TV than it is worth.
Step 3: Heavy items should be left behind.
Large objects are the most expensive to move.When you move, couches, chairs, and bookcases can be left behind and replaced for less.If they are worth the trouble, calculate them into your moving expenses.After you have moved into your new home, you can get rid of your couch and pick up a used one from a secondhand shop.
Step 4: Sell anything you don't want to keep.
You can have a yard sale or post items for sale on websites.You can make extra cash by reducing your moving burden.It is possible to offset some of the cost of moving.
Step 5: Donate items that you can't sell.
If you have something that can help someone, bring it to the thrift shop.Clothes and furniture may be needed by other people in your community.Friends and family may have a use for what you own.
Step 6: You can find free boxes at stores in your area.
Ask the stores for spare cardboard boxes.Shops will give the boxes away for free if they throw them away.Fast food restaurants, bookstores, and liquor stores have a lot of strong cardboard boxes to give away.You can also check out sites like Freecycle and the U-Haul message boards.There are boxes for you nearby.In the weeks leading up to your move, save any boxes you receive in the mail to reuse as moving boxes.
Step 7: Make a budget for your move.
List your transport options and expenses on a piece of paper.If you are willing to pay, set a maximum amount.Continue to change your plans and reduce your possessions in order to save money because moving is more expensive than you think.
Step 8: Get cheaper costs by avoiding peak moving season.
The peak moving season is when schools are out.Many people travel during these times so moving and transportation companies increase their rates.You can save money by moving during the middle of the week.
Step 9: You should find a place to live before you leave.
If you end up living in a hotel, there will be an unexpected expense.You can save money by staying with friends or family in the area.It's a good idea to use cheap rooms and similar services until you find a home.It is possible to research at home to find a permanent residence, but it is not as good as visiting in person.
Step 10: How will you get yourself across the country?
Keeping in mind that your choice is heavily related to how you want to move your possessions, plan your own trip.It means packing light if you are flying.Extra costs and planning come with driving, so consider what option is best for you.You don't need to plan for fuel, food, or places to sleep with flying.You can take your own vehicle or truck with you when you drive.You can also take a bus or train.This is a cheap way to travel.
Step 11: If you bring pets, factor in moving costs.
It costs a lot to research a pet.You should have a carrier cage, a supply of food and a place that is pet-friendly.How much airlines charge for pets, what health documentation you need, and where they put them on the plane are things to research if you are flying.Taking precautions to make the trip as safe as possible for the pets is important.
Step 12: The costs of different shipping methods can be compared.
You can find contact information on the websites of companies that provide shipping services.They can give you estimates on how much it costs to move.To figure out which service works best for your situation, read about and consider the benefits and drawbacks of the service.Pack lightly, drive, or ride a train across the country is the cheapest way to move.You may have to give up more of what you own.You don't have to worry about moving your possessions if you hire a moving service.Flying to your destination will save you money.If you decide to use a moving service, make sure it is insured.
Step 13: You can save money by sending essentials through the mail.
Pack some clothing into a box and send it to your new location through a variety of services.You can send heavier things, like books, through ground shipping.If you can't fit everything in another transportation option, this is a great way to save money.You will need a place to send these items.If you know someone who can get them to you when you arrive, arrange for a place to stay in advance.
Step 14: There is a low cost to fly on a commercial airline with a few suitcases.
You can travel cheaply if you don't have furniture.Extra savings can be found by searching for a budget airline.You can pack a suitcase for free.Extra suitcases can be packed for a small fee.This is a cheap option even with the fees.This kind of moving involves checking the bags on the flight.When you get to the airport, put the bags in the check-in counter.Pack lightly, since bags come at a price.You will need to take the bags to and from the airport on your own.
Step 15: You can use a bus or train to move heavy items.
You can use either Greyhound or Amtrak.You have to bring your items with you to the bus or train.It is cheaper than using a moving truck.Heavy boxes and furniture are usually accepted by these services.If the services have a line from your old destination to your new one, you should contact them.Sometimes this isn't possible.It costs extra to have these services deliver to your door.
Step 16: Extra expenses can be avoided by packing anything you can fit into your car.
It's the most obvious solution since it gets you and your necessities to your destination.You won't have a lot of space for supplies, so limit yourself to important items like food, clothing, and valuables.You have to plan out your route and have a budget for gas and other supplies.Take care of the wear and tear on your vehicle.
Step 17: Renting a trailer will allow you to move more possessions.
The cheapest way to move things is through the hauling method.Call U-Haul and other companies to get estimates.If you have a vehicle, you can bring it with you if you pay for gas.You should be able to drop off the trailer in your new location.It would be unpleasant to have to drive all the way back to get the trailer.Larger trucks can be rented from these companies.They are more expensive than trailers and you would need someone else to drive your vehicle if you have one.
Step 18: There is a way to move a few heavy possessions.
Private contractors are able to bid on what you need to move.You don't have to do any of the work, so it's a great way to move difficult items like TVs, motorcycles, and even pets.You can take the cheapest method of transportation if the contractor delivers it to your new home.It takes time to get good bids and so put the listing up weeks in advance of your move.trusting the contractor is how this service is used.Someone who is highly rated can ruin your items.
Step 19: If you want to avoid packing and planning, hire cross country movers.
The hassle of moving is taken care of by moving companies.Move what you want to bring to the truck.This is an efficient way of moving a lot of stuff because they will unload it when you arrive.It will be the most expensive option.Call these companies to get estimates, then schedule pick up and drop off times for your items.You should estimate the weight of your boxes.The cost of heavier boxes is higher.Be aware of the fees.If you want to get the best quality service and ensure that your items are taken care of, you need to hire an insured moving service with good reviews.
Step 20: Before you leave, plan your route.
You should get a map and research your route once you're settled on transportation.If you want to stay on track, you need to copy any directions.Avoid tourist traps along the way, as they burn through your funds.
Step 21: The cheapest gas stations are on the way.
Outside of major cities and suburbs are the cheapest gas stations.When the time is right, avoid taking detours and fuel up at isolated gas stations that charge more.You can use a gas price phone app to find the cheapest gas.
Step 22: You can arrange stays at hotels along your route.
You can search online for hotels on your route.Motels and hostels have the best rates.Beware of high prices in large cities, travel hubs and isolated areas.It's possible to save more money by arranging stays through a website.Carefully read and research these offers to make sure they are legit.You may be able to find camping spots along your route.It's a great way to stretch your legs and save money if you have a tent.
Step 23: Save money by packing your own food.
You can bring snacks, but not your fridge.Less stopping on the road and spending money means less non-perishables such as peanut butter, chips, beef jerky, and bottled drinks.If you have enough space, you can bring a cooler with ice to fill it.Don't go to gas stations and restaurants if you need to stop for food.The cost increases quickly.