If you’re preparing for a cross-country move or a major relocation, the task can be exhilarating yet nerve-wracking given all the things you need to arrange beforehand. It could involve selling your house, hiring a moving truck, or researching schools for your kids. It might even be tricky to find a job in your new locality.
Managing the financials of a big move is a key consideration for many people. Although moving is generally costly, worrying about how to perform a cross-country move on a budget is normal. Luckily, there are clever tactics you can employ to cut costs and successfully transition to your new home.
BEGIN PREPARATIONS EARLY
Try planning the move as far ahead as possible. Allowing countless months, or even a year, lets you spread your expenses and begin saving money. If you aim to purchase a property, ensure you save sufficiently for a down payment, closing costs, and additional expenditures. If renting is on the cards, muster a security deposit and save for various relocation expenses.
Early preparation also grants you more time to scout for competitive prices on moving necessities. Schedule what you need to accord attention to each week or month and create a checklist. Decide how much of each paycheck you’ll set aside for the move.
OFFLOAD ITEMS YOU DON’T NEED
Realistically, you might not have room for all your belongings, owing to spatial constraints. A moving truck has finite space, and essential items like bedroom furniture, kitchenware, and clothes should take precedence. Seize this opportunity to declutter your home and discard items you don’t need anymore.
Don’t just give away or sell your old stuff for free: convert it into cash. List items on online marketplaces like Facebook or Offer Up. You could even hold a massive garage sale. Any earnings you make can be plowed back into your moving budget to offset some costs.
COLLECT FREE BOXES
Avoid spending on boxes when you’re on a money-saving mission. Simply approach local grocery stores and warehouses and ask for their unused boxes. Most such establishments discard their boxes overnight during restocking and cleanup. Call and inquire with a manager about the best time to pick up these cartons. Save any boxes from online orders or purchases for the move.
Compare prices for packing necessities. Examine the offerings of moving companies, office supply outlets, large retailers like Walmart or Target, and your neighborhood post office for the best deals.
COMPARE MOVING TRUCK RATES
A moving truck could cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 for interstate relocations, so make sure to save for this. Additionally, consider surveying different prices on a comparison site like Move.org to get quotes from mainstream moving companies. Make inquiries about one-way trip rates, as it’s unlikely you’ll want the hassle of returning the truck to your original location. Insist on a package that includes a generous or unlimited mileage allowance.
ROP IN FRIENDS TO ASSIST WITH THE MOVE
Call upon your friends and family for assistance. Hiring professional movers might break the bank, so instead, request help from your comrades, relatives, or community group members. They might welcome the opportunity to help you get settled in your new neighborhood. There’s no harm in making the request.
NEGOTIATE MOVING STIPENDS FROM POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS
If you need to find a new job, begin the application process a few weeks prior to the move. If you get a job offer, you could negotiate a moving stipend, wherein the employer pays a portion of your moving expenses to help you get settled before starting work. Although moving stipends aren’t always available, it doesn’t hurt to ask. This funds could drastically help you perform a budget-friendly cross-country move and even cover the cost of the moving truck or new home’s security deposit.
REDEEM CREDIT CARD/CASH BACK REWARDS FOR FUEL
Remember last-minute moving expenses like fuel for your trip. Refilling your vehicle(s) and the moving truck is a perfect opportunity to use cashback rewards from credit cards or rewards programs. If you systematically use your card for budgeted expenditures, start saving your cashback rewards a few months before the move. Alternatively, you could use rewards programs like Swagbucks, Rakuten, or Ibotta, which allow you to earn cashback on purchases made.
PACK FOOD FOR THE JOURNEY
Food and snack expenses can add up significantly when moving across the country on a budget. Mitigate overly high food and snack expenses by packing them in advance. Prepare sandwiches, bite-sized foods, and assorted snacks for your extended trip. Eating on-the-go can quicken your travel time as it reduces restaurant stops, and a meal treat or take-out upon arrival at your new home can feel like a reward.
IN SUMMARY: MOVING ACROSS THE COUNTRY NEED NOT BREAK THE BANK
Moving across the country will inevitably cost you, but this doesn’t have to empty your pocket entirely. Most of your time will be spent settling into your new home, so it’s important not to add financial stress to the mix. Begin budgeting and planning in advance, look out for deals, and don’t hesitate to ask for help or discounts.
