Moving across the country is one of the most expensive types you may ever make. If you're relocating from the East Coast to a new home in Las Vegas, then making the most of your moving budget is essential. Our real estate agents have created this list of cross-country moving tips to make your move more affordable. 

1. Sort, Sell, Donate
   Many cross-country moving companies charge by the pound, so the more you have, the more you will pay. Even if your moving company charges in another way, the larger your items, the larger the amount of space they will take up in the truck, and the more they will cost to move. Consider selling or donating furniture and household items you do not use.
   
   
2. Shop Carefully for Movers
   All movers are not created equal. Shop carefully to find movers that have the most affordable costs, but always look at the terms and conditions as well as the costs. Make sure you're getting what you need and want, and for the best possible price.
   
   
3. Be Flexible With Dates
   If you can, be flexible with the dates of your move. If you try to move on a strict schedule, you may pay more for the moving service. If you have some flexibility, try to move in the "off season," which is fall and winter into early spring. Also, move towards the middle of the month, not the end, when demand is lower.
   
   
4. DIY the Move
   Sometimes, renting a U-Haul and doing the move on your own is more cost effective than hiring movers. If you are comfortable driving a U-Haul across country, and having your belongings parked at a hotel each night while you travel, then this will help you save significantly.
   
   
5. Consider Portable Storage Pods
   A pod is a portable storage unit that sits in your driveway. You fill it with your stuff at your leisure, then a truck will pick it up and move it to your new home. You save money by doing the loading and unloading on your own. As an added bonus, these pods can serve as storage units should you need to wait a bit before moving into your new home.
   
   
6. Find Free Packing Materials
   For those items you do need to pack, find ways to get free packing materials. Utilize household items, like linens, in place of bubble wrap or packaging materials, and then visit your local grocery store or other retail establishments for free boxes. If you have storage containers, use them to pack for packing as well.
   
   
7. Ship or Check Your Belongings
   If you aren't going to be moving furniture, consider checking your belongings as extra baggage. There's a fee for this, but you can move quite a bit on the airline flight as you fly to your new destination. Then, pay to have your car delivered and ship those items that are too bulky or heavy to manage at the airport.

When you're relocating to Las Vegas, contact us at Wardley Real Estate. Our team of real estate agents live and work in the community and have access to the most current Las Vegas listings to hit the real estate market.