Moving across the country is sometimes unavoidable especially for a job. But it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. There are ways to save money on a long-distance move so that you can settle into your new home without stressing over expenses. Here are some easy ways to cut costs when planning a cross-country move:
Key Takeaways
- Moving on your own is often the cheapest option but it comes with extra work and planning.
- If doing everything alone sounds overwhelming, consider a hybrid move. You can handle part of the move yourself and hire help for just the essentials.
- Renting a freight trailer can be a cost-effective way to move. You load the trailer and the company handles the long-distance driving.
7 of the Cheapest Ways to Move Across the Country
Hiring a full-service moving company where movers handle packing and unpacking is the easiest option—but it’s also the priciest. If you’re open to sacrificing a bit of convenience, there are plenty of cheaper ways to move across the country.
1. Move Yourself
The most affordable way to move is by doing it yourself. This works well if you have a large van and are good at packing efficiently. It’s ideal for moving out of a small apartment or if you’ve already downsized. You can always buy larger items like furniture after the move.
2. Rent a Moving Truck
Another affordable option is to rent a moving truck. These trucks come in different sizes to fit your needs. Many truck rental companies offer a fixed rate that covers fuel and insurance. Keep in mind that moving trucks aren’t fuel-efficient so expect to spend some time at gas stations along the way.
3. Try a Hybrid Move
A hybrid move lets you hire movers without spending too much. You can give some items to the movers and take others yourself, either in a rental truck or your own car. Another option is to pack and unpack everything yourself, so the movers only handle loading and driving. You can pick which parts of the move to outsource based on your budget.
4. Use Moving Containers
Moving containers are a popular, budget-friendly choice. These containers come in different sizes and are cheaper than hiring a full moving crew. You can also use them as storage before and after the move which gives you extra time to set up your new home. Several companies offer moving containers and the average cost for a cross-country move is around $3,000.
5. Rent a Freight Trailer
If a DIY move isn’t enough for all your things but you want to avoid full-service movers, a freight trailer is a solid option. The company delivers a trailer to your home, giving you a few days to load it. Once you’re done, they transport it to your new place. Renting a freight trailer is often much cheaper than hiring a full-service mover with costs based on the space you use. Any extra space in the trailer might be shared with another customer which helps keep costs down.
6. Ship Your Belongings
If you don’t have a lot to move, shipping your items can be a budget-friendly choice. Ground shipping is usually the cheapest option. Some companies even specialize in shipping unique items like cars or pianos, making this a flexible option for smaller loads.
7. Use Shared Load Moving
Shared load moving or shared moving, lets you split moving costs with another customer going in the same direction. Many companies offer this as a service so you don’t need to find someone on your own. This option can save you a good amount but it’s wise to get premium moving insurance since there may be multiple stops along the way.
6 Tips for Saving Money on a Cross-Country Move
Once you’ve decided how you’ll move, here are some extra ways to cut costs:
1. Get Multiple Quotes
When planning a move, it’s smart to gather quotes from different companies. Don’t just go with the first offer you get. Instead, look for the best value—a reasonable price from a trusted company that meets your needs. Some movers will even match a competitor’s price, so use other quotes to negotiate a better deal with your top choice.
2. Be Resourceful with Moving Supplies
Moving supplies can get expensive especially if you need a lot of boxes, packing paper and bubble wrap. You can save money by finding supplies in creative ways. Ask friends or family who’ve moved recently if they have extra boxes or bubble wrap. Retail stores often have leftover boxes so check with liquor stores, furniture stores or appliance stores. You can also use things you already have—wrap fragile items with socks, towels or sweaters instead of buying bubble wrap.
3. Hold a Moving Sale
While this doesn’t directly cut moving costs holding a sale can help you set aside money for your move. Sell items you no longer need by hosting a yard sale or listing bigger items on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. You can even post items on eBay. This not only raises funds but also helps you figure out what you really need to bring along.
4. Ship Books Using USPS Media Mail
If you have a lot of books to move, shipping them with USPS Media Mail can save space in your moving truck. This service lets you send books at a low rate, with around 70 pounds costing about $55. It’s a budget-friendly way to move heavy books without adding to your main load.
5. Move in the Off-Season
Choosing the right time to move can save money too. Moving costs are usually lower in the off-season, outside of the busy months from May to September. Early spring or fall are ideal for balancing convenience and lower rates. If you’re flexible with your moving date, you might save even more by choosing a less popular time.
6. Search for Discounts (& Ask for Them)
You may be able to get a discount from your moving company that can help cut costs. Check their website, social media and coupon pages for any promotions. Even a small discount can make a difference for a long-distance move. Don’t hesitate to call and ask if any deals or discounts are available—you might find that they offer special rates especially if you’re flexible with your moving date.
How Much Does It Cost to Move Across the Country?
On average moving across the country costs about $4,600, with prices ranging from $2,400 to $15,000. DIY moves are on the lower end, while hiring full-service movers is usually more expensive.
Factors That Can Increase Cross-Country Moving Costs
Several things impact the cost of a cross-country move. Here’s what to consider:
- Distance: The longer the distance, the higher the cost. Some companies offer a flat rate, while others charge per mile.
- Size of the Move: The size of your home and the amount of stuff you have affect costs, as more items require more labor. Moving companies may base their estimates on the number of bedrooms or the total weight of your belongings.
- Type of Transport: Renting a truck or portable storage container is often cheaper than hiring full-service movers with larger trucks. Air or sea shipping costs significantly more than ground transport.
- Labor: Labor is a big part of moving costs. Going DIY can save on labor but it’s more challenging if you have a lot of items.
- Season: The time of year can impact prices, with peak moving season from May to September being the most expensive. Moving in the fall or early spring can be cheaper, though winter moves can be tricky due to unpredictable weather and road conditions.
Cross-Country Moving Checklist
A moving checklist helps you stay organized so you can settle in quickly without last-minute stress. Here’s a simple checklist to follow:
1. Confirm Your Moving Plans
Whether moving yourself or hiring professionals confirm details as early as possible. This includes getting quotes, booking movers, setting a budget and finalizing your moving date.
2. Check Your Car
If you’re driving cross-country, get your car serviced to ensure it’s ready for the trip.
3. Pack a Moving Essentials Bag
Pack a bag with essentials like clothes, toiletries and important documents. Keep this with you since your other items will be in the moving truck.
4. Plan for Pets
Make travel arrangements for your pets in advance. Some pets may handle the trip well, while others might need special care.
5. Take Inventory & Declutter
List everything you’re taking and get rid of items you no longer need. Consider donating or selling unneeded items.
6. Set Up Utilities
Cancel utilities at your old home and arrange for new ones at your destination. You can usually handle this online or over the phone.
7. Change Your Address
Update your address at the post office and inform your bank and any other essential contacts.
8. Buy Moving Supplies
If you’re moving on your own, purchase boxes, tape, rope and any other necessary supplies in advance.
9. Update or Cancel Subscriptions
Cancel or transfer subscriptions and services to your new address.
10. Transfer Prescriptions
If you take medication, make sure your pharmacy can transfer your prescriptions to your new location. Keep enough medication on hand for the move.
11. Empty & Clean the Fridge
Empty, clean and defrost your fridge and freezer about 48 hours before moving day.
What to Expect When Moving Across the Country
Moving across the country can be exciting, with open roads and interesting sights along the way. However, you may also face a few challenges. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Tolls
Expect to pay tolls on highways as you drive to your new home. Keep a good supply of coins and small bills handy for these payments.
Varying Fuel Prices
Gas prices differ from place to place. When you see a cheaper station, take the opportunity to fill up.
Weather Delays
You might encounter bad weather along the way. If you do, it’s safer to pull over and wait until conditions improve.
Vehicle Delays
Delays due to vehicle issues can happen, whether you’re driving yourself or using a moving service. Be prepared in case of breakdowns or unexpected stops.
How to Find a Cross-Country Moving Company
Finding the right cross-country moving company takes a bit of research but these steps can help you choose the best one:
· Start Your Search Online
Begin by looking up long-distance moving companies online. Review lists of top-rated movers and check out customer feedback on sites like Yelp and Google.
· Call a Few Companies
Get estimates and ask questions to learn about each company’s services. Confirm they cover both your starting and ending locations, check if they’re insured and ask what types of moves they handle and if any work is outsourced.
· Contact Past Customers
If possible, reach out to past customers. You can find reviews on Yelp or ask the company if they can provide references. This can give you a better sense of what to expect.
· Compare Quotes
Collect multiple quotes and look beyond the total price. Check the breakdown of charges and look for any additional fees. Focus on getting the best value, not just the lowest price.
· Check Credentials
Verify that the moving company has proper credentials like a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number for interstate moves, as well as any required state licenses. Make sure their insurance is up-to-date.
· Review the Fine Print
Carefully read any documents provided by the moving company. Pay attention to the terms and conditions, delivery timeframes, insurance details & the company’s process for handling claims or disputes.
Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Across the Country
Moving can be challenging and a few common mistakes can make it even harder. Here’s what to watch out for:
Improper Packing
A cross-country move means a long journey for your belongings. If items aren’t packed properly, they could get damaged along the way. Packing well also helps you save space.
Forgetting Personal Essentials
Pack a bag with personal essentials especially if the trip is more than a day. Include items like toiletries, important paperwork, keys for the new home and chargers for your devices.
Overlooking Utilities
Be sure to cancel utilities at your current home and set them up at your new place. This includes electricity, water, gas and internet services.
Skipping Moving Insurance
If you’re hiring a moving company, getting moving insurance is important. It can help cover unexpected losses or damages during the move.
Not Labeling Boxes
Labeling boxes clearly can make unpacking easier. Mark each box with its contents to help speed up the setup process when you arrive.
When to Hire a Professional Long-Distance Moving Company vs. Doing It Yourself
Deciding between hiring a moving company or doing it yourself for a cross-country move depends on your needs and budget. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider.
Moving on your own can save a lot on labor costs which is a big part of moving expenses. DIY moves give you more control over the schedule and the moving process. However, moving long distances can be exhausting and complicated especially when you have other things to handle at your new place. There’s also the risk of items getting damaged or vehicles breaking down. While these things can happen to anyone, professionals usually have insurance to cover such issues.
Hiring professionals costs more upfront but brings convenience and peace of mind. With a moving company, you won’t need to handle all the heavy lifting or worry as much about unexpected issues. Although it’s more expensive, hiring movers can make the process much easier and less stressful especially for a cross-country move.
There are also hidden costs to consider when hiring professionals, often included in their estimates. These can cover things like fuel, tolls, lodging and equipment rentals. Hiring movers can be especially helpful for those with limited mobility who might find the physical labor challenging.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money should you save to move across the country?
Moving across the country can cost between $2,400 and $15,000 depending on the distance, destination and moving method. To get an idea of what you’ll need contact a moving professional for an estimate. Also, remember to budget for living expenses. If you don’t have a job lined up, try to save enough to cover three months of bills. It’s also a good idea to set aside an extra 5-10% for unexpected expenses.
What should you do before moving to another state?
Before moving to another state, start by setting a budget and hiring a moving company. If possible, visit your new city to set up utilities, explore schools and check out neighborhoods. Get your paperwork in order including forwarding your mail, renewing your driver’s license and canceling any subscriptions like gym or cable. Lastly, pack your belongings and prepare for the move.
How long does it take to move across the country?
The time it takes depends on factors like whether you’re moving yourself, the size of the move and the starting and ending locations. Professional movers typically complete a cross-country move in 2-5 days, depending on the distance. If you’re moving yourself and plan to take a more leisurely route, it could take twice as long.
