What Is the Cheapest Way to Move?

Are you looking to save money on your move?

Discover the cheapest way to move out of your self storage space or home and cut costs without compromising convenience. While full-service movers offer convenience, they can be expensive. The cheapest way to move is often by using one of the best moving container companies. These affordable options can save you thousands compared to full-service movers, especially for long-distance moves.

Moving containers are even more budget-friendly than rental trucks when relocating coast-to-coast. However, renting a truck might still be the most cost-effective choice if you’re moving locally. While a full-service move may not be the cheapest option, it offers convenience, especially if you have the budget or can’t take time off work. Explore our comprehensive guide on moving costs and find the best solution for your budget. When it comes to affordable and efficient moving solutions, consider SecureSpace Self Storage for secure and reliable storage of your belongings.

How much does a local move cost?

The cost of a local move can vary depending on the specific circumstances, but on average, you can expect to pay around $730 if you decide to use a rental truck for transportation. Alternatively, if you opt for a moving container to ship your belongings, a local move costs approximately $1,960.

The reason rental trucks are more affordable is because you take on the majority of the work yourself. For local moves, renting a truck is often the most cost-effective option.

When comparing the costs between rental trucks and moving containers for a local move, here is a breakdown of the expenses:

• Rental truck: The total cost for a local rental move would be around $730. This figure includes the rental fee as well as any associated costs. When considering the cost per mile, it averages out to approximately $1.73 per mile.
• Moving container: If you choose to go with a moving container for your local move, you can expect to spend about $1,960. This cost covers the container itself and the transportation of your belongings. The average cost per mile for this option is approximately $4.66.

Please note that the offers and availability of rental trucks and moving containers may vary depending on your location, and prices are subject to change. The quotes provided are based on the assumption of moving a moderately furnished, 900-square-foot, two-bedroom home over a distance of 421 miles. Travel costs are included in these estimates.

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Our dedicated move concierge is here to make your moving experience stress-free and convenient. Whether you need a truck rental or a moving container, we’ve got you covered.

Moving involves more than just transporting your belongings from one place to another, which can easily become overwhelming. If the thought of setting up insurance, utilities, internet, or home security services while planning your move makes you anxious, we have the perfect solution for you.

Why are rental trucks so affordable for short-distance moves?

Rental trucks are remarkably affordable for short-distance moves due to several key factors that revolve around the process’s do-it-yourself (DIY) nature.

Flexibility to hire assistance

One of the advantages of renting a truck is the flexibility it offers in hiring additional help. Apart from the truck rental, you can hire individuals by the hour to assist with various tasks such as packing, unpacking, loading, unloading, and even furniture assembly. If you require additional moving services at an affordable price, you can also explore a list of budget-friendly moving companies that provide excellent services.

Self-loading and unloading

When using a rental truck, you are responsible for the entire moving process, including loading and unloading your belongings. Although it may seem daunting to face a house full of possessions or a truck full of boxes, the fact that you can handle the labor-intensive tasks yourself significantly reduces costs. Many people choose to hire professional movers for convenience, but you can save a substantial amount of money by loading and unloading yourself.

How much can you save? Professional moving labor costs around $50 per hour per person. Gathering friends and family to help for a few hours can save over $1,000 on your moving expenses.

Comparing moving labor costs

A DIY approach is the most cost-effective option when examining the costs associated with moving labor. The rates for loading and unloading services can vary, but on average, the cost for professional movers is around $50 per hour. At the same time, other moving labor companies may charge around $80 per hour. In contrast, if you handle the labor yourself, the cost becomes zero, resulting in significant savings.

Taking charge of the driving

One of the most significant cost-saving aspects of renting a moving truck is the opportunity to drive it yourself. This seemingly small detail can make a substantial impact on your overall expenses. When considering the alternatives, all of them involve paying someone else for their driving services:

• Hourly labor drivers (suitable for short-distance moves)
• Moving container companies
• Full-service professional movers

Ultimately, the choice between convenience and cost becomes apparent. While hiring someone else to handle the driving and transportation might seem easier, it will undoubtedly leave a noticeable dent in your bank account.

If you aim to find the most affordable way to move over a distance of several hundred miles or less, renting a moving truck remains unbeatable in terms of affordability.

Maximizing savings with budget discounts

Regarding discounts, Budget Truck Rental takes the lead among all other rental truck companies. They offer various deals catering to various groups, including military members and students. Capitalizing on these budget-friendly discounts can enhance your cost savings while enjoying the benefits of renting a moving truck.

By driving the moving truck yourself and taking advantage of discounts offered by Budget Truck Rental, you can significantly reduce your expenses and achieve a more affordable move.

How much does it cost to move across the country?

The cost of moving across the country can vary depending on several factors. One option is using a moving container, which typically costs around $4,250 for a cross-country move. Moving containers are often more cost-effective than rental trucks because they eliminate the need for expenses like airfare, food, and lodging. Research suggests that using a moving container can save you approximately 10% of the total cost compared to other methods when the distance exceeds 2,000 miles.

Although a 10% difference may not seem significant at first glance, it can substantially impact your budget, especially if you are looking to save money during your move. For instance, on a cross-country move spanning around 2,000 miles, a 10% reduction translates to nearly $400 in savings, despite the initial quote potentially indicating otherwise.

These savings can accumulate quickly, making moving containers an attractive and affordable option for long-distance relocations. The affordability of moving containers stems from the fact that you handle some of the moving tasks yourself. In the case of long-distance moves, they often prove to be the most economical choice due to the reduced travel-related expenses.

Consider this: while a flight can transport you across the country in less than a day, renting a truck for a cross-country move can take up to a week or more. During this time, fuel, accommodations, and meal costs can easily surpass the upfront expenses of plane tickets.

Moving Containers vs. Rental Trucks: Comparing Costs for Long-Distance Moves

When it comes to long-distance moves, it’s crucial to consider the costs associated with different moving options. In this case, we’ll compare the expenses of using moving containers versus rental trucks. It’s important to note that these costs are based on a moderately furnished, 900 sq. ft., two-bedroom home being moved at 2,193 miles. However, consider that offers and availability may vary depending on your location and are subject to change.

When embarking on a long-distance move, it is crucial to assess the various options available and choose the most cost-effective one. Among the popular choices, moving containers and rental trucks are convenient solutions. Let’s delve into the specifics of each option and compare their total costs and costs per mile for a distance of 2,193 miles.

Moving Container Option:

The total cost associated with using a moving container for this particular move amounts to $4,250. This cost includes all the necessary services and fees involved. The average cost per mile for this option is approximately $1.94. Moving containers provide a convenient solution for transporting your belongings, allowing you to pack and load them at your own pace. They are then picked up and transported to your destination, where you can unpack.

Rental Truck Option:

Alternatively, you can rent a moving truck for your long-distance move. The total cost for this rental truck option is $4,620, which covers the rental fees and any additional charges. The cost per mile, on average, is approximately $2.11. A rental truck allows you to drive and control your belongings’ transportation throughout the journey. This option may be preferable for those who prefer a more hands-on approach to their move and want more control over the timing and handling of their items.

Why are moving containers so affordable for long-distance moves?

It may seem counterintuitive, but moving containers can be more affordable than rental trucks. While rental trucks are generally the cheapest option for short-distance moves, the cost savings of using moving containers become more apparent when you’re moving across the country. With moving containers, you save money on the DIY aspect of loading and unloading and minimize additional expenses such as rental truck mileage fees and overnight hotel stays.

Furthermore, you can reduce moving costs by finding free or low-cost packing supplies. This includes everything from boxes to bubble wrap. Let me guide you on how to discover affordable packing materials.

Loading and unloading the moving containers yourself

Like renting a truck, loading and unloading the moving containers on your own can result in significant savings compared to a full-service move. Certain moving container companies, like U-Haul, provide hourly labor services specifically for container loading if you’re willing to pay for some assistance.

In fact, U-Haul Moving Help® offers some of the most affordable prices we’ve come across for loading and unloading services. However, it’s important to note that even with this option, costs can add up. Hiring five people for half a day at approximately $40 per hour per person would amount to nearly $900. Nevertheless, the savings from doing it yourself increase even more when you consider the expense of hiring someone else to pack your belongings.

Moving labor costs per half day

When it comes to the cost of moving labor, there are different options available depending on the type of service you require.

• Do-it-yourself (DIY): If you choose the do-it-yourself option for your move, where you handle all the labor yourself without hiring any professional assistance, the labor cost per half day will be $0. This means you won’t incur additional expenses specifically for labor services.
• U-Haul Moving Help: Alternatively, if you decide to hire moving labor through U-Haul Moving Help, the cost per half day will be $880 for loading and unloading services. This means that experienced professionals will assist you in efficiently loading and unloading your belongings onto the moving truck, ensuring the process is smooth and hassle-free.

The cost per half day through U-Haul Moving Help will be $960 for packing and unpacking services. This option allows you to delegate the time-consuming task of carefully packing and unpacking your items at your new location to skilled individuals who will handle the process with utmost care and efficiency.

You don’t pay as much for travel.

One of the advantages of using moving containers for long-distance moves, particularly cross-country relocations, is the affordability they offer. This is primarily due to reduced expenses related to travel. When you choose a moving container service, you won’t have to bear the costs typically associated with travel, such as fuel, accommodation, and meals.

For instance, if you were to undertake a coast-to-coast move, it is often more time-efficient and convenient to travel by plane, allowing you to reach your destination quickly. Your belongings will be safely transported in the moving container during this time. Moreover, air travel costs are generally lower than driving a rental truck for thousands of miles, making it a more economical option.

However, it’s worth noting that the cost savings may not be as significant if you decide to drive instead of flying. Moving containers can be the most cost-effective choice for long-distance moves because you eliminate the need to spend money on expenses such as food, fuel, and accommodations incurred during a traditional move.

Comparing Travel Costs: Moving Containers vs. Rental Trucks

When it comes to the expenses associated with relocating, it’s important to consider various factors. Let’s delve into the cost breakdown between moving containers and rental trucks, considering meals, lodging, airfare, gas, and mileage fees.

• Moving Container Costs: With moving containers, you won’t incur expenses for meals and lodging during your move. However, you can expect to pay around $520 for airfare. On the other hand, gas and mileage fees are not applicable for moving containers. Considering these factors, the total travel-related costs for a long-distance move using a moving container amount to $520.
• Rental Truck Costs: When opting for rental trucks, you must pay $730 for meals and lodging. Airfare expenses are not applicable since you’ll be traveling by road. However, gas and mileage fees for the rental truck can add up to approximately $560. Therefore, the total travel-related costs for a long-distance move using a rental truck amount to $1,290.

Please note that the data provided was current as of January 22, 2020, and it’s important to check for current offers and availability as they may vary by location and are subject to change.

Moving Containers: A Convenient Storage Solution

Moving containers offer an additional advantage beyond their use for transportation—they can double as storage units. You can conveniently leave your belongings in a moving container and use it as a makeshift storage solution by paying a monthly fee. This feature eliminates the stress of fully settling into your new location on the first day of your move.

If you prefer to have your belongings off-site, reputable self-storage unit companies are also available. These companies provide secure storage spaces for individuals needing temporary or long-term storage solutions. By utilizing moving containers as storage units, you can gradually unpack and organize your items at your own pace, ensuring a smoother transition into your new space. However, if you prefer a dedicated storage facility, it is advisable to research and choose a reliable self-storage unit company that meets your specific needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to finding the most cost-effective method for moving, two options stand out: rental trucks and moving containers. For short distances, rental trucks offer unbeatable prices, nearly 300% cheaper than moving containers. However, despite initial estimates, moving containers prove to be the cheaper alternative for long-distance moves like cross-country relocations. The additional expenses associated with travel, such as accommodation, meals, fuel, and mileage fees, can significantly inflate the overall cost of using rental trucks. In either case, SecureSpace Self Storage provides reliable and secure storage solutions to complement these affordable moving options.

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