Moving can be stressful, and moving long-distance can be even more of a challenge. The added cost of moving your belongings across state lines can put a serious strain on your budget, so it’s important to find cost-effective ways to lower your total bill. While working with a reputable, affordable mover is always important, there are plenty of other cost-saving techniques you can use to make your long-distance move more affordable.

Start Planning 2 to 3 Months in Advance

Get a head start on your move by allowing 60 to 90 days of preparation. This will give you enough time to take inventory of your belongings, so you can request multiple quotes from different moving companies.

Create a moving checklist to help yourself stay organized. Tackle your move room by room, starting with the smallest, so you have plenty of time to decide what’s coming along with you and what you are going to donate or discard.

Talk With Long-Distance Movers

While some moving companies may offer to move you long-distance, if it’s not their specialty, they’re likely to charge more. Meanwhile, long-distance movers have the experience to efficiently handle large, complicated moves that span hundreds or thousands of miles. Working with them is the best way to ensure you get the best rates on your move.

You can send photos or a video of your belongings to get a more accurate quote on how much it will cost to move everything you own. Be as detailed as possible, itemizing your possessions and knowing precisely how many boxes you’ll move, along with their dimensions, plus any pieces of furniture with details on size and approximate weight.

Consider Storing Items With Family and Friends

Consider packing up some keepsakes or items you don’t need right away and storing them with loved ones. This can help lower your initial moving fee without forcing you to part with more than you have to. Ask around, and see how much space your family and friends can offer. Most will be happy to help take some bins or boxes off your hands and keep them safe until you can have them shipped to your new home.

You could also go the U-Haul route and move items to a storage unit. When the time comes, you can have movers pick up the items and bring them to you. Some long-distance movers offer their own temporary storage solutions as well.

Reuse Packing Supplies

Recycle boxes from deliveries, and ask if grocery stores, liquor stores and other retail locations are willing to supply boxes. Most will gladly give them away. Towels, blankets and clothes can also help lower the cost of bubble wrap when packing fragile items.

Try to Move Off-Season

Fall and winter are typically the slowest months for moving companies, so you may be able to lock in better deals if you book your move between October and January. If you can, try to move on a weekday rather than the weekend since Saturday and Sunday are the most popular days and tend to have shorter time blocks and higher rates.

Skip the stress of long-distance moving — work with the expert team at Alpha Moving in Louisville, KY to handle your move with ease.