Savvy Long Distance Moving in NY: Cutting Costs Without Cutting Corners

Long-distance moving can be an expensive ordeal, there’s no doubt about it! While it doesn’t seem that way at first glance, there are many expenses that you maybe aren’t aware of. And with the rising cost of living and inflation, many people feel anxious when preparing for a move. However, if you’re smart about it, you can cut costs without compromising the quality of your move! That’s what we will focus on in this article. Our team from U.Santini Moving & Storage will share with your our best tips and tricks for long distance moving in NY. You will see how it doesn’t need to be expensive to be efficient!

Plan your long distance move in NY enough time in advance to avoid unexpected expenses

Starting to make your relocation plan early is a key factor. You want to give yourself enough time to find the best deals, acquire packing materials at lower prices, and ultimately avoid last-minute expenses. The best time to start planning is 6-8 weeks before the move. It will give you enough time to take all the steps to ensure your long-distance move in NY is more affordable.

To keep track of your moving, create a moving checklist. It will help you stay organized and ensure you don’t forget any step along the way. In NYC moving costs can be pretty high, so if you want to cut them down, be meticulous and detail-oriented in this phase. Each phase of the move can be made cheaper if you are proactive enough. Don’t wait until the last minute to start organizing your relocation if you don’t wish to deplete your moving budget!

Thoroughly declutter your belongings 

One of the best tips to cut down your moving costs is to declutter your belongings. It has multiple benefits so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t do it. First of all, with fewer items to pack and move, you’d have to spend less money on packing materials. You would also cut down on the actual moving cost, as your long distance movers NYC would need to spend less time and effort to move them around.

Some movers charge by the total weight of items they move, so this is a must-take step. Also, you can even add some more money to your moving budget! Take good photos of your unwanted stuff and post them online on websites like Craigslist. You can also organize a yard sale, or go to your local flea market to sell them that way. 

Pack and label your items yourself 

Packing and labeling your items yourself can be an effective way to cut down the costs of long distance moving in NY. This way you can avoid paying for expensive packing and unpacking services offered by moving companies. You have more control over how your belongings are handled during the move. You can ensure that fragile items are properly wrapped and labeled, so they don’t break during transit. The same goes for heavier items, so you won’t have to pay for replacing or repairing those damaged goods.

Additionally, it allows you to easily find and organize your belongings once you arrive at your new home. Some moving companies offer affordable full packing services, so compare prices from different companies. If you’re not satisfied with the results, simply pack yourself!

Use sturdy and reusable moving boxes instead of buying new ones

A mistake many people make is buying new packing materials and boxes when they plan their move. They think that it will lessen their chances of those boxes getting damaged during transit, but that simply isn’t the case! Cardboard boxes and plastic bins are great resources to use. Cardboard boxes are sturdy and reliable, even though they look prone to damage. They can be used multiple times if you pack your things the right way. You can get them in several ways, but we’ll cover how in the next paragraph.

When it comes to plastic bins, you can rent them and return them after the move. That’s a more affordable option than buying new ones. They are easily stackable, which can greatly help you when loading your items in the moving truck. 

Get packing materials from different sources 

There are several ways to get your hands on moving boxes and materials. The most obvious choice is to buy new ones, but since we are talking about cutting costs for long distance moving in NY, we recommend you try other options. You can go to your local grocery or liquor store, and ask them for their excess boxes. A lot of stores keep them around for future use, and they will most likely have no problems with giving them to you for free!

Another great tip is to ask your friends and family for moving boxes if they recently moved. You can also check out websites like Craigslist, as many people post ads where they are giving them away for free, or for a symbolic price. Finally, you can try and find affordable movers Brooklyn has to offer, and see how much would renting their moving boxes cost.

Get multiple quotes from different moving companies

We can’t stress this part enough! There are so many different moving companies to choose from in NYC. What you will find is that some companies charge way more or less than average for the same type of service. To avoid falling into this trap and compromising your move, get multiple moving quotes Brooklyn companies offer for free and compare them. This way you can really get a sense of what the average price of moving actually is.

Comparing quotes from multiple companies is the only way to make a well-informed decision. More expensive doesn’t always mean better service. Sometimes, it’s quite the contrary! Some companies charge more simply because they can, and rely on people not doing their research first. Some of those companies also run scams, so definitely explore all options you have.

When choosing a moving company, make sure they have all the right licenses and insurance coverage

To avoid falling into a scam, do some research on the companies you’ve shortlisted. This will greatly help you make a good decision and save yourself from unwanted expenses. For example, some companies offer non-binding quotes, which means what you get on your quote may not really be the actual estimate. They can add additional costs down the road, and in the end, you’d get a bill much higher than anticipated.

Make sure to use a company that offers binding quotes. This means what you see is what you get! All additional expenses must be communicated in advance, so you know what to expect. Lastly, make sure those companies offer insurance for damaged items during transit and are licensed. You can easily check that by verifying their USDOT (US Department of Transportation) number online.

Long distance moving in NY can be done on your own!

Moving on your own can be a great way to cut down the costs of your move. By packing, loading, and transporting your belongings on your own, you can save a lot of money. Apart from getting the packing materials on your own, you would have to also rent a moving truck and drive by yourself. For an extra pair of hands during this process, you can ask your friends and family for help. This way you wouldn’t have to spend a dime on professional movers.

However, there are potential problems with self-move. Moving heavy and fragile items can be physically demanding, and may result in injuries! You can also damage your items if you don’t do it correctly. Finally, if you never drove a moving truck, the drive can be quite a challenge as you aren’t used to driving such a vehicle.

Bonus tip: Use cheap storage New York has to offer to make your move easier to handle. Store the items you don’t need immediately in your new home, to make your move easier and more convenient. You can pick up the rest of your items once you’ve moved all the heavy and important things. 

Use your own blankets, towels, and linens instead of purchasing new moving blankets

Repurposing items you already own can help you protect your furniture and other belongings during the move, without having to spend money on additional supplies. To use them effectively, it’s important to make sure they are clean and in good condition. You may need to wash or dry clean them before usage. This way you will ensure they are free of dirt and debris that could potentially damage your belongings. It’s also important to fold or roll them tightly to create a secure barrier around your items.

However, you should know that they may not provide the same level of protection as specialized moving blankets. They may be less durable and not provide the same cushioning as professional moving blankets. Long distance moving in NY can be done effectively only by using the right materials or techniques.

Choose the best time for your long-distance move in NY 

Long-distance moving in NY can be an expensive ordeal if done during the peak season. The peak season for moving is typically from May to September. During this time, demand for moving services is high, and prices are usually more expensive. Additionally, weekends and the beginning and end of each month are also typically more expensive. In New York, the cheapest time to move is usually from October to April. The demand is lower, therefore the prices are usually cheaper.

However, it’s important to remember that moving during the winter months may come with additional challenges, such as bad weather conditions. That can also translate to unexpected expenses, and delays with the actual moving date. Carefully plan your move and check the weather forecast during that time period to ensure a smooth relocation. 

Find the best deals for utilities 

This is an often overlooked part of the moving process, that can greatly help you reduce the cost of the move. To start, research different utility providers in your new area and compare their rates. Do this for all utilities, such as gas, electricity, water, and internet. Consider getting a bundled deal to save money, as some providers offer discounts for combining multiple utilities. You should also inquire about promotions or special offers that are available for new customers.

Another option is to negotiate with your current providers. Contact them and explain that you are moving and looking for ways to save on your monthly bills. Some providers are willing to offer you a discounted rate, in order to keep you as their customer. Finally, remember to be mindful of your usage habits. Conserving water and energy can significantly reduce your utility bills.

Long distance moving in NY doesn’t have to be hard and expensive if you plan it the right way! 

As you can tell, long distance moving in NY can be quite expensive, as there are so many different things to think about. To avoid overspending and compromising your move, make sure to be mindful of each step along the way. This is the only way to cut down on costs without cutting corners. What you can also do to ensure a smooth relocation is to get advice from reliable moving companies. We, for sure, would like to help you in any way we can, so you can have a pleasant and enjoyable relocation!