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Cheap Moving Tips Category: Moving Budget
 
Posted By:
Becky
2/10/2012
08:29 AM

Cheap Moving Tips

It’s Flashback Friday!  Each week we revisit a blog topic that our readers find helpful. Today’s flashback: Cheap Moving Tips.  Who doesn’t want to save money on their move?  For most customers, an affordable price is the priority.  Check ways to make this move your cheapest yet. Happy Friday!

If you’re searching for a cheap way to move long distance, U-Pack Moving is a great solution!  In fact, in a post-move survey, 78% of our customers said they chose U-Pack because of the price.  Get a free moving quote today and you’ll see that the prices compare to truck rental – but you don’t have to drive!  AND with U-Pack there’s no additional charge for fuel, sales tax OR the driver. 

Okay, now that you’re familiar with the cheapest way to move cross country, here’s a little brainstorming session with more cheap moving tips – feel free to add more if you have ideas!

1. Do-it-yourself.  You can hire someone to do the packing and loading for you, but you’ll save a significant amount of money by packing and loading on your own (U-Pack’s specialty).  Ask your friends and family to help - pizza and drinks cost a whole lot less than moving labor.

2. Have a garage sale. Read Jean's posts:  Throw it out before moving out and How to have a successful moving sale. They give great tips on paring down before your move.  Make a little money and move a little less stuff; it’s a win, win. 

3. Pack a lunch. Fill a cooler up with sandwich fixings, snacks, drinks etc. Eating out and buying convenience store snacks on the road can get expensive. Just think…if you've got a two day drive, you'll probably stop to eat at least four times. If you're moving a family, you'll probably spend at least $20 on meals at each stop. That can add up fast! Now, factor in spending $10 on snacks and drinks at every bathroom break and you've probably added another $40. There's definitely room to save.

4. Discount hotel rates. Plan ahead. If you've got more than a one day drive and you know what city you'll be stopping in, use a website like priceline.com to bid on hotel rates – this is a great way to save! Just pick the number of "stars" you want the hotel to be, and the area you want to be in and name your price. Just to give you an idea – I recently bid $60 on a hotel that was normally $179/night, and got it!

5. Drive economically. Although gas prices are dropping (yay!), there are still ways you can save. Did you know that traveling at 55 mph can give you up to 21% better gas mileage when compared to speed limits of 65-70 mph? Also, travelling at fast speeds in low gears can consume up to 45% more fuel than is needed. Check out these thrifty gas saving tips.

Still looking for ways to save on your move?  U-Pack is committed to offering affordable prices.  Call today to speak with a helpful moving specialist – we’ll help you find ways to save and make U-Pack your cheapest moving option yet! 800-413-4799



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Comments
Name: Jim Wagner
Date: 4-3-2009
part of moving is finding reputable movers, how can you be sure they are legal?
Name: Becky
Date: 4-3-2009
You’re absolutley right. And making sure the moving company you choose is reputable is one of the most important things you’ll do. Of course, there is always the BBB - but you can also check out sites like movingscam.com and the SAFER System (by the Federal Motor Carrier Saftey Administration)http://www.safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/.
Name:
Date: 4-4-2009
Very useful tips for whose who are relocating. I would also like to mention few points here which are of uttermost importance for those who are hiring international movers.*check whether they have the legal license to ship your belongings overseas.*compare prices with other moving companies.
Name: Ashleigh
Date: 4-9-2009
Recently my husband and I moved from Miami, FL to Seattle, WA due to a change in his business. We have 6 six children and my mother in-law lives with us.... as you can image we have a lot of stuff! So when pricing a moving trucks, and having to consider the size and distance we realize we were going to be spend much more then we had planned on. Well my girlfriend mentioned that she had purchased a used Uhaul box truck and was able to save a lot of money. So naturally we looked into it... anything to save money these days. They had anywhere from a 10ft trucks to 26ft trucks, plus the auto transports for the family van for sale! The price to purchase the truck was near the same price of renting it!!! So we did it, we bought a 26ft International Uhaul truck for our family. After our big move we were able to use the truck for storage for awhile and then we resold it and made a little bit of a profit! I wanted to share this info with you all because times are tough right now and this did end up saving us a lot of money! : )
Name: Becky
Date: 4-9-2009
Thanks for your comments Ashleigh! Did your city/police department/neighborhood association care that the truck was at your location for longer than a few days? Most customers we talk to indicate that they aren’t allowed to leave the truck at their location for more than a few days (if that long).
You’re exactly right when you say that times are tough right now. Saving money is a big deal for most families. You really might be surprised when you see how much a U-Pack move costs. If you’re moving long distance the prices usually compare to renting a truck, but you don’t have to drive.
Anyone else have money-saving moving tips?
Name: cheap hotel prices
Date: 5-25-2009
That is really valuable post, not many people willing to share this tips , really appreciated
Name: sharon
Date: 2-14-2012
Is there a cheaper time during the year to rent a truck? I recently moved with your service in january and looked into a truck.for my daughter and was shocked at the change in prices you are charging...just would like to know why the big increase...alot more money and alot less truck doesnt make sense...
Name: Becky
Date: 2-15-2012
Hi Sharon--That's definitely a valid question. U-Pack rates depend on a few factors (not just space used in the trailer). Perhaps the biggest cause for differences in rates are the locations you're moving to/from. Even if the distance is close to the same, more shipments move in and out of some cities than others-which causes costs to differ in each region. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions. Thank you for moving with us!

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