Author: Kat Tretina / Source: Wise Bread
If you’re planning on moving to another state, get ready for sticker shock. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, the average cost of an out-of-state move is over $5,000. And when you’re a new graduate fresh out of school, you likely don’t have that kind of money stashed away.
However, that doesn’t mean you have to give up your plans. There are ways to reduce your moving costs to make it more affordable. With some planning and a little homework, you can dramatically reduce how much you’ll need to spend to move. (See also: Avoid These 6 Common Mistakes When Moving Across the Country)
Here are six ways you can make your move more budget-friendly.
1. Check Craigslist and Facebook for free packing materials
If you’re spending money on boxes, Bubble Wrap, and packing materials, you’re needlessly throwing cash away. You can find packing materials, including large boxes and mattress protectors, for free on sites like Craigslist or the Facebook Marketplace. People often leave the items out at the curb, so you can just drive by and pick them up.
2. Consider container-based shipping for long-distance moves
If you’re moving far away, hiring movers to drive your stuff to the new location can cost thousands. A cost-effective alternative is using a shipping-container moving service like PODS or U-Pack. They cost a fraction of what a traditional mover would charge.
For example, when I moved from Pennsylvania to Florida, a moving company quoted me $6,000 to deliver my things.
I did my research and decided to go with PODS. Their price was just $1,000, freeing up more money for…The post 6 Ways New Grads Can Save on Moving Costs appeared first on FeedBox.