Moving across the country is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and budgeting. The cost of a cross-country move can vary widely depending on several factors, including the distance, the amount of belongings you’re moving, and the type of moving service you choose. Understanding these costs can help you prepare financially and make informed decisions about your move.
On average, the cost to move across the country ranges from $2,000 to $8,000 for a typical household. However, this range can extend significantly higher for larger homes or more complex moves. The price typically includes the transportation of your belongings, basic liability coverage, and loading and unloading services.
| Move Size | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Studio/1 Bedroom | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| 2-3 Bedrooms | $3,500 – $7,000 |
| 4-5 Bedrooms | $7,000 – $15,000+ |
Factors Affecting Cross-Country Moving Costs
Several key factors influence the total cost of your cross-country move. Understanding these can help you estimate your expenses more accurately and potentially find ways to reduce costs.
Distance: The most significant factor in determining the cost of your move is the distance between your current home and your destination. Longer distances mean higher fuel costs, more labor hours, and potentially additional fees for overnight accommodations for the moving crew. For example, a move from New York to Los Angeles (about 2,800 miles) will typically cost more than a move from Chicago to Denver (about 1,000 miles).
Volume and Weight of Belongings: The amount of stuff you’re moving directly impacts the cost. More items mean a larger truck, more packing materials, and more labor hours for loading and unloading. Many moving companies base their quotes on the weight of your shipment, which can range from 2,000 to 8,000 pounds for an average household.
Moving Date: The time of year, month, and even day of the week can affect your moving costs. Summer months (May to September) are typically the most expensive times to move due to high demand. Moving during the off-season (October to April) can result in lower rates. Additionally, weekends and the beginning or end of a month tend to be pricier than mid-week or mid-month moves.
Services Required: The level of service you choose significantly impacts the cost. Full-service moves, where the company handles packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking, are the most expensive option. A DIY move, where you rent a truck and do all the work yourself, is typically the cheapest but most labor-intensive option. Many people opt for a middle ground, hiring movers for loading and unloading but handling the packing themselves.
Insurance: Basic liability coverage is usually included in your moving quote, but it only covers $0.60 per pound per item. For valuable or fragile items, you may want to purchase additional full-value protection, which can add to your overall costs but provides better coverage for your belongings.
Types of Moving Services and Their Costs
Understanding the different types of moving services available can help you choose the option that best fits your budget and needs.
Full-Service Movers
Full-service moving companies offer the most comprehensive and convenient option for cross-country moves. They handle everything from packing your belongings to unloading them at your new home. This service typically includes:
- Packing all your belongings
- Providing packing materials
- Loading the truck
- Transportation
- Unloading at your destination
- Unpacking (if requested)
The cost for full-service movers for a cross-country move can range from $4,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the size of your home and the distance of your move. While this is the most expensive option, it’s also the least stressful and time-consuming for you.
DIY Truck Rental
Renting a truck and handling the entire move yourself is typically the cheapest option for moving across the country. The cost for a long-distance truck rental can range from $1,500 to $4,500, depending on the size of the truck and the distance of your move. However, this doesn’t include additional costs such as:
- Fuel (which can be significant for a cross-country trip)
- Lodging during the drive
- Food and other travel expenses
- Packing materials
- Equipment rentals (like dollies or furniture pads)
While this option can save you money, it requires significant time and physical effort on your part.
Container Moving Services
Container moving services, like PODS or U-Pack, offer a middle ground between full-service movers and DIY truck rentals. With this option, the company drops off a container at your home, you load it yourself, and then they transport it to your new location. The cost for this service typically ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 for a cross-country move.
This option allows you to pack and load at your own pace, potentially saving on labor costs. However, you’ll still need to factor in the cost of packing materials and any equipment rentals you might need.
Additional Costs to Consider
When budgeting for your cross-country move, don’t forget to account for these potential additional expenses:
- Packing Materials: If not included in your moving service, budget $100 to $500 for boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and other packing supplies.
- Storage: If you need temporary storage during your move, expect to pay $100 to $300 per month for a storage unit.
- Travel Expenses: Factor in costs for your own transportation, including airfare or gas, meals, and lodging during your journey.
- Utility Setup: Budget for any deposits or setup fees required for utilities at your new home.
- Cleaning Services: You might want to hire cleaners for both your old and new homes, which can cost $200 to $400 each.
Tips for Reducing Cross-Country Moving Costs
While moving across the country is inherently expensive, there are several strategies you can employ to keep costs down:
- Declutter Before Moving: The less you have to move, the lower your costs will be. Sell, donate, or discard items you no longer need.
- Compare Quotes: Get estimates from at least three different moving companies to ensure you’re getting a competitive rate.
- Be Flexible with Dates: If possible, choose to move during the off-season or mid-month for lower rates.
- Pack Yourself: Even if you hire movers, packing your own belongings can significantly reduce costs.
- Use Free Packing Materials: Collect free boxes from local stores or use household items like suitcases and bins for packing.
- Consider a Hybrid Approach: You might save by renting a truck yourself but hiring local labor for loading and unloading.
Moving across the country is a significant expense, but with careful planning and budgeting, you can manage the costs effectively. By understanding the factors that influence moving costs and exploring different service options, you can make informed decisions that balance your budget with your needs and preferences.
FAQs About How Much Does It Cost To Move Across Country
- What’s the average cost of moving across country?
The average cost ranges from $2,000 to $8,000, but can be higher for larger homes or longer distances. - How can I get an accurate estimate for my cross-country move?
Get in-home estimates from at least three reputable moving companies for the most accurate pricing. - Is it cheaper to hire movers or rent a truck for a cross-country move?
Renting a truck is typically cheaper, but requires more time and effort on your part. - What’s the most cost-effective time of year to move across country?
Moving during the off-season (October to April) and mid-week or mid-month can often result in lower rates. - Are there hidden costs I should be aware of when moving across country?
Consider additional costs like packing materials, insurance, storage fees, and travel expenses for yourself.