Uncovering the Cost of Moving Across the Country: All You Need to Know About Budgeting and Making a Smooth Transition

You may be wondering, what is the average cost to move across the country? It's an important question to ask, with tons of people relocating everyday. In this article, we'll go over the average cost of moving across the country as well as everything else you may need to help make a decision and have the best possible experience during relocating.

Key Takeaway

Moving across the country can be expensive and the cost of a cross-country move depends on various factors. Hiring a professional mover is generally the most cost-effective option for long-distance moves. Additionally, it’s important to plan ahead and factor in any additional costs that may arise to keep the cost and stress of a cross-country move as low as possible.

How Much Does It Cost To Move Across The Country

Moving across the country is not an inexpensive endeavor. Depending on the size of your move, it can range anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. The cost largely depends on distance, vehicle size, and amount of belongings you are moving.

If you’re moving locally or within a state, your best bet is to do it yourself and rent a truck or trailer. If you’re moving long-distance, a professional mover may be your preferred option, as they will likely be able to provide better rates compared to doing it on your own.

Factors That Increase The Average Cost Of Moving Cross-Country

Moving across the country can be a costly endeavor, depending on various factors. In addition to distance and vehicle size, these factors can increase the cost of a cross-country move:

Mileage- Moving across the country can be expensive depending on the mileage associated with the move. Generally, the longer the distance, the higher the cost of a cross-country move. Long-distance movers typically charge more on a per mile basis than local movers. The price per mile for a long-distance move can range from about $1.50 to $3.00 per mile, depending on the company and distance of the move.

Weight- The more items you have to move, the more expensive it will be. Movers typically charge based on weight and size, so larger or heavier items will require a greater fee for transport.

Method Of Transportation- When considering the method of transportation for a cross-country move, there are several options available. The most common and cost-effective methods include hiring a professional moving company or renting a truck or trailer to move your belongings on your own. Professional movers generally provide better rates compared to do-it-yourself moves, as they typically use large vans and trucks to move household items.

Use Of Proffesional Movers- Hiring a professional mover is generally the most cost-effective option for long-distance moves. Professional movers are equipped with the necessary tools, knowledge and resources to safely transport your items across the country without any damage. Additionally, they will often provide additional services such as packing and unpacking, furniture disassembly and assembly, loading and unloading, and more.

Packing Supplies- Packing supplies are an essential part of any move, especially a cross-country move. To ensure that your belongings remain in safe condition while they are transported, it is important to invest in quality packing materials such as packing tape, bubble wrap, cardboard boxes, furniture blankets and mattress bags. While it is possible to acquire some of these materials for free or at a discounted rate, purchasing them upfront can save you time and money in the long run.

Time Of Year- Moving during different times of the year can have a big impact on the cost of a cross-country move. Generally, summer months are the busiest and most expensive time to move due to increased demand. The spring and fall months typically have more moderate rates due to lower demand and favorable weather conditions for transporting goods. If you’re looking to save money, try to avoid the summer months when scheduling your move.

Additional Services- One of the most important factors in determining the cost of a cross-country move is the additional services your moving company provides. Professional movers will typically offer a variety of services such as packing and unpacking, furniture disassembly and assembly, loading and unloading, special item transportation (such as pianos or large appliances), storage services, and more. Before booking your move, be sure to ask your movers about the services they offer and the cost associated with each one.

Insurance- It is always a good idea to purchase insurance when scheduling a cross-country move. While most reputable moving companies are licensed and insured, it’s important to check with them to make sure they offer the coverage you need. Some types of insurance may include full-value protection, which covers any lost or damaged items up to a certain amount; and liability coverage, which pays for any damage caused by the movers while handling your belongings.

8 Ways To Save Money During A Long-Distance Move

There are many ways to save money when budgeting for your long-distance relocation. The below expert hints, tips, and pieces of advice can help you as you consider where you can safely cut costs without compromising on the overall moving experience.

Downsize Your Household- Downsizing your household can significantly reduce the cost of a long-distance move by reducing the amount of items that need to be transported. Start by going through each room and assessing what items you really need and which ones you can live without. Consider donating or selling any furniture, clothing, books, electronics, decorations or other belongings that are no longer needed.

Find Free Packing Materials- When packing for a long distance move, finding free or low cost packing materials is essential. There are many options available that can save you money without compromising the safety of your items.

One way to get free packing materials is to ask family and friends if they have any spare boxes laying around. If they dont, you may have more luck going to a grocery store to ask for any boxes they used during stocking. Reusing cardboard boxes from prior moves is also a great way to reduce costs.

Ask For Help From Friends And Family- Unsurprisingly, labor costs are often one of the largest expenses associated with moving across the country. You can save a ton of money on an upcoming move by recruiting friends and family members to help you pack and load your belongings, though. Many will often be happy to assist free of charge, or in exchange for soda and pizza. Remember: Every hour that buddies or loved ones help out is another hour on the clock that won’t be charged to your wallet on the back end.

Pack Your Own Boxes- Packing your own boxes is an easy way to save money when moving cross-country. By doing so, you can take control over how your belongings are packed and organized, reduce the amount of time spent on the move, and cut out labor costs associated with having a professional do it.

When packing your items yourself, be sure to secure loose items with bubble wrap, newspaper or packing paper. Use the right size boxes and make sure to keep heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones on top. Fill any empty space in each box with crushed paper or towels to help protect your belongings during transit.

Choose A Less Busy Time To Move- Choosing a less busy time of year to move is a great way to save money and reduce stress on your relocation. Moving during peak season (summertime) often means more demand, which can drive up costs due to limited availability of moving services and crews. Additionally, since everyone moves during the same few months, the price of moving trucks, storage containers and other supplies can also be higher.

If possible, try to plan your move for a less busy time such as the winter or early spring months. Not only will most professional movers be more available during these times, but you may even score special discounts as well.

Get Multiple Moving Quotes- This part is essential when it comes to planning a long-distance move. Professional moving companies typically offer free estimates based on the number of items you need to move, the distance of your move, and other factors. It’s important to request an in-home estimate from each company so that they can accurately survey all of your belongings and provide an accurate quote. Comparing multiple quotes will help you get the best deal on your move.

Read The Fine Print- It is important to read the fine print of any contract before signing it when planning a long-distance move. Take a moment to understand what services are included, what your responsibilities are, and any terms or conditions that you need to be aware of. Pay special attention to coverage for damages and additional fees (such as fuel surcharges) that may be included. Additionally, make sure to get a copy of the signed contract for your records.

Look For Possible Discounts- One way to get discounts when moving across the country is by taking advantage of promotional offers from moving companies. Many offer special deals on certain days or will discount their services if booked in advance. It's also worth checking with your employer or professional organizations to see if they offer any benefits for cross-country moves. Additionally, military personnel may be eligible for discounts when they use a professional mover.

Conclusion

With some careful planning and creative thinking, you can save money on your upcoming move across the country. Utilizing these tips and tricks will help take the sting out of any financial burden associated with relocation so that you can enjoy every second of your new adventure. Good luck!