Planning Your Move Across the Country

Moving across the country can seem like an exciting time. The built-in stresses start to talk its toll as that day quickly approaches. There are ways to keep expenses low before, during, and after your move. By making these goals, many of those stresses can be maintained.

Plan ahead

The less stuff you move, the less money you will spend hauling it to your new home. Let's face it; you have probably collected a lot of things over the years. If you have ever opened a box and picked up that ugly wood lamp stand shaped like a gargoyle that you got from your great aunt twice removed, you will know what I mean.

You should begin to go through your belongings a couple months in advance of the move. The reason for this is you'll want to start early in separating those things you are definitely keeping from the ones that you either are not, or are unsure of.

So what do you do with all that stuff you are unsure of? The answer to that is simple. Who says you have to spend all the money to move? Why not make some. Hold a yard sale for a weekend, or depending on how much junk you have, a whole week. Remember, your junk may be someone else's treasure.

Think creatively

The single largest expense in moving is the transport of your belongings to your new destination. Be creative to save money. There are many ways of transportation. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles as the saying goes. Do you want to hire a moving company? Alternatively, maybe you can just rent a truck and drive yourself. What if the trucks are too expensive thanks to the amount of things you are taking with you? How about having them shipped via UPS or Fed-Ex. Many shipping companies will try to meet your needs. You can lower costs by shipping certain boxes and belongings through expediters and then taking the rest with U-Haul or some other variety of truck rental.

Specialist Movers are an option as well. These people specialize in moving items to a specific destination. For example, if you are moving to a retirement state such as Florida, you will find movers who specialize in Florida moves and might be able to add your belongings to another shipment for a low fee.

Take calculated risks

Taking calculated risks is about understanding where you are going. Make a point of learning the area, the climate, the community, etc. Knowing your destination includes being intelligent about it. Maybe you will not have so many boxes to fill if you leave behind the heavy clothing, assuming you are going from a colder climate to a warmer one. Another possibility is replacing larger pieces of furniture or other items at your destination, rather than toting them across the country. Ask friends about the prices and economy, or get yourself a local paper and do some research.

Set realistic goals

Setting realistic goals is imperative. If you do not have much time before you have to move, maybe you should ship/transfer only part of your belongings and return later for the rest. If you have friends that you can leave your belongings with, that will be cheaper than a storage unit. Keep in mind, however, that it will be more difficult to return for the rest of your belongings than you expect. Another reason why storage units are not preferable, as the rent continues to build the longer you go without retrieving your things.

If you are driving to your destination, plan your route. Understand how far you can go each day, how much fuel it will take and cost. Set the goals for each day, specifically. This is how you will control the money you spend and lessen your costs. Do not deviate from the plan because you feel you can drive longer. If you do that, then deduct the extra expenses from the next days to get back on track. If you are going to stay in motels along the way, reserve the rooms ahead of time, according to your trip plan. Try to reserve rooms at the same motel at each stop, and join the Frequent Guest Program. This will lower the cost of lodging and possibly get you a free night before your trip is complete.

Moving across the country can be a headache, filled with stress and monetary worries. However, with thoughtful planning and organization, that move can be an adventure.