8 Genius Hacks for Making Your Cross-Country Move Cheaper

It’s no secret that moving can be a pretty stressful process. If you’re in the position where you’re dealing with a cross-country move, you’ve probably done a considerable amount of research first. Your research will show you that a cross-country move, especially finding movers, can be pretty expensive.

However, if you implement the following hacks, you can bring down the costs dramatically.

1. Get used boxes.

Used boxes are beneficial when you’re trying to pack up and keep expenses low. Call different grocery stores to find out when they’ll be getting new shipments in.

Ask them to set some boxes aside for you. That way, you’ll save a lot of money on a major item you need.

2. Declutter and sell.

Get absolutely clear on what you want to keep. Take a look at the items you truly enjoy and actually use. If you don’t use it, sell it or donate it. Be relentless about the decluttering process.

3. Plan your meals ahead of time.

A huge chunk of money tends to go toward fast food. While it’s not bad to purchase food while you’re on the road, try to keep it to a minimum.

Those stops at McDonald’s can add up. Instead, consider making delicious sandwiches for the road. Keep them on ice. Pack snacks and drinks to keep in the icebox. If you stop for a cup of coffee, that won’t break the bank.

Even if you stop for food when you arrive in your new city, that’s not as bad as purchasing meals three times a day for a few days.

4. See if the company cover moving expenses.

If you are moving across the country because of your employer, find out if they are willing to pay for your moving expenses. If this is the case, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of someone else covering the bill. This means your move would be completely free!

5. Use trash bags as garment boxes.

Many moving companies love to sell garment boxes. While they are fancy and efficient, try a cheaper option like trash bags.

Take unused trash bags, and place them over a bunch of clothing items on hangers. Use the trash bag in the same way you’d use a garment bag. It’s quick, easy and inexpensive.

6. Sell large furniture.

Unless it’s a precious heirloom, you don’t need to ship that sectional sofa across the country. Sell it for a reasonable price, put the money in a savings account and get new furniture on the other side. It costs more to get a larger truck. Plus, you’d also have to spend more to cover gas for a larger truck.

7. Use personal items as packing materials.

Instead of purchasing tons of bubble wrap to keep fragile items protected, use clothes, socks, and pillows as cushioned support. Once you’ve packed those boxes up, make sure that you mark them as fragile.

If you need paper to wrap up the fine china, collect free newspapers and magazines to get the job done.

8. Rent a truck and drive it with friends.

One of the most expensive parts of a major move involves hiring help. If you work systematically and intentionally, you don’t need to hire movers. Instead, label boxes, and pack all of your belongings in a methodical manner.

Start early. Pack the items that you’re not using this season first. When it’s time to load the truck, host a moving party. Ask a bunch of friends to help you with the heavy lifting. See if a few more friends are willing to help you drive across the country.

In order to help the move run smoothly, plan everything in advance. Create a checklist to help you remain consistent and focused on making the move as efficient as possible. Once you keep yourself on track, you’ll also decrease the amount of stress you experience during the cross-country transition.

Closet Packing Tips to Keep Your Wardrobe Looking Its Best

Make Moving Your Bedroom A Breeze

When moving your home to a new state or down the road, it’s important to make packing as easy and efficient as you can. While packing your kitchen merely requires safety and lifting, your bedroom is generally your sanctuary for special memorabilia and personal products.

We’ve put together a simple guide to packing your bedroom and moving your personal belongings to your next adventure. Think simple on your move, and you’ll have less to unpack while still keeping sentiments of your personality.

Four Quick Tips For Moving Bedrooms

1. Organize your closet beforehand

It’s important to prepare before tacking your closet of clothes. Set aside a day for closet clean out if you have time before moving. Make it a de-stress day with good music and a plan.

Experts suggest to divide your clothing into three piles: Keep, Donate, and Trash. Choose clothing items you wear regularly or will live through the trends. Donate apparel that doesn’t fit you or your style but remains in good condition. Trash or recycle stained and ripped clothing that doesn’t benefit anyone.

2. Keep your bedding clean and safe

Your bedding sets are sure to be bulky and take up room without proper storage. When you’re ready to move, wash your bedding beforehand as you may not have a chance to when you reach your new place.

If you already have bedding bags, try to keep sets together. If not, this Cleveland, OH moving company recommends looking to vacuum sealed bags and totes you can label. This prevents dust and dirt during the move.

3. Protect knickknacks and artwork

You’ll want to treat your decor as delicate as your dishes in order not to damage any special items. A low-cost way to pack knickknacks is in recycled newspaper. You can also visit the store or post office for bubble wrap and cartons meant for moving fragile items.

Try to sort your decor into similar packages and label each top, so you know what’s important. You may also benefit from donating items to charity stores or try your luck at selling them on the internet.

4. Hire a team for moving furniture

Your last step should be moving your bed and other important furniture. If your move lasts weeks, you’ll need at least a bed in your old place to rest your head at night. Dressers can be moved with a professional team as long as you stow away clothing and shoe wear you’ll want for the time being.

An easy and fun way to make moving furniture more enjoyable is to enlist the help of family and friends. By planning a day of fun rather than work, you can find a team of gracious movers that will get the job done. Consider offering pay, barter, or a housewarming party with food and drink for all.

Don’t worry if you’re in a rush and don’t have time to plan your move. These simple tasks can also be done last minute with a quick schedule and focus on what’s important to you.

Seven Practical Tips for Pulling Off a Move on Short Notice

Moving any distance can be hard if things are not done in an organized fashion. Most of the time people are informed months ahead of the move so they can make all the right preparations. The problem is when the move is sudden, and there is not a lot of time to prepare or make plans for the move. Here are some things that you will want to know just in case you have to move at a moment’s notice.

What to Know When Making a Sudden Move

There are many things that can prompt a move for an individual or a family. Here are a few things that you will want to do just in case it happens to you.

Starting planning

Making a move involves a lot of detail and planning. Start by making a time of events to help you stay organized. A timeline of events will help you stay on schedule, and when the day comes to leave, you will be ready.

Start packing the same day you find out about your move

There is no doubt that packing is the most time-consuming aspect about moving. Even if the move falls through it is easy to unpack the boxes.

Label all your boxes

You will find that making a move quickly usually means unloading the truck soon once you arrive at your destination. By labeling your box well you can have them placed in rooms they belong in when you arrive at your destination.

Hire the moving company

Many companies would love to have your business. Start by calling three of them and getting quotes. Just remember what Cheap Movers Manhattan (cheapmoversmanhattan.com) says: the cheapest is not always the best and neither is the most expensive. Make sure that they are able to load and move your items within your time table.

Make reservations at hotels right away

You will want to make sure that you have a place to stay during your move. If you need to book a hotel stay for a few nights, then make the reservations ahead of time.

Ask for help

Do not be afraid to ask for help. The more people that you have helping pack and loading will make the move go quicker. Not to mention the friendships you will be deepening with the people wanting to help.

Check the bank account

It is a good idea to know how much the move is going to cost you. Once you find, start saving money towards the move. The last things you want to have happen is for you to run out of money in the middle of the move.

Making a move on a short notice can be a little stressful. By following these seven tips you will be better prepared for the challenge. Moving is not something that happens every day, so go ahead and make memories as you move along through the experience.

Bob’s Local Moving Checklist to Prep for Your Relocation Without Stress

The next time you move to Las Vegas, don’t leave anything to chance. Use this convenient moving checklist to organize your move.

1. Thin Out Your Belongings

Now that you’re moving, this is a good time to get rid of anything you don’t want or no longer use. Doing this will also help you get rid of clutter that can get in the way of a smooth move. Start with your clothing closet and move on to kitchen items. Finally, target any furniture piece or sporting goods that you no longer have a use for. Decide to give items to friends, family or donate to charity. You can also join the local Las Vegas chapter of the Freecycle group, where you can post items to give away instead of throwing them away.

2. Reserve Your Moving Date

Quality local moving companies in Las Vegas are likely to be very busy, so be sure to reserve your moving date as far in advance as possible. The company will give you an option for what time you want them to arrive. Be sure to choose a time that will work best with your schedule to avoid issues later on.

3. Collect Packing Supplies

If you’re packing your items yourself for a move from one location in Las Vegas to another location in Las Vegas, you’ll need packing supplies. Get small, medium and large boxes, as well as any specialty boxes you may need, like bike boxes, wardrobe boxes or electronic boxes.

Be sure to pick up plenty of packing tape, too. Your local moving company in Las Vegas can supply you with all the packing materials you’ll need, including wrapping paper and bubble wrap.

4. Contact Utility Companies

As soon as you know your moving date, contact your utility companies to let them know what date to transfer services. You’ll need to call the water, gas, electric and trash collection companies with your new address and the date you want your final billing to fall on. If you need to be at your new location for turn on services, such as for cable and internet, make sure you choose a date when you’ll already be in the new premises so you can instruct the technician where you want the outlets.

5. Contact Schools

If you’re moving to a new school district and you have children, be sure to notify the school that you’ll need your child’s records transferred. You’ll also want to contact the new school to find out about school bus pick ups and drop offs as well as any pertinent schedules.

6. Update Addresses Online

Be sure to go to USPS.com to have your mail forwarded. Visit all your credit card, insurance, and mortgage websites to update your address online so that you don’t miss any important bills or mailings.

Don’t forget to let friends and family know of your new address information, too.

7. Make Labels

Your move and unpacking will be easier if you carefully label each box. To make this process easier, invest in some printable mailing labels from your local office supply company. Label each box on all four sides with the room it should go in. Your movers will be able to easily deposit each box in the correct room, which will make your unpacking much easier.

Use this checklist for your next move in Las Vegas. You’ll find that it simplifies the process and makes everything go much more smoothly!