The Tampa Trek: How to Make a Cross-Country Move Without Going Broke or Insane

by Elena T. Manager

Getting ready to move long-distance? Is the excitement of moving across the country to beautiful Tampa starting to wear off and the reality of moving beginning to set in? You’re probably starting to think about every little detail that must be done to make a smooth transition.

If this sounds familiar, you may take comfort in knowing that you are not the only one with this same experience. In fact, here are some beneficial cost-saving tips that come from those who have already gone through it.

Tip #1- Downsize, Downsize and Purge

One of the first things that you should do right away is to downsize and purge your belongings. Go through everything that you own with the intent to downsize your stuff. Ideally, you should aim to only take the necessities.

As you look through all of the clothing and furniture that you own, you will need to concentrate on purging your superfluous items. Simply stated, don’t hold onto every single piece. Some suggest that if you have trouble letting go, take a photo of the sentimental item so you can keep the memory without sacrificing space.

Tip #2 - Compare Options and Decide What Works for You

It’s always a good idea to compare your options whenever making a big or costly decision. When it comes to a big long-distance move, consider the following:

● How much will a moving company cost vs. doing the move myself?

● What is included in the moving company’s moving package?

● Will they provide movers to both load and unload my belongings in a professional way?

● How familiar is the company with the city I’m moving to?

● How much stress will I encounter if I choose to move myself or if I hire a moving company?

You should review each option for the cost savings and the practicality of using one or more of these options. Unless you’re a highly seasoned moving pro yourself, it’s greatly advised to hire a professional moving company. Suddath cross country movers in Tampa will not only help you get from point A to point B, but they will answer any questions you may have along the way. They’ll even work with you to plan every detail of your move before you set out on the road.

Tip #3 Little Expenses and Fees Add up to a Big Moving Bill

Unless you’re a moving newbie, you probably know that little costs add up very quickly! Moving across country can be a very expensive undertaking for those who do not prepare in advance. You can work with your moving company to create an “emergency budget” that will give you a little wiggle room in your moving fund.

There are some easy ways to add a few extra spending dollars to your moving budget. If you have a lot of gently-used items, consider donating or selling what you no longer want or need. To save on moving boxes, contact some local stores and offer to take their cardboard delivery boxes off their hands. Most stores are happy to give these for free, but others may ask for a small fee. Note that the fee will be significantly less than what a brand-new cardboard box would be in store!

Wishing you all the best on your move to Tampa!