When it comes to moving across the United States, the cost must be a fundamental factor in deciding the best way to do it. However, it’s by no means the only one. Speed and how easy it is are also important things to consider when you consider the different ways to move.
You should bear all these factors into consideration when deciding the best way to do it. Which one you choose depends on your needs. To help you out, we’ve whittled down your choices to our top 5. See what each one entails, and you’ll be able to make an informed decision.
Downsize and go minimal
The idea behind this option is to sell as much of your stuff as possible because, let’s face it; you probably don’t need quite so much. If you’re not worried about recouping some money, the easiest thing to do is give everything away.
Ask around to see if anyone needs a new couch or will give your dining table a new home. You can also cart your belongings off to a donation center. Some charities will come to your home and pick up the larger items.
There are junk clearance companies or auction services that will come and clear out your house for a fee. Don’t forget, however, that you’re paying someone to take and likely resell your stuff. If you’ve got the time before you have to move, list everything you can for sale at bargain prices and spend some time getting rid of what you don’t need.
Once you’ve downsized and gone minimal, you should be able to pack up your remaining possessions in the car and drive cross-country.
If you can’t quite fit it all in your car, an affordable option is to ship what you need to your new home using FedEx, UPS, or the US Postal Service.
Drive your stuff yourself
If you’re not opposed to a road trip but can’t bear to part with your possessions, there’s the option of hitching a trailer behind your car. Renting a truck to transport your stuff is another common way to move. Truck rental companies charge by the day according to the size of the truck. Additionally, they’ll charge by the mile.
For both these options, factor in gas, extra insurance, and possibly tolls. If you’re on the road for more than a day, you’ll also have to pay for accommodation, meals, and drinks.
Rent a shipping container
An increasing number of people are now choosing to rent a shipping container and fill it with their stuff. A company drops off the container at your home, and you get a few days to fill it. The company comes and picks it up when you’re ready and transports it to your new location.
A significant advantage of doing things this way is that you can take your time. There’s no rush to pack boxes before a moving company turns up. Typically, you’ll pay a monthly fee as long as it sits at your house. You then pay for transport and pay to keep it at your new home until you’ve finished unloading it.
Full-service relocation plan
If you’re moving because of a promotion and your employer is giving you a relocation bonus, you might be able to stretch to a full-service relocation package. Some large businesses have contracts with moving companies, relocation services, and car shipping companies connected to your relocation bonus.
You might find yourself with nothing to do when you move because the moving or relocation service will do everything for you. They’ll pack up your house, arrange for transport, and then unpack it all at the other end.
Hiring a reputable and experienced cross-country mover is not going to be cheap. However, it will give you peace of mind that your precious possessions are in good hands, and they will reach your home in the way they left the old one.
A mix of all the above
It’s not always a case of one option fits all. You don’t have to choose only one of the previous solutions. Mix and match if that’s what works best.
Pack your larger items into a shipping container, book car shipping with an auto transport company for your car, mail some boxes of essentials to tide you over while you wait for the shipping container to arrive, and pack a suitcase with clothes for a few weeks.
There are lots of things that can go wrong with a cross-country move. Let’s finish up with some quick tips to make sure your experience is a good one.
- Check contracts carefully: Always read the fine print and inquire about timeframes.
- Be prepared for cost increases: It’s easy to underestimate the weight of your belongings.
- Watch for payment methods: Check that your mover isn’t going to demand the final payment in cash, money order, or a cashier’s check.
Moving is stressful, whatever method you choose. Now you know some of your options, it should relieve some of that stress. Keep your eye on the end goal because you’ll soon be relaxing in your new home, ready to realize exciting new opportunities; however, you got there!
Featured Photo by Chris Lawton on Unsplash