When it comes to bittersweet life experiences, moving is about the most intense kind there is. You’re thrilled for the new possibilities ahead, but the moving process itself is a labor-intensive stress fest.

Part of the struggle with moving is the most, especially if you’re moving long-distance. It’s possible to have a cost-effective move, but it takes some research first. If you’re looking for the cheapest way to move cross country, start with these tips.

Tips for the Cheapest Way to Move Cross Country

Before you start trying to figure out how many credit cards you need to spread your moving cost across, start with these cost-saving tips.

Know Who to Look For

You’ve noticed that a can of soup that costs $1 in a grocery store can cost $3 at a convenience store. That’s because you’re paying for convenience, and the same concept applies to moving.

If you’re moving across the country, you need a moving company who specializes in long distance moving. These companies have catered their organizations to that service and can do it in an efficient and cost-effective way.

Your local movers might do long-distance moves, but chances are that they’ll be far more expensive.

Consider a DIY Option

Moving services span a wide range of service levels. The most comprehensive companies will handle the whole process from packing up your belongings to unloading at your new home. As you might expect, though, that costs an arm and a leg.

Take a look at the other end of the spectrum: the DIY approach. The cheapest way to move across the country is usually to rent a truck and do all the packing, loading, and driving yourself.

If you’re like many of us, though, the idea of driving a truck cross-country is stressful. To avoid that danger, look into a happy medium.

There are many companies who will deliver pods or moving containers to your home. You take your time to load them up and when you’re ready, the movers pick them up and transport them to your new home. You unload all your items yourself and then call the movers to pick up the empty container.

Don’t Overspend on Labor

Let’s say you’ve decided to go with the moving containers you pack yourself. If you want some help but don’t have anyone else available, does it make sense to hire movers for the loading alone?

Instead of hiring specialized movers, hire general laborers instead. They can get the job done for less cash out of your pocket. The only downside is that they won’t have all the special equipment movers do, like hand trucks and furniture plastic wrap. If you already have these items, it adds up to big savings.

Affording Your Move

There are no two ways about it: moving long-distance is expensive. Still, there are plenty of ways to make it less painful for your wallet. The tips above can help you start planning the cheapest way to move cross country.

For more tips for all the major events in your life, check out our blog for celebrations and more.