8 Affordable Ways to Move Across the Country

1.  Consider Do it Yourself move

Do-it-yourself moves are becoming increasingly popular, especially among younger people. They are cheaper than traditional moving companies because you only hire the services you require. You can rent a truck or trailer and load it yourself with whatever belongings you want to take with you on your journey. On the other hand, you have to consider the amount of time and energy it will take for a do-it-yourself move. You also need to be very careful when loading your belongings in order to avoid any damage while transporting them across state lines or across the country if you're going by road.

Several popular truck rental options include U-Haul, Budget, Enterprise and Penske.

2. Find friends with a truck or van

Another way to circumvent the high cost of hiring a moving truck from a rental company is asking friends and family if they have one available. If you're planning on driving across the country, this might be your best option because it can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars that would otherwise get added onto the price tag when renting a larger vehicle for an extended period of time.

3. Get a storage container

If you don't have the time or patience to load and unload your belongings over several days, consider renting a storage container instead. This is another cost-effective way for people looking to make their move affordable without sacrificing too much convenience in the process. It can be a temporary storage solution until you're ready to move into your new home.

Storage containers come in multiple different sizes and can range from small, medium, large or extra-large units depending on the number of items that need to be stored. You can also find portable moving container services if you don't want something permanently stationed in one location for a prolonged period of time.

The best part about using a portable storage container is that you can load and unload it by yourself, which means there's no need to hire someone else to do the heavy lifting for you. It saves money on labor costs when compared with traditional moving companies who only charge per hour or day in most cases. You can also schedule the delivery of your storage container so it arrives on moving day, which makes things even more convenient.

4. Look for coupons online

You can find some great deals on moving trucks if you're willing to look around. Most companies offer discounts and special offers in order to attract new business, so it's always a good idea to check websites like KSL Classifieds or Craigslist for any available promotions before making the final decision about where you should rent your truck.

5. Get a quote from the company you plan to hire

Another tip is to get moving quotes from different companies in your area. This way, you can compare costs and see which ones are more affordable for your specific situation. You might even find that some of them will give you a special deal if they know it's their competition offering lower prices.

You can also ask companies if they offer any special deals or promotions when it comes to long-distance moves. Sometimes you might be able to get a lower rate by agreeing to have the truck dropped off at your new home without being there on moving day, for example.

6. Find a moving company that provides flat-rate pricing

If you have the time and patience to search for moving quotes, it's always best to look for companies offering "flat rate" prices. This means they will charge you one fee regardless of how many hours or days your move takes them. It doesn't matter if they end up staying longer than expected because you have a lot of belongings or if they finish in less than an hour. They will still charge you the same amount for their services, which means no hidden costs and no surprises when it's time to pay your bill at the end of the move.

7. Pack your own boxes

Another way to save money during a long-distance move is by packing your own belongings instead of using moving company supplies. For example, if you need tape and bubble wrap for securing the items in your storage container or truck, simply head over to a nearby store and buy them yourself. You can also pick up some cheap moving boxes from the dollar store to keep costs down.

8. Move during the  off-season

Finally, if you can't afford to move during the busy summer months when everyone else is moving at the same time as you, try scheduling your move for early spring or late fall. This way there will be fewer people around and competition for truck rentals might not be quite as stiff depending on where you live. Off-season moves are often a lot cheaper because there's less demand for truck rentals and storage containers.

The moving process can be daunting, but we're here to help. We provide free estimates and a variety of affordable services for those looking to move across the country. Whether you're relocating within the area or specifically moving to Alexandria, our team of Alexandria movers is equipped to handle all your needs. Contact BoxStar Movers today at (202) 843-9181 and let us know how many items you would like moved as well as where your new home is located. We will get back to you with an estimate or answer any questions that may come up in the meantime.

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