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Moving across the country isn’t a simple task. It is exciting and adventurous while, at the same time, scary and unknown. It can be stressful, frustrating, or even nightmarish if not done right. Budgeting and planning will keep you on track to succeed in the mission. In this piece, we will give tips and tricks for moving cross-country.
Many challenges come with this type of logistical task, and you should know that paying the experts to do them on your behalf can help you save more in the long run. We are here to give you the real data from our experience over the past 20+ years so you can be as updated as possible. Read on for a detailed breakdown and tips to save and move stress-free.
Average Cost of Moving a House Cross-Country
Cross-country moving quotes will range depending on the level of service you need and which specific elements of service you choose. See some average prices so you can start getting an idea of how much to save.
Moving small one-bedroom studio is bound to run you $1000 to $3000 on average. If you have a trick entry or no parking for the moving truck expect to pay upwards of this range.
Moving a small home that is 2 bedroom will range from $2000 to $3000 as well since the same logistics are needed as a one bedroom with just slightly more space needed in the truck. The bigger the homes gets, the bigger the price margins go.
| Property size | Average weight | Number of hours | Estimated cost |
| Small 1-Bedroom Studio | 1,500 – 2,500 lbs | 2 – 3 hours | $200 to $500 |
| Small 2-Bedroom Home | 3,000 – 5,000 lbs | 4 – 6 hours | $400 – $900 |
| Large (3+ Bedrooms) | 5,000 – 10,000+ lbs | 6 – 10 hours | $800 – $2,000+ |
Most Recent and Popular Cross-Country Routes
There are quite a few routes you can take when moving across the USA. The number of miles you travel will affect the pricing, so be sure to plan your route ahead of time and don’t just wing it. These are the most popular routes chosen by our clients:
Comparing Costs of Different Cross-Country Moving Services
Budget for your cross country move by understanding and comparing the costs of different types of movers. This is the best way to book a move that makes sense for you. If you understand the different types of moves then you will know how to book what actually makes sense for you.
The usual go-to is full-service moving services. Full-service cross country movers do everything on your behalf—packing, unpacking and transportation. They usually also disassemble and reassemble your closets and bedframes.
1. Full-Service Moves
For cross-country moves, they typically range from $4000 to $15000, but you will need to consider all the factors involved to compare pricing properly.
2. DIY Move
If you are short on cash, you can also do things yourself. If you do this, know that it requires manual labor and driving long distances. You will need to lock down dates from the truck and likely pick it up and return it.
On average, everything needed will cost. The costs of moving DIY can surprise you at how high they are compared to full-service movers, so do your research. A DIY move can run you $1000 to $2000.
3. Container Moves
Another option is to order a big container that you will decide when the company have it transferred on your behalf. This will give you the freedom to choose and take your time. It averages $1000 to $2000 depending on how long you need it for.
| Service Type | Cost Range | What’s Included |
| Full-Service Moves | $4,000 – $15,000 | Packing, transportation, unpacking, disassembly/reassembly |
| DIY Move | $1,000 – $2,000 | Truck rental, fuel, manual labor |
| Container Move | $1,000 – $2,000 | Container rental and transportation |
Sample Budgets for Different Types of Moves
Every move is different, and that $1,500 to $12,000 window covers a lot of ground. Here are some more dialed-in estimates for the exact type of move you’re looking for.
DIY Moving (1-Bedroom Apartment)
- Truck Rental and Gas: $1,000–$2,000
- Packing Supplies: $100–$500
- Hotels and Food: $1,000
- Total: $2,100–$3,500
Moving Containers (2-3 Bedroom Home)
- Moving Container Cost: $2,500–$4,500
- Packing Supplies: $100–$300
- Total: $2,600–$4,800
Full-Service Movers (3-Bedroom Home)
- Moving Costs: $6,000–$8,000
- Packing Services: $500–$1,000
- Total: $6,500–$9,000
| Move Type | Cost Breakdown | Total Estimated Cost |
| DIY Moving (1-Bedroom Apartment) | Truck Rental and Gas | $2,100–$3,500 |
| Moving Containers (2-3 Bedroom Home) | Moving Container Cost | $2,600–$4,800 |
| Full-Service Movers (3-Bedroom Home) | Moving Costs | $6,500–$9,000 |
Hidden Costs to Look Out For
When moving across the country, it’s easy to focus on the obvious costs, like hiring movers, renting a truck, or packing supplies, but there are so many hidden expenses that quickly add up if you aren’t careful. Depending on which moving company you go with, some are open and transparent with their costs, while others are not.
1. Hidden Costs of Renting a Truck for DIY Moves
For example, renting a truck for a DIY move can be expensive, especially if you’re moving a long distance or if the truck has poor fuel efficiency, which most big trucks do.
Many people forget to take into account the insurance for the moving truck if driving alone, equipment for lifting, tolls, or parking permits for the big truck in the city.
2. Extra Charges to Consider When Hiring Movers
If you’re hiring professional movers, the final costs might even come out cheaper. There could be extra charges for challenging stairs, long carry distances, or special handling for fragile or bulky items.
3. Unexpected Costs When Moving Into a New Home
Another classic example is if your new place isn’t ready on time or if you have too much furniture that doesn’t fit the new place, short-term storage fees will add up. You might also have to pay for cleaning in your old home, and depending on your new place, there could be installation fees for utilities, internet, or cable.
4. Adjusting to New Living Costs After a Move
The main cost people forget to keep in mind after moving is adjustment to new costs of living, like higher property taxes, neighborhood fees, or different insurance fees. All of these hidden costs can really impact your moving budget, so it’s key to plan for them in advance to avoid any surprises.
Key Factors That Affect Your Cross-Country Moving Costs
Moving prices change drastically depending on your true needs. Here are the main factors that play into your final BoQ rates. The more you understand, the more you can save.
1. Distance
This is the clearly the easiest factor to understand as you can’t do much to affect this. The only thing that can change here is taking other routes to avoid toll roads that might make your actual journey longer.
2. Shipment Size and Weight
The less things you have to move, the less room it will take up in a moving truck, so the smaller the truck size can be booked. The total weight will have to match the truck’s allowance.
3. Moving Season and Timing
During the summer most families want to move so that they can settle in before the new school season. The timing of your move whether it be mid-week or during the weekend will also affect pricing due to the simple laws of demand.
4. Packing Supplies
You can source these things for free or purchase them.
5. Insurance and Liability Coverage
By law your moving company will include basic insurance, but to avoid huge changes you should add your own protection to ensure proper payments be made should damage occur.
6. Fuel and Travel Time
The route you take will affect the gas needed which affects prices as gas prices always fluctuate. The travel time of your route can add a significant amount to your total if the moving team need to do an overnight a,ong the route.
7. Storage Needs
If you have a gap in the timing between moving out of your old place and into your new place then take storage costs into account. There is storage with heating and cooling or simple storage. Costs vary.
8. Specialty Items (e.g., pianos)
If you have big items that aren’t classic, take into account that you will need to pay extra for their handling.
9. Additional Fees (e.g., expedited delivery, reassembly, tipping)
Don’t forget to add in the tip to your total calculation which won’t appear on your bill of course. If you need disassembly or reassembly of closets, bed frames or anything of the likes, then take this into account.
How to Save Money on Your Cross-Country Move
Declutter Before You Move: Reducing the number of things you need to move by selling, donating, or getting rid of unnecessary things will lessen the load and weight.
- Check Many Companies: Always compare quotes from many moving companies to be sure you’re getting the best deal; prices can vary greatly depending on the company and time of year. Some companies have gaps in their schedule and will give you a great deal to keep their workers working.
- Move Timing: Moving during the winter and mid-week when demand is much lower means that movers have fewer bookings during these times. This is the best way to save.
- Pack Yourself: Packing your belongings yourself, instead of paying for professional packing, can save a lot of money.
- DIY: If you’re up for it, renting a moving truck and handling the move yourself can be much more affordable.
- Use Free Packing Materials: Instead of buying boxes and bubble wrap, use free boxes.
- Ask About Discounts: Ask your moving company about any discounts.
- Use Your Car for Some Items: If you’re driving to your new location anyways, pack your car with some things to avoid paying for additional truck space.
- Plan Meals and Hotels in Advance: If your move requires overnight stops, booking hotels ahead of time will help you save and route plan.
FAQ: Cross-Country Moving Made Easy
What is the cheapest way to move across the country?
Booking with Moving APT will get you the best and yet cheapest cross-country movers that will get you prepared to move that distance. If you lock in your moving dates ahead of time and don’t move in peak season you will save.
How do I calculate cross-country moving costs?
Use our price calculator. The distance between your current and new location is a major one that affects price. The size of your move also plays a significant role and the type of moving service you choose matters too.
The time of year can also affect the cost and additional services you add on, like packing, unpacking, or specialty items all play into calculating the final cost.
Are there any hidden fees with cross-country movers?
Depending on which cross-country moving company you choose there can be tons of hidden fees or everything can be clear transparent and on the table. Choose Moving APT for the latter.
When is the best time to move cross-country to save money?
Moving during the winter season during the middle of the week will help you to save big. Families tend to move in the summer before the start of the school year so demand is higher.
How far in advance should I book movers for a cross-country move?
The more in advance you know your finalized moving dates, the more you can save, but you should book at least 6-8 weeks ahead of time.
Conclusion
Budgeting for a cross-country move can be overwhelming, but with careful planning, you can make the process smoother and more affordable. Whether you choose movers, DIY options, or container moves, understanding the costs and hidden fees is essential to making an informed decision. By comparing services, timing your move wisely, and decluttering before you go, you can save time and money and reduce stress.
