Planning a long-distance move?
Congratulations — you’re joining the club. 7.8% of Americans moved in 2024 (approximately 25.87 million people). Whether it’s for a new job opportunity, warmer weather, or simply needing a change of pace…
Moving to a different state is no small task. Far from the easy weekend trip that local moves can be. There’s a lot that goes into relocating to a new home far away from your old one. And unfortunately…
The majority of people severely underestimate the complexity involved in long-distance moving.
They try to take shortcuts. DIY the move with a rental truck. But those attempts invariably cost more money, take longer, and create tons of stress.
The good news? With careful planning and hiring the right long-distance moving services, you can navigate cross-country relocations like a pro. Here I’ll cover everything you need to know to have a smooth long-distance moving experience that’s affordable and stress-free.
So without further ado…
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- How Long-Distance Moving Costs Work
- When is the Best Time To Move?
- How To Pick The Right Moving Company
- Packing Tips To Make Your Life Easy
What is Different About Long-Distance Moving?
Long-distance moving is not the same thing as local moving, but with more miles added on.
There are plenty of different variables that come into play when moving further away. If you move more than 100 miles, or cross state lines, it’s officially considered a long-distance move. Local movers typically charge hourly rates. Long-distance moving companies charge by weight, distance, and additional services.
This completely changes your planning and budgeting for your move.
How Do Long-Distance Moving Costs Work?
Here’s the thing most people don’t understand about long-distance moving costs.
They focus solely on the estimate from the moving company.
That doesn’t even come close to accounting for all your moving expenses. You should expect prices to range anywhere from $2,000-$8,000 on average nationwide, but can easily exceed $10,000 or more for larger families or cross-country moves.
Things that affect your moving costs are:
Distance: The farther your move, the more expensive. Weight is another huge factor — movers will weigh your items. The average weight for a 2-3 bedroom house is about 5,000-7,000 lbs.
Additional services like packing/unpacking raise the price too. If you move during peak season (May-September), expect to pay 20-30% more than moving during the off-season.
Don’t just choose the cheapest quote. Do your research on moving companies, and weigh all the pros and cons.
When is the Best Time To Move?
Long-distance moves should be scheduled strategically to get the best price.
Want to know how to save money? Don’t move during the summer. May-September is the prime moving season which means higher prices due to increased demand.
Try to schedule your move between October and March. Not only will you avoid the hot and humid summer weather in most states, but you’ll also beat the crowds and get cheaper rates.
Pick a weekday to move instead of the weekend. Tuesdays-Thursday are often the cheapest days to move since most people prefer to move on weekends.
Finally, plan your move at least 2-3 months in advance. Long-distance moves made within the last month can cost 25% more due to last-minute pricing.
How To Pick The Right Moving Service
Let’s discuss your options when it comes to long-distance moving services.
Most people never realize there are multiple ways you can get your belongings to your new home. And each comes with different price ranges based on the effort you’re willing to put in.
Full-Service Moving Companies
These all-inclusive moves cost the most money but save you lots of time. Full-service movers come into your home and pack everything up. Load the truck, drive cross-country, unload and unpack your items.
Think of it as the shipping option for your household items. The average full-service cross-country move will cost around $4,000-$12,000 depending on your items.
It’s the best option for busy professionals, families with kids, or people who just don’t want to deal with moving. You literally do nothing and wait for your items to show up at your door.
Moving Containers
Companies like PODS have been gaining in popularity. You have a container delivered to your home. Pack it at your leisure over the next couple of weeks, they pick it up, and transport it to your new location.
Prices can vary from $2,000 up to $8,000 depending on distance and container size. It’s somewhere in the middle of a DIY move vs full-service move.
You’ll save money by packing and loading yourself but don’t have to worry about driving an 18-wheel truck across the country by yourself.
Rental Truck
Rental truck prices start around $800-$1200 for the week-long rental. But remember that’s just the truck. Gas, tolls, hotels, food and possible lost wages if you take time off work.
It’s definitely the cheapest option upfront but ends up costing you more in the long-run if you have a lot of stuff. And of course, you do all the heavy lifting.
It’s a good option for people on a budget or just moving a few boxes.
Packing Tips To Make Your Life Easier
Here’s the worst packing mistake people make.
They approach long-distance moves like they would a local one.
Since local moves typically take place over a weekend, you can get away with not packing perfectly. Items aren’t on moving trucks for days at a time. But when moving cross-country, you’ll want to take some extra precautions when packing.
Use these tips to make packing easier:
Start packing well in advance. Any items you won’t need before the move go in a box. Books, decorations, out-of-season clothes, etc.
Invest in good moving supplies. Cheap moving boxes break easily. Purchase quality packing boxes and bubble wrap to keep items safe.
Label your boxes. Write what’s in the box and the room it belongs in. Number your boxes and keep an inventory list handy.
Pack essentials you’ll need for your first night in a separate box. Toiletries, phone chargers, medications, important documents.
Take pictures of wired electronics before you unplug them. Label where cords go with masking tape. It’ll be easier to set-up at your new home.
Don’t Make These Moving Mistakes
Here are some helpful things to avoid when moving long-distance…
Picking moving companies based solely on price is a bad idea. Cheap quotes usually come from movers who cut corners. Do your research and verify all moving companies are licensed.
Not getting your estimate in writing is asking for issues down the road. Make sure all costs are outlined, and delivery times are confirmed in writing.
Overlooking insurance can be costly if something gets damaged. Most moving companies offer minimal liability coverage. It’s smart to purchase additional insurance.
Underestimating how long it will take to move. If you think something will take an hour, allocate at least two. Long-distance moves have tons of hidden time.
Wrap Up
Long-distance moving is a big task. But with the right planning and knowledge, you can have a smooth experience.
Remember to…
Get multiple quotes from licensed moving companies. Schedule your move during off-peak season. Pack smart and early with quality supplies. Select a moving service that fits your budget and needs. Keep important documents and valuables with you at all times.
Long-distance moving should be treated as a project you plan for. Don’t rush into decisions. Don’t skimp on important services. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare.
…and don’t sweat it if you think everything needs to be perfect. Moves are hectic. Expect the unexpected and go with the flow whenever possible.
