Cheapest Ways to Move Cross Country

This article contains very relevant information about moving cross country for those who need to save funds. The reader will learn our top moving tips while also learning where to cut corners in order to save hard-earned money.

• Start early with the planning phase to save.
• Source as many free boxes and moving supplies as possible.
• Plan ahead for all your family members’ needs (doctors records, pet services, school registration timelines, and more).
• Plan a fun road trip for the family to break up the move time.
• Book your iMoving cross country movers team as in advance as you possibly can to lock down the best deals.
• Label each and every box while packing up to ensure a stress-free and less time-demanding unpacking experience. 
• Don’t stress out the family, moving can be done in steps and nothing is worth stressing over.
• Plan out your detailed inventory list so you can verify that your mover really brought all your items to your new home.
• Treat yourself to coffee outside your home and bagels in those last days. Sometimes the stress of cooking can add to moving stress and be unhealthy. 
• Take breaks when needed and ensure to stay hydrated throughout the moving process.
• Keep your smiles up and get excited for your new life and adventures in your new home.
• Moving cross country is a huge accomplishment, so celebrate the small milestones along the way.

You will be shocked at the small things you can do that will really help you save big time. Moving across the US is never a cheap endeavor, but when done right you can save big.

Here are our top tips from experience: 

1. Plan Ahead: Start planning your move early on in the process to have enough time to budget, research, and compare moving companies, find the best deals on supplies, or source them for free.
2. Schedule Off Peak Moving Dates: This can save you hundreds of dollars just by changing the date or time slightly. Ask your mover or play around with the calendar feature to understand what is best. Try mid-week or afternoon slots. Try to avoid peak moving times such as weekends, holidays, and the summer months when moving costs tend to be higher.
3. Declutter: Before you start packing, really go through your things and get rid of all of the items you no longer need or use. You can have a garage sale or just give them away. This reduces the volume of things you have to move and can save on packing materials and transportation costs.
4. Compare Moving Quotes That Are Binding: Get quotes from multiple moving companies on iMoving and compare their services and prices. If you use iMoving, all of the vendors will be reputable companies with good reviews. This will save you valuable time and money.
5. Pack Up Yourself: Packing yourself and not relying on external services provided by moving companies will save you hundreds. Collect free boxes from local stores or use reusable containers instead of buying new boxes. DIY moves are the cheapest.
6. Use a Portable Storage Container: Consider using a portable storage container like PODS instead of hiring a full-service moving company. This is usually more cost-effective as you load and unload the container yourself and can set your own timeline.
7. Ship Your Car: If you're driving across the country, consider shipping your car instead of driving it yourself. This can save on gas, wear and tear on your vehicle, and travel expenses. Compare the two options and see if with flights for your family what makes sense.
8. Discounts: Check if you qualify for any discounts, such as military discounts or discounts for AAA members, when booking moving services or buying supplies at your local stores. Consider using a credit card to book your movers which is a big expense that offers travel rewards or cash back on purchases.
9. Budget Ahead: Create a detailed budget for your move and stick to it. Keep track of expenses and look for ways to cut costs where possible, such as eating in instead of dining out during your move.

What can we say, we weren’t all born to royal families with unlimited budgets. Since we need to save a buck or two, here is a list of extra add-on services you should avoid to keep your moving package as basic as possible. 

1. Packing services 

• VIP service where movers pack up your current home and unpack it in your new home

2. Furniture disassembly and assembly 

• If you can do this yourself with friends you will save big. Don’t break your own furniture. 

3. Storage solutions

• This means timing your arrival just perfectly to avoid big storage fees.

4. Vehicle shipping

• A road trip will solve this problem.

5. Specialty item moving (pianos, antiques)

• If you have very special and fragile items make sure they fit in your personal car.

6. Moving supplies and boxes

• Take the time to scout out locations that will give you free previously used cartons to save big.

7. Cleaning services (pre-move or post-move)

• Go do the dirty work yourself to save on cleaning fees.

8. Moving Insurance

• Take the basic plan and pray.

9. Pet transportation services

• Floppy will just have to come with you. Anyway he will be happier.

10. Senior moving services

• Help grandma yourself to win the grandkid of the year award.

All in all, moving across the country while having a low budget isn’t a simple task. By cutting out all the excess fluff that moving companies offer such as packing services and assistance breaking down your big items, you can really save.