Moving any distance is a big undertaking — but making a move from one coast to the other? It seems daunting, and can also be expensive. However, it doesn’t have to be. Consider these moving and storage options when you leave the City by the Bay for Beantown.
Make the Most of Your Move
When it comes to moving across the country, you typically have two options: either hire a moving company or move everything yourself. Hiring movers isn’t a bad idea; it just may be costlier, especially for a transition like moving from San Francisco to Boston. However, if you choose to embark on a DIY adventure, you could save thousands of dollars. There are multiple companies that provide rental trucks for one-way moves inclusive of truck rental fees, distance traveled, and insurance costs. You’d still need to cover gas for the road, but in the end, it may be less expensive than hiring a professional moving company.
An additional way to save a few bucks on your big move is deciding when to say goodbye to San Fran. Avoiding peak moving days and times — weekends or the months between Memorial Day and Labor Day — can have a huge impact on the cost of your relocation. The easiest way to remember how to choose your moving date is to try for mid-day, mid-month between October and April. Winters can be tough in Boston, so consider sticking closer to October or April if you can.
Staying Organized
Regardless of whether you choose to use a moving company or not, it’s important to keep any personal documents such as your driver’s license, Social Security card, passport, and birth certificate with you. You don’t want to lose significant documents as you venture from West to East. Pack an overnight bag too — a set or two of clothes and hygiene products will come in handy as you wait for the moving truck to arrive.
Storage Opportunities
When considering moving and storage to Boston, one of the best ways to cut costs from the get-go is to gather as many free moving supplies as you can — think boxes, bubble-wrap, newspapers, and anything and everything that will help you pack your items safely. In addition, ask friends, neighbors, bookstores, and local schools for extra or unwanted boxes. You’ll save a pretty penny if you don’t have to invest in all that cardboard.
Another alternative to full-service movers is renting a portable moving container. They can double as storage solutions both before and after your move. The cost depends on how long you rent the container and the size you choose, but with an average price between $2,000 and $3,000 per month, it is still less expensive than the $4,000 to $6,000 that professional movers may charge. Using a portable container is easy; simply load your boxes, and the container company takes care of the rest.
If you haven’t found your new home in Boston yet, and your items will be in storage, be sure to contact a Boston real-estate agent who knows the ins and outs of the city and its neighborhoods. Before you load the moving van or storage unit, also think about reserving your moving permit online.
Lessen the Load
Before heading cross-country with your life’s belongings in tow, consider selling old furniture and renting pieces from CORT upon arrival to Boston. Not only will you have less stress, but you’ll have less furniture to load and unload and more flexibility if you’re not moving into a permanent home. Plus, owning less furniture may translate to lower moving and storage costs.
Either way, CORT Furniture Rental has plenty of options, whether you find a trendy apartment near Fenway or a triple-decker in Somerville that warrants traditional pieces. Renting is a quick, convenient way to make your new East Coast home feel like just that — home.
