May 26, 2022

5 Ways to Save Money on Long-Distance Moves

Packing up and moving across the country can be very exciting and also expensive. When planning these big moves, people are often shocked to discover just how much it costs to move a house and transport a vehicle.

To help take the sting out of your cross-country adventures, here are five ways you can help reduce the costs of home and auto transport.

Sell What You Can Before You Go

If you have been putting off your spring cleaning, the right time to finally get it done is before you embark on a long-distance move. Moving companies charge by weight and the more you can purge the less you’ll pay.

Consider selling heavier items, like armours, large furniture, and appliances, before moving and purchasing new or used items once you arrive at your destination. Not only will you save a ton on shipping, but you won’t have long waits to receive your belongings.

TVs are another area where you might want to purge as these fragile items cost more to ship and there are no guarantees they will make it intact.

Don’t Leave Booking Auto Transport Until the Last Minute

The last thing you might think about packing up and moving are the things you use daily, like your vehicle. Car transport companies book up quickly, especially during the peak summer season. To ensure you get the dates you want at the lowest price possible, research car transport companies early and talk to several before booking. Make sure to ask about their rate structure and shipping policies to avoid any nasty delivery day surprises, and book your auto transport as soon as possible when you’ve found a company you feel confident with.

Get Quotes from More Than One Moving Company

Moving company rates can vary quite a lot, so don’t jump on the first quote you get. Interviewing several companies can help you better understand the going rate for your move, and it will also help you understand the service options provided by different companies.

For example, certain full-service moving companies will cover everything, including packing, loading, transport, and even unpacking your belongings at the destination. These companies will charge significantly more than a budget mover paid to move things from point A to B.

Choose the Right Time to Go

Most people prefer to move during the summer which makes summer the most expensive time to move- especially cross-country. If you can schedule your move for off-peak months between September and May, you’ll save on your moving costs and auto transport and have a larger pool of companies to choose from.

Share a Truck

If you are in no rush to get your goods and do not require an entire truck to accommodate your shipment, you can save a lot by sharing space with other customers. This might mean your moving truck makes several stops on its way to your destination so be prepared for a lengthy wait.