5 Quick Tips For Saving Money On A Cross Country Move
Moving from one coast to another is the best way to find new career, education, and social opportunities. If you're making the move on your own and don't have an employer willing to cover the costs of the journey, you'll need to do a little extra work on your end to keep the costs under control. Enjoy a more affordable long distance move by using as many of these five tips as possible.
Hire Separate Drivers
You may think that you have to take an entire package deal from a moving company, but doing a little research to hire team members separately can cut costs significantly. Most moving companies contract with drivers that own their own trucks, so you can do the same and trim down the price. Just keep in mind that the quote offered by an independent driver won't include insurance, so make sure you get separate coverage without spending more than you would by going with a complete deal from a company.
Pick the Right Time
Unless you're trying to relocate in a hurry to take advantage of a job offer that expires soon, plan your move for the right time of year to save a ton on moving company fees. These companies naturally raise their prices during periods of high demand, just like every other service provider. Avoid peak moving times like
- The middle of summer, specifically late June and all of July, since most families want to relocate during school vacation
- The end of each month, especially when the month ends on a weekend
- The smaller holiday weekends that usually result in extra days off of work
- Spring break, even if it's held on a different week at your destination.
Get Independent Insurance
Even if you're hiring a whole crew and a driver in one package deal from a moving company, you can usually save quite a bit of money by getting separate insurance for the move. The reimbursement options offered by the movers is based on their track record of breaking items instead of your history as a reliable homeowner. Most homeowner's insurance plans cost less to expand for a relocation than the fees the moving company charges for the extra protection. Even if you need to take out a separate policy, you'll either save a bundle of money or get more protection for the same price.
Try Load Consolidation
Are you choosing to drive to your new home instead of paying a fortune for airfare? A slow and meandering road trip allows you to take a vacation while crossing the country, making the most out of the long drive. If you're going to take a few days or weeks to get to your new home anyways, consider asking the movers to consolidate your load. This allows them to pack your stuff in with the boxes of other customers along the same route and deliver it a little more slowly than if you pay for direct delivery. The cost savings are significant when you don't mind waiting a little longer to unpack.
Request Weight Quotes
Finally, talk to the moving company and get individual weight-based for the larger items you want to move. By finding out exactly how much of your bill comes from things like that solid iron bed frame that weighs nearly 600 pounds, you can make informed decisions about what to bring along and what to leave behind. If some of your appliances are old and outdated, you may be able to buy a replacement at your new home for less than you'd spend just to get it loaded on the truck and transported across the country.
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