Moving cross country can really drain the money out of your wallet. That is why it is crucial to plan your move ahead of time. Even the smallest things, such as knowing where you will fill up gas on your route, are crucial to keeping cost down. Here are some of the best tips to help you have an easy ride on the road and on your wallet.
Pack all your stuff in your vehicle
This one will not apply to all situations, but if you live in a small place, you can pack as much as you can into your vehicle. This will help you save by allowing you to get a smaller moving service for the left-over things. Smaller moving service means spending less money. This does come at a slight cost of weighing down your vehicle more, which means spending slightly more on gas. But you can save money on gas too by planning your trip.
Plan your trip
You should have a good idea of the route you need to take to your new home before you go. A good way to plan this out would be going to your local AAA business. They will really help you understand what problems you will face on the road. Also, you can use a gas app to view the best places to stop for gas on your route. You can also find a nice place to stay.
Find a place to stay overnight ahead of time
Most motels and hotels can be quite expensive and not amazingly clean. That is why it might be better to check other places to stay. Sometimes, you can find a good deal on Air BNB if you plan ahead. You also get to see what kind of ratings others might have given the Air BNB so you know you will be safe and looked after.
Sell your stuff
If you are looking for a brand-new start, you can really save some money by selling most of your things. Things like furniture, clothes, and valuables can really get you a pretty penny. Try posting it on local selling apps to get rid of them quickly. Holding a yard sale seems to be effective too. Who knows, you might even find that it is cheaper to sell old and buy new than to get a moving truck.
Compare moving businesses
If you do have to take a moving truck, make sure to compare all prices beforehand. Once you find a good moving company, you will want to take inventory of all your stuff. It is also wise to get whatever insurance they offer. Things do tend to break when moving. Especially across country.
It might save you more money to get a truck that you pack yourself. However, you risk personal injury and not knowing how to pack things correctly. This can result into much greater costs in the long run. Either way, it is always good to know your opportunity cost. Working with a full-service moving company, who would do the packing and un-packing for you, might be your best option if it’s in your budget.
Moving across country is an exciting yet stressful trip. It is good to stay organized and plan during this time. Handling your money ahead of time will help keep your mind clear for the task at hand. Good luck and be safe!
