Take a deep breath and think about your upcoming cross-country move. Sure, there’s the excitement of a fresh start in a new place; however, when you see the price tag of a long-distance move, it can quickly dampen your enthusiasm. That said, you don’t have to empty your bank account to move cross country. With some planning, ingenuity and — let’s be honest — hard work, you can lower your long-distance moving bill substantially.
In this article, we’ll show you ten ways to manage your move and your moving budget without a lot of hassle and expense. We’ll also share a few insider tips about how to compare moving quotes, downsize clutter and pack efficiently. Let’s go!
Do Your Research
Planning is crucial for a smooth long-distance move. Research moving companies thoroughly. Read reviews, get multiple quotes and ask about any additional fees. Don’t just go with the cheapest option. With a reputable moving company like Mayflower, you’ll find that many benefits — including Full Value Protection — are already included in your move estimate. For that matter, there’s no cost or obligation involved with getting a quote from us. Why not get started on your research right now?
Be Flexible on Timing
Keep in mind that peak moving season typically runs from May through September. This is because it’s not only vacation time, but also a opportunity for families with children to smoothly relocate “between grades.” If possible, try to plan your move during the off-season to take advantage of lower rates. Because of the expiration of rental leases and preferred closing dates, the end of the month is always busiest for movers, so try to plan your move mid-month. Also keep in mind that weekday moves tend to be less costly than moves which happen over a weekend.
Make Travel Plans Well in Advance
Will your long-distance move involve multiple days of driving or air travel to your new destination? Making your travel plans early can save you considerable money and it’s a lot less stressful than last-minute scrambling. Use travel discounts available from organizations like AAA and AARP to save on hotel rooms and be sure to let them know well in advance if your plans should change. Insider tip: If you’re driving, this is a great time to schedule a tune-up for your car.
Use Up the Food You Already Have
A month of dining out or Grubhub-ing before move day can quickly “eat up” all your savings. Be creative with what you have left in your fridge and freezer. Since most frozen foods cannot be moved, and canned goods just add to the weight of your shipment (and the overall cost), start using up the frozen foods and other perishable items you have first. You can always donate any non-perishables to a food bank or organization such as Move For Hunger. Ask your mover whether they participate in this or a similar program.
Get Your Dues Back
It’s easier to get your apartment or utility deposit back before you move – and if you paid a pet deposit, see if you can get that back as well. Don’t forget about items you might have left on layaway or items that are being cleaned, stored or repaired. Also stop by your gym to see if you can sell your membership, get a partial refund, or transfer your membership to your new location.
Contact the IRS
Notify the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about your change of address. Each year, the post office is unable to deliver thousands of tax refund checks. One of the main reasons is that people don’t inform the IRS of their new residence. A change of address form (Form No. 8822) is available on the IRS website.
Pack Yourself
Hiring professional packers is certainly a lot more convenient; however, going the DIY route may save you money on your long-distance move. The trick here is packing your belongings correctly. Give yourself a good six weeks to pack and get ready for a move. Ask your moving company for information on do-it-yourself packing to protect your belongings. Even better, use Mayflower’s Packing 101 Guides, checklists and video tutorials to help make the whole process easier to manage.
Declutter to Raise Cash
Remember, the more stuff you move, the more it will cost. Go room-by-room and ruthlessly declutter. Sell, donate, or toss anything you don’t absolutely need. Not sure how? We’ve gamified the process with our special Take or Toss Guide. Check it out.
Garage sales, flea markets and auctions both in-person and online are great ways to lighten your long-distance moving load. Sometimes selling items to a consignment shop can bring in more money than selling them at a garage sale – and it is less work for you. To help you get started, Mayflower has put together a collection of tips and tricks to turn your unwanted items into extra cash.
Donate What’s Left
If you donate your items to charity, remember to ask for a receipt so you can document it on your income tax return. Check out Mayflower’s list of charities that offer free pickup.
Grab All the Move-in Perks and Freebies
Be on the lookout for coupons, discounts and free offers from local businesses once you are settled. Don’t automatically toss out what looks like junk mail during this time because you could be throwing away free money!
Moving or About to Move?
Get a no-obligation quote from Mayflower, the nation’s most trusted mover. Count on us and our expert full-service moving packages, packing and unpacking services and other moving solutions.
Need tips on packing specific types of items? Check out Mayflower’s comprehensive tips and guides. We hope your journey to Finding Home is smooth and successful.
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