Of the top stress-inducing life events, moving across the country is one of the most stressful circumstances that an individual will encounter. Add in the concept of moving to an out-of-state location, and you can increase stress levels almost immediately.
Luckily, many methods exist that can make moving out-of-state easier. Even if you stand a chance at minimizing the hassle of moving cross-country, here a few ways that you can save money while doing so.
Drive Yourself
Hiring movers can be costly. You can quickly drop several thousand dollars if you hire a moving company. However, trying to take on everything by yourself isn’t always worth the headache, either. A simple solution is to split the difference by hiring a moving company to pack up your items and load them onto a truck or trailer for you. You can then drive yourself (and your things) across the country to your new destination. If you are extremely motivated and energetic, you can also pack up your items and move them yourself. However, not everyone always has the time or physical capability of going this route.
Enlist Help from Friends and Family
If packing everything by yourself is just too tricky, and you can’t afford the cost of hiring a moving company, throw a packing party at your place. Invite family and friends to help pack your items and move them into a truck or trailer. You can provide food and drinks as an incentive or find another way to thank them for their assistance. Most friends and family are willing to help in these situations. You only have to ask.
Hunt Down Free Boxes
Surprisingly, the cost of moving boxes can be astronomical! If you purchase boxes from a hardware store or a moving company, you can spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on cardboard squares that you will later discard.
Skip the expense of purchasing moving boxes by utilizing any free boxes that you can find. Scouting for free moving boxes is frequently cited as a top money saving moving tip. Often, box retailers and grocery stores will let you have any leftover shipping boxes for free. After all, they will recycle them anyway. If these sources fail, look online for individuals who are giving away free moving boxes and ask friends and family to be on the lookout for it, as well. While you may have to purchase bigger boxes for specific items, most household items fit well in a standard size that you may come across at no cost.
Declutter Before Your Cross Country Move
There is no reason to take items with you that you will later donate or sell. Go through your household items before you move to limit the number of things you will be bringing to your new location.
Even better, have a garage sale to make a little extra cash off of these items that you can use toward your moving expenses. You will be thankful for your efforts when you arrive.