5 Money-Saving Tips For Moving Long-Distance
Moving isn’t cheap, especially when you’re relocating to another city, province, or country. Don’t fret, after years of experience, we’ve gathered some tips to help make moving long distances more affordable.
1) Create a Moving Budget
This is a no-brainer! Stay on top of your moving expenses by calculating an exact budget for your long-distance move. Whether it’s an international or cross-country move, managing your budget should be your top priority. Start out a few months in advance and assess whether you have the funds to put aside to cover your moving expenses. This way you will have a kitty of money to dip into and can avoid creating debt for yourself.
The cheapest way to move long distances is to include the following in your budget:
Moving company expenses
Packaging material costs
Vehicle transportation i.e. additional gas
Shipping costs
Post-relocation costs
Additional services i.e. costs for home maintenance and fixes
Any unexpected or miscellaneous expenses.
2) Time Your Move
If you are blessed with a little flexibility as to your exact move-out/move-in date, then play this to your advantage! Here are a few ways you can use timing to your advantage:
If you book far in advance, you may receive a discount on standard rates.
Booking outside of peak season, from September to May, you may end up spending 20-30% less on your move.
Without a doubt, the cheapest way to save on your move is to avoid moving at the beginning of the month, over weekends, or on national holidays!
Pro Tip: Maximize your time by creating a moving calendar. Include deadlines for when packing and loading must be completed. This way, moving day won’t catch you of guard.
3) Sell/Donate Unwanted Items
Long-distance moving rates are often calculated based on weight; therefore, the less you move, the less you pay. This is why we recommend decluttering before your move.
We recommend creating a system during your packing process where commonly used items are prioritized, while the rest is either sold or donated. This way, you will have less to pack and, ultimately, less to pay for when it comes to shipping your contents.
A good rule of thumb is: if you haven’t used it in over a year, don’t pack it!
4) Save Money on Moving Materials
Moving materials like boxes, bins, bubble wrap, and packing paper can add up. Here are three “out of the box” ways to gather packing materials prior to your move.
Ask friends or family members if they have used boxes lying around.
Check local grocery stores and/or supermarkets; they will often have free boxes available to customers.
Search Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace for free/inexpensive bulk options.
We also offer new packing materials at competitive prices. Check out our list of packing materials or contact us to learn more.
5) Maximize Job Relocation Perks
If you’re relocating for career purposes, you may be qualified for perks relating to moving expenses. Certain companies may only cover a portion of your relocation costs, while others offer to cover 100% of your expenses! Before you settle on an offer from a company, enquire whether relocation compensation is something they offer.
If you’re looking for a reliable, affordable, and professional moving service, Alero Moving & Storage is your go-to mover! As an industry specialist with over 31 years of experience, we know how to make your move stress-free. Want to learn more about our pricing? Fill out our brand new moving calculator form to receive an accurate moving quote within one business day.