10 Cost Saving Strategies for Relocating with Long Distance Movers

There may be countless reasons why you have decided to undertake a long-distance move. Maybe the employment options are too alluring, or there is a good chance of business flourishment. Or maybe you have finally decided to join the rest of your family across the seven seas. Either way, the relocation is planned, and the long-distance movers are here.

The process is exciting and thrilling in its way. However, since long-distance moves have numerous other aspects, one is always intrigued to save a few pennies. So, how would you do that without compromising on your priorities? Here are some timeless tips for your assistance!

Fail-Proof Strategies to Ensure Cost Effectiveness with Long-Distance Movers

Moves comprising journeys more than 100 miles fall in the long-distance categories of the moving companies [1]. Naturally, the movers helping you complete these moves rank as long-distance movers. However, they don’t come cheap.

1. Go Diverse

When selecting long-distance movers, it is important to ask around. Contact and inquire about long-distance moving services from different movers. Opting for in-home estimates will help you get accurate figures from different movers and ultimately select the right long-distance moving professionals for your move.

Researching multiple options may also help you encounter seasonal sales or discounts. Moreover, you can also consider out-of-state moving companies with affordable rates. Also, many movers offer first-time service concessions.

2. Put In Some Effort

Moving companies charge for everything they touch, literally! Hence, it is wise to do some heavy lifting on your own. You’ll require their services for some daunting tasks like loading and unloading shipments. However, you can do some tasks to save some green.

For instance, you can pack all your belongings and skip the packing services from professional movers. Likewise, you can gather moving boxes from neighbors, friends, or family and avoid purchasing moving supplies from the market.

3. Don’t Be Shy To Declutter

You don’t have to take everything from your old home to your new home. It increases the size of your shipment and results in expensive moving. Hence, you must sort out what you can sell and repurchase later.

Set up a garage sale, donate or gift the items you no longer need or won’t be needing instantly after relocating. It will minimize the overall size of the shipment and also bring in instant cash, which you can use to fulfill other tasks or expenses.

4. Plan And Strategize

Let’s face it: long-distance movers are not cheap, but the right planning can help save money. When commencing a cross-country state, picking inexpensive hotels and economic routes is important to help save money. Moreover, if you rent lodgings or storage options, pick locations close to your new home to reduce costs and additional mileage.

Consider booking a room early for better prices. Opt for reputable local gas stations, which can also suggest the shortest routes to save additional costs. [2]

5. Have Some Backup

After hiring the right long-distance moving companies, finding the important services you’ll need after arriving at your new home is critical. For instance, you’ll need professional services for furniture assembly, unpacking, and cleaning etc.

You can pre-book professionals, but it may result in additional costs. Therefore, several mobile applications are available to help you locate service providers instantly at unfamiliar locations.

6. Shared Loading Is Incredible

Most people choose independent moving services for long distances. It is beneficial when transporting fragile stuff and heirlooms but proves expensive for common belongings. Shared loading is a great breakthrough here.

It is a trailer carrying belongings from different households in approximately the same direction or location. Many long-distance movers offer shared loading, and the final expense is decided based on the space occupied in the truck. [3]

7. Use Your Negotiation Skills

Negotiating can significantly level up your money-saving game when moving with private movers. However, it is also important to remember that not all long-distance moving companies are open to negotiations. Some companies offer price-matchings in which you receive lower prices than the ones quoted before.

You can further reduce the overall moving expense by offering packing supplies, packing yourself, and disassembling easier furniture items.

8. Prefer Off Seasons

Peak seasons are the most expensive and uncertain as everyone tries to grab every last spot on the long-distance moving companies list. Usually, the peak moving season lasts from May to August [4]. Moreover, times like weekends, holidays, and starting days of the month are often expensive.

In contrast, off-peak seasons, like months from October to April, are significantly cheaper. Moreover, mid-week and mid-month moves are also inexpensive because the movers don’t have much on their plates.

9. Book The Movers At The Right Time

One of the key mistakes most homeowners make when hiring moving services for long distances is not booking the movers at the right time. It is advisable to reserve your long-distance movers a month or two before the move so you have the time to arrange other movers if there are any fluctuations in their availability.

If you plan to relocate in the summer months, consider booking movers in February or March to reap the economic benefits without losing your spot.

10. Ask For Help

Relocating is not an easy task, and in the case of long-distance moves, things become dangerously challenging. Hence, there is no shame in asking for help. Ask your friends, neighbors, and family to help you complete the tasks on your moving checklist.

You can arrange some games and a little get-together so everyone can cheer up after completing their assigned tasks. It will make those tired evenings more memorable, shipping you towards a new journey with great memories.

The Bottom Line

Long-distance moves are not a child’s play. You have to deal with logistics, last-minute packing, setting up utilities, etc. However, managing the budget is the most prominent aspect, even if you hire the best moving companies long distance.

Here, we have highlighted the most effective tips for saving costs when relocating with long-distance movers. Start by decluttering, booking movers in advance, and doing most of the work yourself. Also, planning your routes, having instant services on stand-by, and picking off-peak seasons ensure the best budget management.

FAQs

What is regarded as a long-distance move?

The categorization varies from mover to mover. However, as a generic rule, moves over 450 miles are categorized as long-distance moves. [5]

Can downsizing belongings save money during a move?

Yes, decluttering can help save costs. Sell or donate items you no longer need to lighten the load and reduce transportation costs significantly.

How can I avoid hidden fees when hiring long-distance movers?

Get a detailed estimate, inquire about potential additional charges, and clarify all terms before signing any contracts to avoid any unexpected expenses.