If you are planning to move cross country, this can seem daunting to you first. To begin with, the move itself has an emotional and mental toll. You will be leaving your home location to settle into a new place. Apart from this, moving across the country requires coordination with shipping services and moving companies. Finding and selecting the right shipping company can be a hassle.
This article guides you on how to plan your move across the country, and how to find the best interstate mover to facilitate your move.
Factors That Will Influence Your Costs of Moving Across Country
When estimating the costs of moving or shipping your personal and home items across the country, a few primary factors can give you an idea of your expenses.
Out of the variables that will affect moving costs, distance is the most obvious and important one. The farther away your move location is from your home, the costlier shipping will be. Additionally, if the location you are shipping to is not easily accessible, or is remote, then this can further drive up costs.
Another factor that goes into shipping companies’ pricing is the volume, weight, and size of your shipped belongings. The more items you have shipped, the more shipping will cost. You will also have to consider the weight and space limitations provided by your shipping company.
A third factor that affects shipping costs is the type of shipping service you opt for. If you decide to rent a moving truck, you will have to do the packing, loading and driving yourself. For this option, you will have to consider the costs of packaging material and fuel.
If you choose full-moving services, this can substantially lighten your workload since everything from your doorstep to destination will be handled by the shipping company. This option however is costlier than renting a truck.
Finally, seasonality is a variable that should be considered when hiring a moving company. During peak seasons, booking with a moving company will significantly drive up your costs.
What is the Average Cost of Moving Across the Country
While moving costs will be different for everyone depending on the volume of belongings, time of year and the shipping methods used, average costs can give you an estimate. On average, you should be prepared to spend between $5,000-$10,000; keep in mind that moving container companies like these options may be a bit less expensive than standard movers.
You can contact shipping companies, or use online move calculators for a better guesstimate of how much your inter-state move will cost. As a rule, keep in mind a bill that is slightly higher than what is initially quoted.
How to Choose the Right Interstate Shipping Service
If you are outsourcing your move to a moving company, it is important to validate their reliability. Check the company website for reviews, and look for detailed reviews. Also see if the shipping company is transparent about their plans, pricing and processes. Another consideration to address is if the company is licensed to provide the shipping and moving services.
One feature that many people overlook when choosing a company is their customer support. Ensure that the company you choose for moving is responsive and replies openly and promptly.
Reducing Costs on Your Cross Country Move
This section details tips on reducing costs and expenses when moving. A big tip is to let go of unwanted household or personal belongings before moving. You can give away or sell items that are old or not needed anymore. This will reduce the volume and overall weight of your move, helping lower costs substantially.
Another tip is to book your slot with the booking company during off-season or non-peak timings. It can also help to plan your move early and book a slot ahead of time. The more in advance of your moving date you book your slot, the better discount you can get.
Finally, you can reduce the cost of moving companies by packing all of the items yourself. This means that you will not have to pay the cost of the packing service. Instead, you will have to buy the packing materials yourself.
Finding the Best Movers Across Country
The key to making sure that your move across the country is cost-effective is proper planning. Follow the tips in this article to plan a cross country move in your budget.