Long Distance Moving Costs: Save Big on Your Move

How to effectively manage long-distance moving costs?

Moving to a new place, especially if it’s far away, can be quite a costly affair. Several expenses are involved, such as the cost of packing materials, truck rentals, and more. However, the cheapest way to move a long distance is to plan the process properly.

Truck rental for long-distance moves

When you’re moving a long distance, the cost can vary depending on factors like the company you choose, the distance you’re travelling, and the time of year. Hiring a company to handle everything, from packing to transportation, might seem convenient. However, it may not be the most cost-effective solution.

Depending on the size of your living space and toll charges, the cost of a full-service move can add up quickly. For example, a 250-mile move for a two to three-bedroom house could cost around $1,300. On the other hand, a move over 2,500 miles could cost upwards of $10,000. In some cases, renting and driving a truck yourself might be a more affordable option.

Get creative with your packaging materials

Wondering how to move a long distance and make it cheap? Just as the traditional approach to packaging doesn’t require you to put everything in standard boxes, there is room for creativity in wrapping materials. Instead of relying solely on wrapping paper or bubble wrap, consider using everyday household items to wrap, cushion and protect your items. Repurpose old blankets to protect large electronics, or secure them around pieces of furniture with duct tape. Towels can be effective wraps or protective layers between plates and crockery. Also, think outside the box when it comes to sealing your packed items – you don’t have to buy special tape for boxes; durable alternatives like duct tape can do the job just fine.

By using these unconventional but practical items, you will add an element of ingenuity to the packaging process and reduce long-distance moving costs travelling across Canada.

Optimise your living space

If you’re looking to save money on moving costs, consider minimalism. The idea is simple: the fewer items you have, the less expensive it is to pack and move. Before you start packing, go through each room of your home and identify items that you no longer need. Think about whether or not they are still relevant and in good condition. If they’re not, it’s time to let them go.

Once you’ve determined which items to get rid of, sort them into three categories: things to recycle, things to donate, and things to sell. This will make packing easier and support the principles of decluttering and mindful possession. Remember, the goal is to simplify the moving process and save money, so be honest with yourself about what you really need and what you can do without.

Choose the perfect long-distance moving company

How to move long distance cheaply? Find the right long-distance moving company for your needs! Firstly, assess your requirements and what you need from a moving company. Then, look at reviews from other customers to see what their experiences have been like. Finally, evaluate the costs and pricing structures of each company.

Determine your budget
Making a clear budget is a fundamental step. Remember that your expenses go beyond the simple cost of moving your belongings; they include the potential costs of professional movers, packing materials, fuel, transport fees and much more.
Explore several options
Don’t be hasty in choosing the first company that comes across your path, whether based on recommendations or a cursory internet search. Ask for long-distance move quotes from at least 3 different moving companies. Make a comprehensive comparison of their offerings, pricing, and suitability for your specific needs.

Optimise box expenses during your move

Boxes are essential when moving. However, they can be costly, with medium-sized boxes usually costing between $2.35 and $2.79 each. This cost can quickly add up to the average cost of a long-distance move. Instead of spending a significant portion of your budget on boxes, consider alternative ways to reduce the expense.

Reuse existing boxes
If you’re thinking about moving in the future, save boxes from online deliveries or bulk purchases. Break them down, flatten them and store them safely until you need them. This will not only reduce costs but also contribute to environmental sustainability through recycling.
Look for donations
Reach out to people in your network, especially those who recently moved, and ask if they have any extra boxes they could share. Ask family, friends, colleagues, and neighbours; many people may have extra boxes at home that could serve your purpose.
Check online resources
Use online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace to find opportunities to swap or purchase boxes.
Use things creatively
Move away from the traditional idea of a moving box and tap into your creativity. Repurpose household items for safe storage – fill rigid clothes containers with lightweight items such as bed linen or towels, use an old IKEA bag for clothes or curtains, or use hard-walled suitcases for storage. Make sure that all your belongings are securely packed and closed to prevent any mishaps during the move.

Time your move strategically to save costs

Every aspect of the moving schedule, from the season to the specific day and time, can have a significant impact on the overall cost of your move. Among all the cheapest long-distance moving options, consider the following factors when optimizing your budget:

Season
While we don’t always have the luxury of picking and choosing our moving date, there can be financial benefits to choosing a time between September and April. While there is no real “off-season” for moving, the property market and overall moving activity tend to slow down towards the end of the year, with summer being the peak period. The reduced demand for movers and truck rental services during the off-season often results in lower costs.
Weekdays vs. weekends
Weekends are times when people are free from work, which means they are a popular time to plan moves. If your schedule allows, plan your move on a weekday to get access to more competitive prices. This is especially beneficial if you work in the service industry or have the ability to take holidays.
Mid-month moving
As with autumn and winter or weekdays, the middle of the month is usually a good time to move. Most people prefer to schedule services at the beginning or end of the month, making the middle of the month less hectic and potentially more cost-effective.
Effective planning is key to ensuring a budget-friendly move
Though moving can be overwhelming, taking the time to plan ahead will help you save money. Waiting until the last minute limits your options and can lead to more expensive choices. So, plan ahead and make informed decisions to keep your moving costs down.