Moving across the country brings a fresh start to life, but this big change also comes with a hefty bill. Besides all the costs associated with settling into the new place, the moving process can cost a significant amount on its own.
Moving out of state is labor-intensive and requires a great deal of pre-planning. This is why the average cost of a cross-country move can range anywhere from $2,679 to upwards of $10,000.
The actual price you pay depends on how far you’re moving, the number of items you’re moving, and the level of professional help you hire. You can read more to learn about how these factors play a role in moving costs, and use our approximate moving cost calculator to get an estimate.
Cross-Country Moving Cost Factors
The following factors affect a cross-country move, and tweaking them can change the total cost of your move:
The Size of Your Home
The size of your home is an important consideration, whether you’re hiring professional movers or using a moving container: the larger your home size and the more belongings you have, the higher your bill.
For instance, a cross-country move with a three-bedroom house usually starts at $4,000, while a one-bedroom apartment will likely be between $2,000 to $3,000.
Size of the Moving Truck
The size of the truck you rent can also impact your total cost–this is generally correlated with the size of your home. To cut back expenses with transportation, make sure you pack smartly so you can utilize space well and transport more belongings in a smaller truck.
Level of Services Required
The moving cost is also drastically affected by the level of professional moving assistance you require. For instance, moving a one-bedroom home by yourself using a rented truck can cost around $1,200 to $1,300, but the cost goes up to around $2,000 if you hire professional movers–although doing so saves you quite a bit of time and stress.
If you don’t want to pay for a complete moving package, you can opt for specific services like packing and unpacking while renting a truck to drive, load, and unload yourself. Professional packing services cost between $270 to $2,200.
So, depending on the scale of your move and how much you can handle, weigh the pros and cons of both sides and then decide how much you want to outsource. In most cases, however, the advantages of hiring professional movers make it worth the investment.
Time and Distance
The time and distance of your move also matter a great deal. Out-of-state moving costs are usually calculated by weight and distance instead of time. The general rule of thumb is that the more belongings you have and the greater the distance you travel, the heftier your bill will be.
Moving Season
The time of the year can also impact the cost of your move. Try and move during the off-season (mid-September through April). Demand for movers is generally lower during these months, so prices are also lower.
It is also cheaper to move during a weekday in the middle of the month than a weekend or near an important holiday. If you schedule your move well and book as early as possible, you can secure a great out-of-state moving deal.
Other Important Long-Distance Moving Costs
Besides the upfront fees you pay professional moving companies or for hiring moving trucks, there are some other long-distance moving costs you may need to budget for. These include:
Moving Supplies
It’s important not to overlook these minor costs, as they can add up to make a significant difference in your bill. Moving supplies, including boxes, packing paper, a dolly rental, or packing tape, can come to between $175 and $200.
Some moving companies offering packing services provide the supplies for you and include the cost in your total bill. Make sure to clarify these charges before you hop on board.
Gas Prices
With the ever-rising fuel costs, gas prices can be an essential consideration. If you’re driving a rental truck and covering longer distances, make sure to account for high gas prices in your overall budget.
Insurance
In most cases, renter’s or homeowner’s insurance should cover your belongings during a move. If not, purchasing insurance from a third party or even the moving company you hired is possible. Insurance is generally 1% to 2% of the property’s value.
Other Costs
Besides the immediate costs of moving across the country, it’s important to remember other costs associated with the move.
For instance, a new state will require a new vehicle registration and driver’s license. If you’re holding your items in storage instead of immediately moving them to your new place, you’ll also have to cover storage unit costs. And if you’re purchasing a new home, you will also pay additional fees related to closing, downpayment, or security deposits.
Finally, remember to account for your costs during the journey–you will need to budget for lodging, meals, and other essentials while on the road. Be sure to check out our post on deducting moving costs from tax returns to see if you’re eligible!
Of course, for the best professional moving services with up-front, no-hidden-fee moving cost quotes, NDMS is your best bet. Reach out for your free quote today!
