In this short piece, we’ll break down how long a cross-country move takes, depending on how you move your home, and offer some personal tips to guide your planning process in the move. We break down the modes of transport by time to make things clear and let you know the key things to watch out for.
Cross-Country Moving Details and Timing
Moving across the country is no small task, whether you’re relocating for a fun new adventure, family reasons, or simply wanting a change of pace in life.
The timeline for a cross-country move will vary based on multiple factors, such as distance, mode of move, and the size and volume of your move.
Understanding these factors in depth is key for setting realistic expectations and timelines so that you can plan as needed. All the following are based on a NY to CA move:
1. Driving Your Own Car DIY Style
Time Range: 3 to 7 days or more depending on your route
Factors:
- Distance: The farther the move, the longer the drive. For example, a move from New York to Los Angeles spans 2,800 miles and depending on how many stops you take and the fun detours you choose can take even longer. Disney World is a must-stop.
- Driving Hours: On average, you can expect to cover 500-600 miles per day if you have normal stamina. Some drivers may push further daily, but it’s important to factor in time for breaks, meals, and overnight stops. Don’t keep driving if you feel unsafe
- Rest: How many hours you plan to drive each day will significantly affect your timeline. You need to factor in extra days for exhaustion and to explore scenic routes. You are literally crossing the entire country. Stop and smell the flowers.
2. Professional Moving Company Full Service Choice
Time Range: One or two weeks, depending on your choices for delivery
Factors
- Distance: The distance between your old and new home plays the biggest role in timing, but professional movers also factor in scheduling and route choices. If they are doing multiple moves the same week they may combine items in the truck to save time doing the route twice and yoru delivery may be delayed.
- Loading and Unloading: The loading process takes time, especially if you’re moving a large amount of items. Once the truck arrives at your new location, unloading can take a few days too or can be done in one day depending on what you agree upon with the moving team.
- Route and Delays: While moving companies try to stick to their schedule, unexpected delays can happen due to weather, road closures, or high demand during peak timing. Be sure to discuss this before you sign and pay.
3. Freight Shipping Container
Time Range: One week to three weeks
Factors
- Freight Scheduling: Freight shipping services, which transport your home items via container, might take longer than a dedicated moving truck because the load is usually shared with other customers for their profit. This makes this option cheaper and a good idea to save on storage costs.
- Distance: Again, the farther the distance, the more time it will take to deliver your items. Ask for their upcoming schedule of deliveries during your move to get a better understanding so you can plan accordingly.
4. Air Freight
Time Range: 1-3 days (fastest option here but extremely cost-prohibiting)
Factors
- Speed: Air freight is the fastest option, but due to its high cost, it is only used only for smaller, high-priority shipments or by VIP clients.
- Logistics: While air freight can get your things to their destination quickly, the time for delivery from the airport to your new home adds additional days unless you have it arranged ahead of time. This isn’t the most practical of an option.
Other Considerations for Timing of the Move
- Packing Time: Before any of the above – you’ve gotta get packing! You need to consider how long it will take you to pack up your home. Trust me don’t underestimate this huge task. Packing takes several days or weeks depending on the size of your move and how much you plan to do yourself. Think about the fragile items that you need to wrap one by one. Be sure to factor in timing with the kids and life events that pop up.
- Weather: Bad weather can mean waiting to pack up things from the yard or even delaying the entire drive.
- Traffic: These factors can cause unexpected delays, especially if you’re driving. Bad weather, traffic jams, or road closures can add several hours or even days to your journey.
- Route: It is essential to be sure your route is the best and most efficient to keep the move on schedule and within budget. Avoiding routes with bad traffic or areas with construction will save time and help you stay on track.
Let’s Wrap Things Up Right
A cross-country move takes 3 to 21 days, depending on your choice of transportation, distance, and other factors that could affect delivery, like weather traffic or delays. Whether you’re driving yourself, using a moving company, or shipping your belongings by freight, you need to plan ahead to get things done right.
By understanding how long each method of transportation will take and factoring in all the things that change timing, you can build yourself a solid moving plan. No matter where you’re headed, Moving APT would love to help you get there. We cross state lines with you in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors affect the time it takes for a cross-country move, and how can I minimize the time?
Factors like the distance of the move, mode of transportation you choose for your move, and road conditions and weather influence the time it will take to complete a cross-country move. Bad weather, traffic, and delays in loading or unloading or stops can also add extra time. Plan your route carefully with this in mind, check weather forecasts before the move, and book pro moving services with Moving APT in advance to minimize delays and save at the same time.
How do I choose between using a pro moving company, shipping, or driving my own vehicle for a cross-country move?
Choosing the best moving method for you depends on the size of your load to be moved, your budget, and how much effort and time you’re able to invest. A professional cross country moving company is the best for a stress-free move with heavy items, freight shipping is a cost-friendly option for smaller loads if you can afford to wait for your items. Driving yourself is the most affordable option, but it means a huge physical effort and time on the road.
What are the costs for a cross-country move, and how can I budget?
Costs will vary greatly depending on the method you choose to move with. Professional movers cost between $2,000 and $7,500 for a cross-country move, freight shipping costs from $1,000 to $5,000, and a self-move costs around $1,500 to $4,000, depending on the equipment you have.
Factor in other expenses like travel costs for hotels and meals, packing materials, insurance, and tips for the movers. To budget right, get quotes, plan for hidden costs, and avoid peak moving seasons.
How do I prepare for a long-distance move to keep my things are safe?
To keep all your home items safe and sound, declutter and pack carefully using sturdy dry boxes and materials, and play it safe by getting extra insurance for very valuable items.
Keep an inventory of everything you’re moving, especially incredibly fragile or high-value items, and take photos to reference their condition before the move. Track the progress of your shipment, too, to stay informed and on schedule.
What should I consider when choosing the best route for my cross-country move to avoid delays?
When planning your route, be sure you factor into your planning all the weather conditions, road closures, traffic times, and more local things that could affect your timing like local holidays or festivals.
Make sure the route is right for your type of car or truck, and factor in ahead of time interesting stops for food and toilets. Don’t forget to stop often for gas and motivation. It’s also helpful to plan an alternate route in case of unexpected detours.
