8 Ways to Save Money to Move Out of State

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Moving across long distances can be an expensive and time-consuming ordeal. Preparation is the key to making it easier for you and your wallet. You’ll have to consider the state, costs of living, moving expenses, and similar.

When it comes to saving money on moving costs, there are several strategies you can consider. Here are some of the cheapest ways to move out of state.  

1. Save Money for Moving Expenses

If you know you want to move out of state well in advance, you’ll have a lot more time to save up money. 

For example, if you make plans six months in advance, that’s six months that you can save up versus if you make a spur-of-the-moment decision and leave within a few weeks.

Consider if you put $100 per week aside for six months. That’s 31 weeks or $3,100 put aside for the move, which certainly gives you more leeway than if you decided to move suddenly.

When you’re preparing to move, you could also consider taking on a part-time job or working overtime for a while. This will allow you to save even more money.

Additionally, you could sell things you no longer need to raise money.

2. Sell, Donate, or Throw Out Things You Don’t Want to Take With You

Downsizing ahead of time is a smart strategy before moving out of state. Sell off whatever you no longer need and donate or throw out anything that you can’t sell.

You might find that there are things you own that you simply don’t want or need anymore.

Additionally, you’ll raise money for moving out of state while also cutting down on the amount of space or weight that you need to move.

Some places to sell off your things include Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay.

Selling, donating, and throwing out things works well, especially if you’re moving to a smaller apartment or home, as the last thing you want to do is get to your new place and have nowhere to put things.

3. Get Help from Friends and Family

Getting help from friends and family can reduce the cost of moving out of state as they may be willing to help for free or in exchange for a good meal afterward. 

Don’t be afraid to let your family and friends know that you’re planning a move and that you may need their help. 

If one of your friends or family members has a truck, they may be willing to let you use it. 

If you are by yourself and need to drive your car to your new place, a friend or family member might be willing to drive a moving truck for you.

4. Rent a Moving Truck

If you can’t afford a moving company or simply want to move your own things, consider renting a moving truck such as a U-Haul.

Moving truck prices will depend on the truck's capacity and how long you need it. You’ll also need to cover gas.

Towing your car behind the moving truck is an option to save money on gas, as you won’t have to have one person drive the truck while you drive your car.

5. Drive Your Own Truck

You or someone you know may have a truck, and if you do, using your own truck will save you quite a bit on moving expenses as you’re not renting anything.

This works well if your truck can carry everything you plan to move. 

If there are small items you can’t fit in your truck after everything is loaded, consider having those items shipped to your new home.

Shipping a few small boxes won’t cost nearly as much as hiring a moving company.

6. Get Free Packing Supplies

Retail stores may have extra boxes they will get rid of. 

You might be able to either get them to give you or sell you used boxes which you can then bring home to pack your things.

This is mutually beneficial as you’re getting cheap or free boxes, and the retail store is getting rid of things that are taking up space.

You can also check any local Facebook groups that you’re in to see if anyone has spare boxes that they would donate to you if you came and picked them up.

7. Consider a Shipping Container

A shipping container can be used to move furniture and other larger items over long distances, which is particularly useful if you’re moving out of state.

Shipping containers are weather-proof durable pods that have a lot of capacity and are easy to move.

When you use a shipping container, take your essentials with you, and the container will ship to you within a few days.

Compare this method to professional movers or other moving options that you have to see if it’s worth it to you.

8. Shop Around for Movers

A professional moving company is likely the easiest option for moving out of state but will undoubtedly be more expensive.

Prices for movers depend on the time of year, distance, and amount of things that need to be moved.

There’s also an additional charge if you want the movers to box up all of your things for you, which is typical for full-service movers.

When using professionals, shop around for the best rate, and consider moving at a time of year when rates are lower, such as winter, so that you can save the most amount of money.

Wrapping It Up

With enough preparation, you can save money when moving from state to state. 

Use the strategies from this article to cut back on moving expenses so that you can settle into your new home more comfortably.