Tips to Save Money on an Interstate Move
It’s never easy to move–especially if you’re moving long distances. Thankfully, there are ways to save money and still get quality service when it comes to relocating your personal possessions. Here are some tips we’ve compiled:
Find a good company
You can’t just hire any random company that offers “cheap interstate moves” and expect good results when it comes to moving. When Moving on a tight budget, use online reviews and customer testimonials as a first filter to sort out the pros from the cons: those with satisfied customers will be more than happy to provide you with some background information on their services and customer support.
Get an estimate on the cost
Once you’ve found a few companies that seem like they’re worth contacting, ask them for an estimate before signing anything official. A binding contract is not something you want to rush into–why sign up for something that might end up costing more than what was presented? You wouldn’t want to be stuck with extra fees or charges; of course, neither do they.
Get what you pay for
This point is especially true when it comes to the safety of your possessions. If price is an issue, remember that you get what you pay for–often, companies will take shortcuts to save money, resulting in either damage or loss of items during transport. Ask yourself if it’s worth saving a bit on moving costs when it means your possession are no longer reliable enough to function as useable objects. This might not seem like much at first, but imagine how little it would be worth once damaged! The same goes for their truck and drivers: poorly maintained vehicles result in accidents more often than others–you don’t want to risk property damage or injury while no one is watching out for you, do you?
Do the move yourself
There’s no reason to pay for professional movers if you’re moving a short distance, perhaps within the same state. You can hire a company or individual to help you when it comes to packing and driving, but when it comes down to actually carrying your items out of one home and into another–you can do that all by yourself! It might not be easy, but the savings in time and cost will make an effort worth it!
Split up boxes between rooms
One way to save time during a move is to save money: instead of packing everything into standard boxes, which are then placed into larger boxes for easier transportation, try splitting similar things up into smaller boxes. For example, instead of having your bathroom essentials go together in one box, place them into separate boxes which are labeled “Bathroom 1”, “Bathroom 2,” etc. This will help you find what you need more quickly and easily when it comes to unpacking–all the while making your new home seem a little bit more familiar!
Don’t skimp on paper products
If cost is an issue, don’t skimp on the paper products–things like toilet paper, sponges, cleaning supplies, etc. You might also want to consider purchasing some of these items in bulk; remember that they’ll have to be stored somewhere until the move-out day! Of course, if you’re traveling further away, it may make sense to get everything at–keep in mind that you’ll have to pack it all up first.
Pack a few simple food items
If cost is an issue, remember that the most expensive part of moving is actually eating–especially if your move happens over a longer period! Even though you might think it’s safe to rely on fast food or restaurants during these times, keep in mind that they’re also more costly than the average meal from home. For example, cereal and milk for breakfast will be much cheaper than even McDonalds–not only that, but it’ll help curb those hunger pangs which might tempt you into spending more money than initially planned if not satisfied! Plus, everyone knows that nothing beats a good bowl of cereal anyways.
Use boxes when packing
When it comes to packing, using boxes you already have is one of the cheapest ways to go. If they’re in good enough condition to hold things without ripping, broken lids, or handles–use them! Remember that they’ll need to be part of your load, so make sure there’s nothing too fragile inside them! Also, don’t forget about recycling: even if you list all the appropriate recycle codes for paper and plastic items–why not take a few extra minutes before throwing away your moving boxes? You never know when new tenants might move into your old place, which means anything marked with this code could always come in handy!
Be flexible with the dates of the move
If you’re planning on using professional movers, ask them about possible discounts if they are willing to work around your schedule. This is especially useful for those who are moving over a holiday weekend or during summer months when student traffic may increase–you might just find that the company offers savings specifically on these days!
Shop around for the best price
When it comes to professional movers, sometimes you really do get what you pay for. But if no real extras are being offered–try calling around before committing with one company. Not only will this help reduce costs but even more importantly can be used as a negotiating tool when attempting to lower the final bill! For example, perhaps your mover offers you an additional free hour of service after your move is complete at no cost to yourself–by shopping around beforehand, you’ve just saved money!
Conclusion
So whether you’re moving down the street or across the country–remember that living in your new place shouldn’t be so hard on your wallet! Try following these simple steps to save money and get things done more efficiently.
