Cheapest Way to Move Cross Country

How to Move Cross Country Cheap

You’re planning a long-distance move, and you don’t want to break the bank. We know that a big move can be expensive. But, with some planning, you can get what you need and save some money, too. Here are some tips on finding the cheapest way to move cross country.

Set a Moving Timeline

Once you decide to move, pick a target moving date ASAP. Allow yourself at least eight weeks to execute your plan.

However, if you’re moving during peak season (mid-May through Labor Day), you’ll want closer to 12 weeks to prepare. Also know that a move during this time will be more expensive. If you have some flexibility with your moving dates, plan for an off-season, mid-week move.

Make a Budget

There are many factors to consider when trying to determine how much to spend on your big move. Usually, the more stuff you’re moving and the farther you’re moving it the more expensive it will be.

To get a ball park estimate, plug in some basic information into a moving cost calculator. Tools like these will give you an estimate based on the size of your home and the distance you’ll be moving. It’s not the same a quote, but it will give you an idea of how much it will cost to hire a professional moving company to do the job.

Hire Professionals

The best way to move cross country (and most expensive) is to hire a professional long-distance moving company. They have the equipment and the training to do the job right. Also, most national movers are certified to move goods across state lines and are skilled at handling interstate transportation.

In addition, professional movers are often trained in moving heavy, bulky objects. And, they know how to haul these items up and down stairs.

Finally, moving companies also offer extra services to support your move. So, if you know you’ll need help with things like packing or storage, contact the pros.

Drawbacks to Using a Cross Country Mover

Hiring a moving company is certainly the most expensive way to conduct a big move. Whether you’re moving a one-bedroom apartment or a five-bedroom home, hiring a moving company is almost always your most expensive option. Plus, if you hire the wrong company, you can be in for a headache.

The Cheapest Way to Move Across the Country

Without a doubt, the cheapest way to move cross country is to do it yourself. First, you’ll need a truck. Begin by determining what size truck you’ll need to haul all of your goods. Then, contact a rental company that can provide you with the right size vehicle.

Perks of Moving Yourself

Moving yourself is cheap and fast. Usually, you’ll have between 9-12 days to keep your rental. You make the schedule, and your goods will arrive when you do.

Drawbacks of a DIY Move

However, a DIY move means that you are doing all of the moving. All by yourself. That means you are the one packing, loading, and unloading all of the boxes. You will be the one navigating the stairs with all of those bulky, heavy items. You’re the one driving the truck. Oh, and you’re the one troubleshooting if anything goes wrong.

Moving has long been considered one of life’s most stressful events. If you’re moving yourself across country, it certainly can seem that way.

Freight Shipping

Freight shipping is when you hire a trailer from a freight company. You load all of your packed boxes on the trailer. Then, the shipping company hauls your trailer to your destination, where you unload all of the cargo. Freight shipping is pretty quick-you can usually expect your order within 8-12 days.

Hiring a freight trailer can be cheaper than renting a truck, depending on how large the space is that you’re moving. Prices vary by company.

But, you’ll still have to load and unload the trailer yourself. Unless you have friends and family to help you, carrying all of that cargo yourself can be tiring.

Container Shipping

Another popular option for a cross country move is container shipping. With this method, you order a portable container to be delivered to your home. Then, you pack your goods and load the container yourself. Next, the moving container company will pick up your container ship it to your new address.

These containers are popular because you can keep them on your property and they can double as personal storage units. These containers work best for small moves. Moving a large space means renting several containers, and that gets expensive.

Before You Book, Shop Around

A long-distance move will cost you some money. The greatest expense to move cross country is the actual move itself. The size of your house, your moving date, and your budget for the move will all influence your moving plan.

Whether you rent a truck or a trailer or hire a moving company, always compare services and prices. You’d be surprised at the difference in quality and price among moving companies.

Do Your Research

It always helps to have a realistic budget. Start by knowing how much a moving company will cost in 2022. Then, contact at least three different companies. Be sure to ask the right questions.

First, check that your company is licensed and insured to transport goods across state lines. Second, read reviews online-check Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau to see what customers are saying.

Always call the company that you’re interested in hiring, and speak to an actual person. Don’t just look at their website. Make sure they can answer all of your questions. Get a quote (in writing) and compare it to at least three other quotes.

Don’t Forget to Budget for Boxes

Finally, remember to plan to spend money on moving materials. For a big move, you’re going to need boxes, insulating supplies, tape, and more. Inquire with your rental or moving company about boxes and other supplies available for purchase.

Work with the Best

At Nelson Westerberg, we know all about how to move cross country. We’re professional movers with over 100 years of experience. In that time, we’ve moved homes, businesses, and organizations. Our team of professional movers is skilled in transporting goods far distances. Each of our movers has been with us, on average, for 15 years. So, your goods are in good hands with us.

And, we have a wide variety of moving options to best suit your needs (and your budget). No matter the size or scope of your move, we’ll do it right.

Contact us for a free, customizable quote. We’ll answer your questions and give you the information that you need to plan for your big move.