If this is your first time moving out of state, you might have watery eyes looking at the costs involved. From hiring a moving company to relocating your family, it gets expensive fast moving to a new state.
To help you keep costs down on your long-distance move, we’ve put together a list of the most affordable ways to move out of state. You can save thousands with these tips and tricks, taking some of the stress out of your move.
No idea how to start packing? Read our guide on how to pack a dining room, and we’ll help you get packed!
Moving Expenses to Consider
There are some common unexpected moving fees that many home buyers forget to budget for. Make sure these are in your budget so you’re not caught short when it comes to moving day:
- Packing or unpacking service
- Moving insurance
- Storage services
- Building fees (if you’re moving into an apartment or condo)
- House cleaning
- Utilities
Get a full breakdown of unexpected moving expenses in our guide here.
12 Ways to Move Out of State Cheaply
If you’re looking for ways to cut costs on an out-of-state move, here are some ideas from your local movers.
Research your options
The more research you do, the better your quotes. You’ll always get a better deal by researching a few different companies, whether that’s your moving team, insurance, or utilities.
Decide what you need
Figure out what the essentials are for your new home, and then buy the rest when you get there. Moving groceries, cleaning supplies, or toiletries will add to your moving cost, so you’ll save money doing a supply run when you arrive at your new home.
Sell or donate unnecessary belongings
It’s tough parting with belongings before a move, and we all feel nostalgic when packing up our homes. But the more you take with you, the higher your moving costs will be.
Now is the perfect time to sell or donate the items you no longer need or love. Plus, you’ll make some extra cash to go toward your move.
Use a moving company
Using a professional mover will cost money, but you need to get your belongings to your new state somehow. You’ll be surprised how much you’ll save on a professional moving company. Not only can we help you declutter and pack, but we know how to pack trucks efficiently and will save you a ton of fuel doing it yourself by car.
Pack smart
Your moving cost will be affected by the weight of your items and the size. The smarter you pack, the more we can fit on the moving truck!
Rather than dumping stuff into moving boxes, take the time to pack in an organized way. This will save time loading up the truck and mean you need less space for your belongings.
Pay for your move in cash
You’ll often save money on VAT if you pay for your move in cash, and many companies offer discounts for cash payments. This is where shopping around for a quote comes in handy, and ensures you get the best price for the services you need.
Rent a small tow trailer
If you want to DIY your move out of state, rent a small tow trailer. You’ll be able to fit a lot of stuff in it, and it’s usually much cheaper to rent than a van.
Rent a pick-up truck
If you have a lot of belongings, you can get a pick-up truck rental. When renting, make sure you choose an out-of-state hire company that allows you to drop off the van in a depot in your new state. You don’t want to drive long-distance to drop it off in your old town!
Negotiate for a relocation package
If you’re moving to a new state for work, your company might give you a relocation package. This will cover all your moving expenses, including the cost of hiring movers, fuel, and storage.
It never hurts to ask if your company offers a relocation package, and even if they don’t cover all of your expenses, every little helps.
Move during the off-season
Did you know it costs more money to move during the spring and summer? The warmer months are the most popular time of year to move, so moving companies are in high demand.
If you can delay your move until the winter, you’ll be able to negotiate better prices and save money.
Use a moving container service
Moving containers are another great option for moving a lot of stuff. The container will be dropped at your property, ready to be filled, and then taken to your new location. They’re huge, so they can fit everything in a home, and there are some great deals on the market.
Get help from friends and family
Finally, rope in your family and friends to help out for free. Offer to buy dinner and get everyone around to help with decluttering, packing, and taking donations to local shops.
If you have really helpful relatives, they might even help you relocate to save money on movers.
How to get Moving Quotes in Boulder
One of the main costs of long-distance moving is the moving company you hire. When it comes to getting quotes from movers, there are a few things you need to look out for – the cheapest isn’t always the best option.
To find out exactly how to get the best quotes for your move to Boulder, read our full guide on getting multiple moving quotes.
