The Cross-Country Move: Tips for an Easy Move
If you’re planning to move cross-country, uncovering the best and most cost-effective way to get from your current home to your new home can be daunting. Couple that with the added stress of moving, and you have the recipe for a moving meltdown.
Moving cross-country doesn’t have to be stressful however.
In this article, we’ll take a look several different cross-country storage methods that will help you budget and plan for the best outcome.
Load Up the Truck
One cost-effective method of moving is using your own vehicle. If you’re lucky to own a truck and not a lot of belongings, using your own vehicle could be a great way to save on rental and fuel costs associated with other methods.
If you need just a bit more space than your truck can provide, you can easily hook up a trailer found at many rental companies. Many will even install a hitch if you don’t already have one.
Note: If you’re renting a trailer, be sure to follow all safety warnings. Many moving trailers are not rated to go highway speeds or may have weight limits.
Benefits of using your own vehicle:
No rental fees or extra insurance to buy
You won’t have to tow or ship your vehicle to your new home
Your vehicle will likely be more comfortable than a rental
Downsides of using your own vehicle:
Limited cargo space
Limited carrying/towing capacity
Limited security - what’s inside may be on display to potential thieves
Bonus: Declutter your home before moving to help ensure you’re not moving your clutter with you. A pre-move decluttering will also give you a more accurate picture of your moving and storage needs.
Rent a Truck
If your vehicle doesn’t have the space, you can rent a truck instead. Most people live within range of a truck rental company. If you’re unsure if there is a rental company in your area, conduct a quick Google search to see what options you have.
Rental trucks come in several sizes which makes it easy to match a truck with your moving needs. Trucks often have ramps or lift gates that make it quick and easy to load. When renting a truck, be sure to grab any moving tools like blankets, boxes, ropes, hand carts, and tape that you might need. Often these items can be bundled into one affordable price.
Benefits of using a rental truck:
Come in many sizes to fit your needs
Large towing and carrying capacities
Can be secured, cannot see what’s inside
Downsides of using a rental truck:
Fuel costs - many trucks only get 8-10 miles per gallon. Some newer vans have improved fuel economy
Comfort - rental trucks usually have uncomfortable seats and are only equipped with an AM/FM radio and little soundproofing
Cost - the cost of a rental truck can add up with mileage, fuel, and insurance costs
Drivability - if you’ve ever driven a large truck, they aren’t the easiest to maneuver through urban areas
Portable Containers
You’ve probably seen one of those portable storage containers sitting on your neighbor's driveway. You can use those for moving too. Portable shipping containers can be a cost-effective way to pack up and send your belongings.
Often you can start packing a container a month in advance. This gives you time to get things together and helps make the packing process slightly less daunting. Keep in mind that a portable container still needs to be moved and the cost to move a container depends on its size, priority, and destination.
Note: Most storage containers can be stored at a holding facility as well. If you need short-term storage in between your move from location A and B, this can be a great option.
Bonus: Be sure to keep any important belongings with you. Since you won’t have access to your storage container during your move, it will be important to maintain access to things like financial documents and medication.
Benefits of using a portable storage container:
Cheaper than hiring a moving company
More time to pack and unpack
Various sizes designed to fit your needs
Downsides of using a portable storage container:
Higher cost than self sufficient storage methods
Your belongings will be out of your control during transport
You have to do most of the loading/unloading work
Hire a Moving Company
If you want to go all in and take most of the stress out of moving, you should consider hiring a moving company. Moving companies are typically the most expensive way to move your belongings but can be well worth it if you have a lot to move.
When choosing a moving company be sure to consider cost, insurance, and their track record. Many moving companies will specially pack and handle items to ensure that damage to your current home and belongings are minimized. This could be a huge benefit if you’ve sold your home and need to keep it in a specific condition for the buyer.
Bonus: If you have a lot of stairs or heavy items, the value of a moving company can quickly be realized. Take these factors into consideration when choosing your moving method.
Benefits of using a moving company:
Specialized moving methods and knowledge
Additional insurance and protection standards
Takes away the hassle of packing most items
Downsides of using a moving company:
Items are out of your possession while moving
Costs can be significantly high
Items can be lost, stolen, or broken
What to do once you’ve moved?
Once you’re done moving, be sure to take inventory of all of your belongings and consider moving rarely needed items into long-term storage. At Bargain Storage, we have the best long-term storage to fit your needs at a price that will fit your budget. Be sure to find a location near you and to contact an on site manager for a tour.
Benefits of using Bargain Storage:
Safe and secure
Clean
Friendly on site managers
Tons of options to choose from