Moving across the country brings up a long list of concerns: How long will the drive take? What will keep these kids quiet during a journey that covers hundreds of miles? How much will it cost to hire moving help?
The cost of moving stands out as a noteworthy issue for a lot of people. You don't want to spend more than necessary, but you also don't want to choose a cheap option that will take too long or put your belongings at risk. Imagine saving $200 only to find out that the moving company you hired broke a priceless family heirloom.
The following four cheap ways to move cross-country will help you choose an option that fits your budget, timeline, and other requirements. What's the cheapest way to move cross-country? Let's look at some popular options so you can decide which one suits your needs and budget best.
Rent a Truck and Do All of the Work Yourself
Renting a truck and doing all of the work yourself is the cheapest way to move cross-country. Depending on the distance you need to travel and how many days the trip takes, you can usually rent a moving truck for less than $2,000. The cost of renting a truck or van can get as high as $5,000, though, depending on the vehicle's size and whether you're moving in peak season.
Of course, you will have to pay for food, lodging, fuel, and other necessities during your drive. You can manage those expenses, but you can't eliminate them.
This is the cheapest option. It's also the most time-consuming and difficult option because you have to do everything on your own. That includes:
- Packing boxes
- Hauling heavy furniture up and down stairs
- Wrapping furniture and other delicate items
When you finish loading your truck, you have to sit in a — probably uncomfortable — seat for a few days while you drive. The fun isn't over, yet! Now, you have to unload the truck, carry everything into your new home and find places for all of your belongings.
Your back might already hurt just from thinking about the moving process. If you're one of the 85 million or so Americans who experience regular back pain, a long-distance move without help isn't an option. Trying to lift heavy items could cause serious injuries, especially when you do it multiple times and spend days sitting in an uncomfortable chair.
Rent a Moving Container and Have Someone Ship It
Renting a moving container typically costs more than renting a moving van. You don't necessarily have to drive the container across-the country, though. Plenty of companies will ship your container to your new home. Instead, you can enjoy the comfort of your vehicle. You could even fly to your destination city to save time.
Not surprisingly, it costs quite a bit of money to ship a container large enough to hold all of your belongings. It's a convenient option, but it isn't the cheapest way to move cross-country.
Of course, you run into the same problems with moving containers as with moving vans: you pack. load, unload, and unpack everything on your own.
If you don't want the difficulty of loading your moving container, MovingLabor.com can help you find affordable moving professionals to do the job for you. Learn more about MovingLabor.com's services so you can decide how to make your long-distance move easier.
Rent a Freight Trailer Where a Professional Drives for You
Renting a freight trailer usually costs $1,500 to $3,000. The company will drop off a freight container so you can fill it with the things you want to move cross-country. Once filled, the company will attach the freight container to a truck and haul it to your destination. If you don't want to make the long drive across the country, this is a great option.
The downside of renting a freight trailer is probably obvious by now: you have to pack your belongings and load everything into the container. Luckily, you don't have to do all of that work on your own. You can use MovingLabor.com to find affordable movers in your area. They can do all of the hard work without charging you a lot of money. Then, you contact the freight trailer company to drive your belongings to your new home.
DIY Long Distance Moving Services From MovingLabor.com
Packing everything you own into one van or container takes excessive time and effort. Getting assistance doesn't have to cost a lot of money, though. MovingLabor.com can connect you with movers who charge affordable rates and can even help you save money by fitting more of your belongings into a smaller — which means a cheaper — space.
MovingLabor.com works with professionals in more than 700 locations, including large cities and small towns. That's a good thing considering the recent trend of people moving from urban to rural areas. DIY long-distance moving services can make the task easier whether you rent a truck or moving container.
Get affordable loading and unloading help from MovingLabor.com so you can avoid difficult work without spending a lot of money.
Tips To Save Money During Your Cross-Country Move
How much does a cross-country move cost? That depends on several factors. Many people find that they can make their long-distance move more affordable by:
- Finding free moving boxes instead of buying them.
- Talking to your employer to see whether they will cover a portion of your relocation costs.
- Selling or donating items you no longer need so you can rent a smaller van, container or freight space.
- Choosing an appropriately sized vehicle so you don't waste money on unused space.
- Comparing rental prices before committing to any option.
- Relocating in the winter (off-season).
- Looking at motels and hotels along your route so you can choose low-cost accommodations.
Just a little planning can help you save a considerable amount of money during a long-distance move. Look for low-cost alternatives so you will spend less money without sacrificing time and comfort.
Contact MovingLabor.com To Save During Your Cross-Country Move
You don't need to do a lot of heavy lifting or spend a lot of money during your cross-country move. MovingLabor.com can make the process much easier at an affordable price.
Want to learn more about the cheapest way to move cross-country without doing all of the work on your own? Contact MovingLabor.com or connect with us on social to get answers to your questions.