Did you know almost 36 million Americans move every year? That’s a lot of packing tape!

If you’re one of those 36 million, but you’re looking to make a bigger move than a hop across the street, you’re probably looking at all the “needed” expenses for a cross-country move, and feeling daunted.

Not to worry!

We’ve got your expenses in mind with this easy guide on how to move across the country on a budget.

1. Downsize as Much as You Can

Relocating across the country on a budget is possible if you only move the things you like and will need in the future.

Don’t pay to move items you won’t need, or that can be replaced once you arrive at your new home.

Shipment weight is a key factor in calculating long-distance moves, so it is essential to declutter your home and purge items that are not worth the transportation costs.

For instance, if you maintain a storage unit before you move, it is likely you don’t need much of what is in there. Reduce shipment costs by purging things in storage.

Also, consider leaving behind bulky items like weight sets and large furniture or inexpensive furniture. These large, heavy items cost extra money to move. Be certain to check your new home’s measurements to see if the pieces will fit. Don’t bother with the trouble and expense of moving an oversized bookcase if it’s not going to fit anywhere in your new home.

Likewise, if the furniture you currently have is inexpensive, it might cost more to move it than to replace it once in your new home.

2. Go Free First

One expense that can add up when moving is purchasing new moving boxes.

If you’re planning months or even just weeks ahead for a move, start saving boxes now.

Save yourself some cash and hang onto your cardboard boxes. Everything from diaper boxes, Costco boxes, cereal boxes, or even those big plastic pretzel jars, can be used to store things when you’re moving.

There are several ways to secure free cardboard boxes for moving. Check with your local grocery store, electronics store, or shopping center to see when they do inventory. Ask the store managers if you can have some of their surplus cardboard boxes. Odds are, they’ll be delighted to pass them on at no expense to you. Or check online sites like Craigslist or Freecycle.

Your moving company might also have gently used boxes at a discounted rate. Be sure to inquire with them as well.

3. Pick the Right Moving Date

Many people choose to move during the summer months when school is out, or they have time off work. The demand for moving services and equipment are typically at a premium at this time of the year.

If you have the option, be selective about when you move across the country. Try to pick a date when rates for moving vans or services aren’t as high. Prices are often lower in the winter, but, you also want to consider weather conditions.

It may be helpful to hire a mover with considerable experience as they will be more familiar and helpful with understanding a variety of conditions.

4. Take Advantage of Relocation Packages

If you’re lucky enough to be moving across the country for a new job, you might be able to get some financial assistance from your new company.

If so, many companies will help foot the bill for things like a moving service, truck, flights, etc. Talk to your HR representative and see what options are available to you.

In cross country moves a relocation package can be key.

More Ideas for How to Move Across the Country

If you’re looking for even more helpful ideas on how to move across the country, talk with experienced moving professionals.

At Community Moving and Storage we want to help make your move as easy as possible. Contact us today for a free quote.

Moving can be an exciting adventure!

Packing for the move, however, is a challenge.

Check out these seven essential packing hacks for moving to make your next move a breeze!

1. Label and Color Code Boxes

When it comes to moving hacks, the first thing you should do is get organized. If you’re a type A personality, you’ll love this hack. Obtain your moving boxes and color code labels for each one. These moving box labels will help you and the movers know which room each box goes in.

You will also want to organize any small hardware, especially if you have to disassemble any furniture. Place the pieces in a ziplock bag, label it, and either tape the bag to the furniture or put them all in one box together.

2. Declutter and Donate

It can be shocking how much stuff you accumulate over time. There’s a good chance that you don’t need all of it, so take this opportunity to declutter and donate.

While you’re packing, set aside items that you don’t want to take. You can either drop them off at a donation site or call a donation center and arrange pickup. Taking care of the decluttering process now can save you time and energy later.

3. Blankets and Towels Can be Packing Material

Supplement your packing materials with items you already have. In addition to packing peanuts and bubble wrap, use your own blankets and towels. You need to pack them anyway, so why not use them to wrap up some items or as a cushion in the larger boxes.

4. Don’t Pack Your Clothes

Looking for packing clothes hacks? Check with your movers for ideas about how to move your clothes.  Save time by keeping clothes in drawers. Off-season items can be boxed up, and the clothes in your closet can easily be transported in a wardrobe box. They will get less wrinkled that way plus it saves you the time of taking the clothing off the hangers and then putting them back on the hangers.

5. Create Problem Solving Boxes

You get to your new home and have no idea which box contains the hammer and box cutter. To avoid spending time looking through all the boxes, create problem-solving boxes.

Put a toolbox together with all the tools you may need for unpacking and have it handy. You can also create a box that contains cleaning supplies and one with essentials that you will need right away when you arrive at your new house.

6. Use Rolling Luggage

Do you have rolling luggage? An awesome packing hack is to use luggage instead of extra moving boxes. You can put heavier items like books in the rolling luggage so that they’re easier to move.

7. Keep Wires and Cords with Their Mates

Between all your electronics, you have a lot of cords and wires to keep up with. Instead of putting them in a box, you need to organize the cables. One way to do this is to tape the wires to the electronics, so they stay together during the move.

Remember to take a picture before you disconnect anything. This way, if something gets loose in the move, you know where it belongs.

Put These Packing Hacks for Moving to Work!

When it comes to moving, you have so much on your to-do list. Erase some of the stress with these packing hacks for moving.

Are you looking for a Tampa moving company? We provide professional moving services that you can trust. Contact us today for a free quote