How To Save Money On Your Next Move

Whether you are moving down the street or across the country, moving can be stressful. This is especially true if you must adhere to a tight budget. How do you accomplish everything on your To-Do List, on time and without breaking the bank?

The key to a successful, inexpensive move is preparation and organization. A move involves transporting all your belongings from your current home to your new one. You must also consider how one very important possession will get to your new home. This would be your car.

Auto transport services are very beneficial for those that own multiple vehicles or who have limited availability. This makes driving to the destination difficult or nearly impossible. National Dispatch is here to help with 10 ways to save on moving costs, including the shipment of your vehicle.

1. Hire A Professional.

Leaving the work to the professionals is not a decision you will regret when it comes to moving to a new house. Many people hire a reliable moving company to assist them in safely transporting their belongings. What some individuals forget about is the transport of their vehicle, especially in the case of a long-distance move. Hiring a professional auto transport company can be the perfect solution when moving across the country. It frees up time, so that you can focus on other more important moving day tasks. Furthermore, it saves you money in the long run. In comparison to a Do-It-Yourself move, auto transport is a safer method of transport.

If you know that hiring a car shipping company is the way to go, now you must figure out how it fits into the budget. The cost to ship a vehicle varies depending on the type of car, condition of the vehicle, distance, and more. Look at the various shipping options. You can save money by transporting via an open-air carrier. Unless you own a high-value vehicle, then open auto transport should suffice. Learn more about open auto shipping and enclosed auto shipping.

2. Do Not Procrastinate.

We are all guilty of putting things off until the last minute, from time to time. In many cases, we do this because it is a mundane task that we do not want to complete. However, eventually, it will need to be done. There are many tasks that must be completed when moving to a new home. This includes packing, requesting quotes from moving companies, scheduling travel arrangements, completing a change of address, and cutting off utility services. It is necessary to stay organized and have time management strategies. Otherwise, you might miss out moving with the best company, available.

There are several ways to avoid procrastination. Here are just a few:

Start early. This gives you time to research and look for a car shipping company.
Complete the task in small sections. Do not feel obligated to pack up your entire house at one time. Instead, space it out. This will help you from becoming overwhelmed with the daunting task ahead of you.
Establish a timeline. Give each task a deadline, in which you would like to complete them by leading up to your move. Have everything completed by moving day, so that all you have to do is supervise.

3. Avoid Peak Times.

One key to saving money during a move is the ability to be flexible with dates. You must understand when the car moving industry is the busiest. Summer is peak season, as most children are out of school. Everyone is in a rush to get everything done before school starts back again. Fall and winter tend to be slower seasons, but there are still holidays to keep in mind. Plus, you run into the risk of delays from transporting during a bad winter storm. There is also the snowbird rush to consider, which would include those individuals living in the north temporarily moving south for the winter.

Most people do not have the option to wait to move on their own time schedule. Whenever and wherever in the United States you need to move, National Dispatch can assist you. We recommend you start the process early to ensure that your car arrives on time. We also offer shipping options for those needing their car on short notice. At National Dispatch, we provide car shipping services to meet the needs of not only individuals but corporations, also.

4. Ask Questions.

The car shipping process can be confusing, especially for first-timers. Plus, not all car shipping companies operate in the same way. Get all your questions answered by an auto transport professional before booking services. This way you know exactly what to expect for the shipment of your vehicle. In addition, you can avoid any hidden moving costs. What questions should you ask? You should ask questions regarding costs, insurance, and pick-up/delivery times. It is important to understand what your quote covers before signing any paperwork. It is also crucial to understand the company’s insurance policy.

At National Dispatch, we want you to have the best auto shipping experience, possible. For added convenience, we offer door-to-door services. This means that the driver will come directly to you to pick up the vehicle. After you have conducted a vehicle inspection report with the driver, the car will be loaded onto the carrier for transport. Shortly thereafter, it will arrive safely at its destination. You will be notified every step of the way. You never should worry where your car is at on the road or when it will arrive. Get more of your questions answered by reading 14 Car Shipping Questions Answered.

5. Toss Items You Do Not Use.

Sort through all your belongings before a big move. Many people realize while unpacking that they do not actually need or use everything they own. Therefore, think carefully about what you bring to your new home. It could save you time, energy, and money. More stuff means more items to pack, move, and unpack. Ask yourself if you use it, would miss it if it was gone, and if it is still in good condition. Set aside different piles for what you want to toss, donate, and sell.

Some home movers use weight as a factor in estimating costs. Therefore, consider how much stuff you own. There is no better time to go through everything you own than before moving to a new house. This is especially necessary for those looking to downsize to a smaller property. You will not feel cluttered, and there is no need to pay for a storage unit. Before buying any new furniture, take measurements of your new home to ensure it will fit nicely. You do not want to buy a new sectional, only to find out it will not fit in your living room, comfortably.

6. Ask Around For Packing Supplies.

There are some necessary supplies you must have to move. This would include boxes, tape, and packing paper (or other protective material). You can save money by reusing supplies from others or by using items that you might already have on hand. It also helps the environment by recycling materials. It may take a little time to find boxes in good condition. The boxes need to be sturdy enough to safely transport all your belongings during the move.

You can find free boxes and packing supplies, just about anywhere. Before going out and dropping a bunch of money on packing supplies, ask friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors. Ask anyone you know who has recently gone through a move. They would probably still have a few boxes or other supplies on hand. Check with your local liquor store, grocery store, or large retail stores. You can also check online through Facebook groups and community pages, as well as on Craigslist’s free section.In the place of packing paper, you can use clothes and towels to protect your valuables.

7. Label Boxes Properly.

To stay organized and prevent chaos during a move, you must create a labeling system for all your boxes. There is no one appropriate way to label. However, you should use the correct markers, ones which are permanent and waterproof. You never know how the weather will be. In addition, the label should always be visible from at least one side when the boxes are stacked. This way you do not have to search to find which room the box belongs in or what items it contains.

Labeling boxes speeds up the moving process. It also helps ensure that items get to their intended place. It is crucial that you mark valuables with “FRAGILE”. This way whoever is carrying the box knows to treat it with extra care. You can even utilize a color-coding system, giving each room a different color. However, you must ensure that you or your movers know what each color means. You can place a color paper on the door of the room to make the process simpler. It does not matter which system you use for you move. Proper labeling saves time and money. If done correctly, each item will arrive safely in its designated place.

8. Have A Yard Sale.

We previously discussed sorting through your old belongings. With a little planning, you can get rid of those unwanted items and make some extra cash in the process. Designate a few boxes specifically for a yard sale. If you do not have enough items to sell, consider going in with a friend or neighbor. Organization and preparation are keys to a successful yard sale. After deciding on a date, advertise through social media and word of mouth. Tell all your friends and family. Then, they can tell everyone they know.

The objective is to get rid of everything. A benefit is that you can make a little extra money. Be realistic when pricing items. Do not mark the item as what you paid for it. Try to keep the area organized. In addition, it might be a good idea to have change before the start of your yard sale. Your first customer may not have exact cash. For the items that do not sell, consider donating them to charity. It may qualify for a tax deduction. After donating, you will need to get a receipt from the donation center.

9. Prepare For The Unexpected.

Establishing a budget is an important part of planning a move. Moving with an auto transport company can save you money. You do not have to calculate in the cost of gas, mileage, equipment rental, lodging, and meals like you would if you were driving. With auto shipping, you must pay for the cost to ship your car to its destination, as well as the cost of a flight. Not preparing financially for a move could cost you more in the long run.

You may even consider setting aside money for an emergency fund. It would help you out if an unforeseen circumstance were to arise. Let’s say after a few days in your new home, there is a plumbing problem. This would be the money to use in this situation. An emergency fund would also come in handy in numerous other situations. It would be helpful in the case of a car problem, unexpected medical expense, natural disaster, and more. You never know what might happen. It is better to be prepared for the unexpected.

10. See About Deducting Expenses From Taxes.

No one likes moving. Unfortunately, most everyone will move at some point in their lifetime. Wouldn’t it be nice to deduct those moving expenses from your taxes? You may qualify for a tax deductible moving expense. The IRS has specific criteria and requirements outlining a move of this kind. First, your new home must be located at least 50 miles further than your previous work location was from your old home. If this sounds confusing, there is a worksheet available (IRS form 3903) to help you figure it out. You must have also worked for a certain amount of time before the move.

A variety of expenses can be deducted. This would include travel costs: toll fares, hotel stays, and gas purchases. The cost of food does not count. Packing materials and supplies can be deducted, as well as some utility fees. You should keep track of all expenses, and hold on to all receipts for your records. For more information on tax deductible moving expenses, go to the IRS website. If you are relocating with a company, consider asking your company’s HR department about their relocation policy and compensation for moving costs.

National Dispatch is a nationwide car shipping company. For a free, instant car moving quote, use our online quote calculator. No personal information is required. To speak with a representative by phone, call us at 800-321-2051.

New To The Car Shipping Experience

Getting belongings, such as clothes and furniture, to a new home is only one challenge associated with moving. Most individuals own at least one vehicle, which will need to get to the new home, as well. There are several options to transporting the car to its new location. You can drive it there, yourself, or have someone else drive it there for you.

However, neither option compares to the auto transport experience. Sometimes it is not possible to drive the car due to distance, scheduling, or other moving arrangements. This is where National Dispatch comes in. We aim to provide an easier, faster, and safer solution while also offering affordable car shipping rates.

If you have never shipped a vehicle before, you probably are unfamiliar with the car shipping process. You have no idea where to even start. All you are sure of is that you need to get your car from Point A to Point B with the help of a reliable auto transport company.

Put Your Trust In National Dispatch

It can often be difficult to trust another individual with your vehicle. This is because many view their cars as if they were their “babies”. It is completely understandable. After all, not only have you invested money into your car, but you rely on your car on a daily basis to get you from place to place.

National Dispatch has years of experience transporting all kinds of automobiles across the United States. We provide licensed, insured, and expedited auto transport services. We make it our top priority to get your car where it needs to go, when it needs to get there without incident. National Dispatch specializes in many different auto transport areas, meaning we can ship your car, truck, SUV, van, or motorcycle. Specialty vehicles, such as classic, exotic, or luxury models, are no problem for our team. We often ship for repeat customers, which speaks to their satisfaction with our level of service. You can rest easy knowing that your car will reach its destination safely and on time.

Now that you are more familiar with who we are, let’s explore everything there is to know about vehicle shipping rates.

Car Shipping Estimate Calculator: What To Expect

When you need to ship your car, you will likely want to spend a little extra time researching to find the right company for you. Throughout the research process, you will want to determine the types of services you need. This will make for a smooth auto transport experience. You will also want to speak with a representative who works with the company to learn more about your options.

One of the most important areas many individuals are concerned with is price. How much will it cost to ship my car? You will most likely want to get several quotes from various auto transport companies. However, price should not be your only concern. You should focus on quality and service, as well.

Why Request A Quote?

Quick and Easy. National Dispatch provides an online car shipping estimate calculator on the homepage. We aim to make the auto transport process as simple as possible for you. Therefore, we have created an easy-to-use system.
Free and Instant. After submitting a form, you will receive a vehicle shipping rate, in a matter of seconds, not hours or days. Other competitors in the industry make you wait for an email response, but we do not.
No Personal Information. Unlike other companies that require you to input personal information, such as your email, phone number, or address, we only require four simple fields. All you must do is put in the make and model of your vehicle, in addition to the pickup and delivery locations.
Hassle-Free. Since we do not ask for any personal information, we will not hassle you with phone calls or emails. You can relax knowing that you are requesting a free vehicle shipping quote with no strings attached.
Provides An Estimated Cost. A car shipping estimate calculator provides a general estimate of the cost to ship your vehicle. However, pricing may change. To lock in your quote, call and book transport services today.
Can Add Extra Services. You can adjust your quote by choosing additional services, such as enclosed auto shipping, inoperable vehicle transport, or guaranteed shipping for an additional fee. This allows you to see how these added services may affect your quote.

A car shipping quote calculator is great when you are first starting the process. The calculator gives you an idea of how much it will cost to transport the vehicle from one state to another. It is important to remember that there are many variables involved in a vehicle shipping rate. For a more personalized quote, call us at 800-321-2051. Our auto transport specialists will provide you with a quote that is perfect for your needs.

How Much Will It Cost To Ship My Car?

As we mentioned before, there are many variables involved in the creation of a car shipping rate. For this reason, it cannot be a fixed cost. You can spend anywhere between a few hundred dollars upwards to one thousand dollars or more. Let’s take a look at the areas that will affect the price of auto shipping.

Vehicle Make, Model, and Condition

Any quote form that you fill out from an auto transport company will ask for information about the vehicle. You will need to know the make and model to receive a free quote from National Dispatch. You must consider the size of the vehicle. This is because truckers must account for weight on their truck. Larger vehicles weigh more and take up more space than compact cars. Additional information, such as the condition (operable versus inoperable) will aid in providing a more personalized quote. Non-operable vehicles are more difficult to load and often require special equipment. Therefore, these cars cost more to transport. The vehicle shipping rate will be different for a car that you can steer, roll, and brake than for one that does not roll at all. When booking auto transport services, you may also need to know the mileage from the odometer. All of this information helps the company know the value of the vehicle, which contributes to the cost to ship.

Location

Some of the most important pieces of information are where the car is being shipped to and from. Distance is an important factor in your vehicle shipping rate. Obviously, a vehicle that has to be shipped nationwide is going to cost more than one that is being transported statewide. However, you must also take into account how close these pickup and delivery locations are to the main highways. Truckers can easily drive their trucks for miles on a stretch of straight highway. When you stray from the main routes, it is a different story. Some neighborhoods can be difficult for drivers to maneuver large trucks, due to narrow streets or low power lines. This may impact your rate, but do not fret. It will not affect your delivery. The drivers at National Dispatch do their very best to provide door-to-door auto transport service. If they cannot meet this demand, then they will meet you in a nearby location that suits both of you.

Open Versus Enclosed

You have two primary options when choosing how to transport your vehicle. You can go with the standard delivery method of open auto transport. With this service, your car will be transported with up to eight other cars on an open-air transport carrier. The other option is enclosed auto transport, in which the vehicle will be shipped in a fully-enclosed trailer with sides and a roof. The car will be protected from all weather and road elements. Owners of high-end classic, exotic, and luxury models tend to use this form of transport. However, it is available for any customer. Enclosed auto transport is the more expensive option of the two, because it provides a higher level of protection for the vehicle. Whichever option you decide to go with, your car will be transported in the safest manner possible.

Additional Factors

There are more variables that affect your quote than just the vehicle type and condition, location, and delivery method. Here are a few smaller areas that might alter the price:

Guaranteed Shipping. At National Dispatch, we offer three shipping options to fit your needs. Guaranteed shipping is for individuals who are booking last minute or who need their car guaranteed by a certain date range. Requesting to have your car picked up and delivered on and by a specific date will increase the rate.
Time Of Year. Summer is the most popular time of year to transport a car for the industry. Not as many people move their vehicles in the winter. Due to this increase in demand, you may see an increase in price.
Top Loading. You may have never heard of the term “top loading”. It refers to when a car is positioned on the top level of a two-level carrier. Some individuals prefer this position, because the car is less likely to gather dirt, dust, and grime from the road. You should consider if you require a special request, such as this one, before booking auto shipping services.

Call Or Click Today

Requesting a free car shipping quote is easy. We have outlined the steps for you below if you intend on using our car shipping estimate calculator. You may also call us at 800-321-2051. We are more than happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have.

Getting a quote:

Go to our website at www.nationaldispatch.com.
You will see GET AN INSTANT QUOTE.
Select Vehicle Make from the drop down menu.
Select Vehicle Model from the drop down menu.
Input the Zipcode or City AND State of the Pickup Location.
Input the Zipcode or City AND State of the Delivery Location.
Click Get A Quote.
You will receive your quote in a matter of seconds.

*You will have the choice to choose between three different shipping options. Priority shipping will automatically be selected. In addition, you will have the option to choose between enclosed and open auto transport, as well as inoperable and operable vehicle shipping.

What Does Car Shipping Involve?

You may be wondering what would happen after you book auto shipping. We will give you a short explanation of how the process would work. You would call to request car shipping with the services that you need. We would notify you before arrival. Before the car is shipped, you would take the necessary preparation steps to ensure a safe and smooth auto transport process. The driver will do his best to come directly to your location with door-to-door auto transport. Upon arrival, you will conduct a vehicle inspection with the driver. This is to complete a condition report of the vehicle before transport, in case any unforeseen circumstances were to occur. The vehicle will be loaded onto the carrier for safe travels to its destination. In transit, you have no need to worry, because we will treat your car as if it were our own. While flying to your new home, your car will be making its journey across the states. We will deliver the vehicle safely to its new home.

National Dispatch offers auto transport services at a rate that you can afford. We focus on your needs, aiming to provide superior customer service. Relocating to a new home can be difficult and stressful. Car shipping is not only an easy, fast, and safe solution, but it provides an individual with peace of mind knowing that their car is being taken care of. The first step in shipping your vehicle is obtaining a quote from a reliable company. The best way to do this is to either use an online quote calculator or call to speak with a representative.

Start by using our online quote calculator. If you would like to book auto transport services, call National Dispatch today at 800-321-2051. We look forward to your call.

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