3 Cheapest Long-Distance Moving Options | CitizenShipper

So you need to move long-distance, and while you’re thinking about your options, you’re also considering the impact on your pocket this venture will have. You want to know your choices when it comes to saving a buck or two, and when it comes to long-distance moving, a buck or two easily translates into several hundred dollars. Or even thousands. Soon enough, you’re thinking of the cheapest long-distance moving options that you can choose from. And this is exactly where we can help you out with different alternatives. Here are the three cheapest long-distance moving options:

1. Do-It-Yourself

Opting for a do-it-yourself long-distance move will surely be your cheapest option. Still, you will need to take a reasonable amount of time for planning to avoid unpredicted extra costs. So if you do decide to do it yourself, make sure that you have enough time to prepare everything thoroughly.

• Gas Price

A long-distance move is usually considered one that is of more than a 100-mile distance. If you opt to do it yourself, you first have to think about how much gas you will need and how much it will cost you. Depending on the distance you need to drive, it can be anywhere from several tens of dollars to several hundreds of dollars.

• Renting a Truck Price

Next, if you do not own a large enough van or a truck, you will need to rent one. The price of renting a truck will defer depending on several factors. The size of the truck is one of the factors – the bigger the truck, the more you will spend. So, if you’re moving a three-bedroom apartment, it will cost you more than moving a studio. The price will vary around 60-100 USD per day, and you will also pay an additional 1 USD per mile you spend driving the truck. Do your math carefully. Whatever the final total is, it will still be far cheaper than hiring professional help.

• Additional Expenses

Make sure to plan ahead how to pack and load your stuff, as you do not want to end up wondering how to move your heavy washing machine on the day you have rent your van. Consider a helping hand from friends or family. Also, think about the extra utility items you may need that you don’t already have or can not borrow. These will make for additional expenses. Things like dollies, moving straps, and moving blankets for furniture can add up to several hundred dollars. Make sure to include these items in your do-it-yourself long-distance moving budget as well.

2. Renting a Moving Container

Renting a moving container will save you the trouble of having to drive the long-distance yourself. You will still need to load and unload the container yourself, so you will need to think about a friendly helping hand. This also means that you will have to pay for the extra items needed for loading and unloading. Nevertheless, this option will still be cheaper than hiring professional movers.

The price of renting a moving container will depend on the container’s size and the distance of the move. For example, a three-bedroom apartment moved over 150 miles can cost you around 1350 USD. Moving a studio over the same distance can cost as low as 1125 USD. You can get a quote for your own needs, depending on the moving distance and the size of the container, if you use companies such as PODS.

Another advantage of renting a moving container is that you can use it as storage for a monthly price. Smaller containers (such as 10 ft. x 5 ft.) can cost around 50-60 USD per month, while larger ones (10 ft. x 15 ft.) can cost around 110-130 USD. This can come especially handy if you are moving to temporary housing.

3. Hiring Professional Movers

Hiring a moving company is the most hassle-free option for long-distance moving, as you will also get professional movers to load and unload your stuff, as well as drive the distance. But this service comes at a price – the highest one. It can go up to several thousand dollars, depending on the distance and the amount of stuff you are moving. Nevertheless, there are still tricks you can use to lessen the burden on your budget.

• Cost-effective tricks

If you are flexible with your moving dates and are planning well up-front, try to schedule your long-distance move from mid-September through April. Avoiding the peak moving season (late spring through summer) can save you up to a whopping 30% of the price you would pay during the peak moving season. This is an elegant cost-effective trick to have in mind.

Furthermore, scheduling enough time to research moving companies will also give you a feel of how much you can save on the move. Get an in-house estimate of the long-distance moving cost from at least 3-4 different moving companies before you choose one. This way, you will have a clearer picture of what exactly the companies will charge for, and what extra charges may occur. For example, moving companies may charge you extra for handling bulky items, carrying goods up and down the stairs, or hoisting service. Be sure to check with the moving company if any of these extra charges need to be paid.

Finding both an inexpensive and reliable moving company for a long-distance move can be a jackpot. A reliable moving company also means that you are less likely to suffer any damages to your household items, which could otherwise impose further expenses. An inexpensive and reliable moving company is not a matter of fairy-tails. You don’t need to look further than CitizenShipper. At CitizenShipper, you can simply post your shipment by providing basic details about the household items you are moving, as well as the pickup and drop-off location. Within minutes of your listing, you will start to receive quotes from reliable moving companies. And the best part about it is that you can check the reviews of the previous customers who have already used the services of the companies that have sent you the quotes. Also, you can start chatting with the movers. Ask them all the questions you have about the possible expenses. It’s an easy and enjoyable experience and can save you some bucks.

Final Words

Knowing your budget before researching your long-distance moving options is the best way to find the cheapest one. No matter if you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional moving company, there are always ways to cut the expenses. Have fun with your long-distance moving planning, and don’t spend more than you need to.