6 Tips to Save Money During a Long-Distance Move
If you are planning to move out of state this year, you are probably wondering, “How much does it cost to move long-distance?” Prices of a long distance move can vary dramatically depending on a number of factors and can average out around $5,000, so budgeting is smart!
The Careful Moving & Storage team has been helping people move into their new homes in and around Santa Rosa for over 45 years. We know a thing or two about long-distance moving costs. Here are six tips to help you save time and money when moving long-distance!
1. CUT COSTS ON TRAVEL EXPENSES DURING A LONG DISTANCE MOVE
It can help to think of moving long-distance like planning a vacation, or a road trip. A lot of the same costs you would need to consider budgeting for will apply for your move.
If your personal vehicle is making the move with you, it’s important to give it a proper tune-up and ensure it’s going to make it on the long journey ahead. Check the local weather forecasts, and road conditions ahead of time to avoid costly detours and delays, and to ensure your journey is as safe and efficient as possible.
If you are moving out of state, you will likely be traveling for more than a day, which means you’ll be living on the road for at least the night. Skip the cheap roadside diners and bring your own food, snacks, and beverages to save money. Plan where you’ll be stopping and book ahead of time to get a lower rate. Plus, if you can find a hotel that provides a continental breakfast, you can fill up on free food before hitting the road again in the morning!
2. CUT COSTS ON MOVING SUPPLIES
Packing and preparing your belongings to ensure they make it to your new home in one piece requires study boxes, protective coverings, and way more tape then you would expect. So before you have even hit the road, your moving budget could be a lot tighter than you expected due to the cost of supplies alone.
Save some money by asking friends and family for spare boxes and packing materials, or check local online groups that may be looking to give some away. Oftentimes there will be plenty to spare after someone else has just completed a move. You can also ask your local grocery store if they have any extra cardboard boxes. Grocers receive fresh products almost every day, so call around and ask if they would be able to give you any.
Similarly, hiring professional movers like the Careful Moving crew can save you tons of time, money, and worry. We provide you with all the expenses up-front, and you can rest assured all your belongings are packed securely for the journey to your new home.
3. AVOID PEAK MOVING TIMES TO LOWER COSTS
You might be surprised to learn that the time, day, and season can all affect the cost of your move. For instance, weekends, the beginning and end of a month, and the summer season can drive up the demand for moving services. Between June and September is when we see the most moving action in Santa Rosa and throughout Sonoma County.
Scheduling your moving dates outside of peak moving times can make your move less stressful. It can also greatly reduce the cost to move long-distance. If moving during a peak season is unavoidable, make sure to book your movers far enough in advance to ensure they are available.
4. LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD BEFORE MOVING LONG DISTANCE
A tougher move consisting of many large, difficult to reach items, such as a piano on the top floor of an apartment building, will be more expensive. These items take up more space on a moving truck and a lot more effort to move from one place to another. It may even require additional trucks or special equipment depending on the items, all contributing to a higher price tag.
Offset some moving costs and lessen the load with a garage sale for the items, clothes, and furniture you don’t want to bring with you. Sell or donate anything remaining to local consignment shops and local charities. Make sure to keep your receipts for the tax write-offs!
Consider if your long distance move is more difficult than a standard move when doing your own cost research, or reach out to professional movers for an accurate and free estimate.
5. IT PAYS TO BE PROTECTED WITH VALUATION COVERAGE
Ensuring the safety and security of your personal belongings is a crucial piece of a successful long distance move. Valuation coverage can protect you from losing money due to lost or damaged items during your long-distance relocation.
Valuation Coverage is the amount of liability a professional moving company will reimburse you for if something is lost or damaged while in their possession. An experienced long-distance mover will always handle your belongings with the highest quality care. Family heirlooms, antiques, collectibles, and your other prized possessions are often irreplaceable and require extra responsible care during a move. That is why the Careful Moving team includes Antique Specialists & Piano moving experts to help move your most delicate of items.
The Careful Moving team is trained to handle fragile antiques, expensive electronics, big bulky furniture, and much more. But in the event of an unforeseen accident, we will always have you covered.
6. HIRE A PROFESSIONAL LONG-DISTANCE MOVING COMPANY
The cost of moving on your own might seem cheaper, but there are a lot of surprise expenses to take into account with a DIY long-distance move. Moving to a new state on your own is extremely labor intensive, and renting a cheap moving truck might not be the bargain it seems to be.
When you hire professional long-distance movers you can gather quotes and choose a reputable company that suits your needs and budget. Your moving team will be equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to ensure your long-distance move is as efficient and stress-free as possible. The expert moving team at Careful Moving can provide you with your costs upfront, so you know exactly how much you will pay and what is included in the price.
So you can skip the backache and enjoy the journey to your new home!
Contact the Long-Distance Movers at Careful Moving & Storage for a Free Moving Estimate Today
There are a lot of factors that affect the cost to move long-distance. Peace of mind shouldn’t be one of them. Careful Moving & Storage Inc. has been providing professional long distance moving services since 1963 to Santa Rosa and Sonoma County. Our commitment to customer service and quality care makes us stand out for your long distance or interstate move!
Contact Santa Rosa’s #1 local moving company, Careful Moving, for a free long distance move estimate today.