Moving cross country is a dream come true! Get ready to achieve those things you always wanted and turn over a new chapter if you want to.
Whether you’re chasing a new job, a new romantic partner, or just need a change of scenery, the logistics of hauling all your stuff from one coast to the other can be enough to make your bank account or your partner cry.
First things first- don’t panic! There are many budget-friendly ways to get yourself and your belongings across the U.S. without taking out a second mortgage or living off rice for the next year. We will help you get creative.
💲Real Talk Time: What Will It Cost Me and How Can I Cut Costs?
We all want to get the job done as cheaply as possible while cutting corners, here are a few ways we recommend! Depending on your true needs and what is feasible you may be able to save a few hard-earned bucks.
| Moving Method | Estimated Cost | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| 🚗 Personal Car as a Moving Van | $150–$500 | Distance, fuel prices, and packing supplies |
| 🚚 Rent a Moving Truck + Friends | $500–$2,000 | Truck size, distance, and rental duration |
| 🧹 Declutter to Save | $0–$300 | Disposal fees, junk removal services |
| 🛠️ Hire Movers for Heavy Items | $300–$1,500 | Number of movers, time, item weight |
| 🚌 Take the Bus or Train | $100–$500 | Distance and luggage fees |
| 📦 Portable Storage Container | $800–$3,000 | Container size, distance, and rental time |
1. Use Your Personal Car as a Moving Van
So you’ve got a great old car- let’s put it to work! While driving cross-country may sound like a road trip from hell with the family, it’s actually one of the most affordable ways to move, especially if you’re moving a modest amount of stuff and starting over in a new place. If it works for you will save on both the car shipping and the moving costs.
💲What will it cost me:
Gas and time! Around $400, depending on your final destination. This is the pocket-friendly way to go!
How to Make It Happen
- The more Marie Condo style you pack, the more space you’ll have. You can even buy a roof cargo carrier or a hitch-mounted cargo box to give yourself some extra room since you will need to fit in the car as a family alongside your belongings unless you ditch dad to drive alone and fly half the family.
- If you’ve always wanted to visit the Grand Canyon or the world’s top Taco Bell, now’s your chance! You’ll save on the cost of a moving truck, and you can turn your cross-country journey into a fun family-friendly road trip. You will pass through locations you would never normally stop, so enjoy the ride.
- Avoid rushing. Take your time and make the journey fun. This way, you won’t feel the sting of gas prices as much since it will be money spent on a partial trip. Plus, you’ll have great stories to show for it.
2. Rent a Moving Truck and Recruit Your Friends With Beer
Ah, the trusty U-Haul and a six-pack. Friends and beer are the staples of any budget-friendly move. Don’t just rent the truck and go at it alone this is where creativity meets your best money-saving skills.
💲What will it cost me:
Around $600 to $800 depending on the season when you need the truck and the quality of beer! Spoil those friends after they broke their back for you.
How to Make It A Reality
- U-Haul, Budget, and other moving companies will try to upsell you on the biggest truck they’ve got, but if you’re only moving a one-bedroom apartment, a smaller truck will do just fine if you pack smart. You’ll save money on rental and gas, especially when crossing multiple state lines. These trucks are gas guzzlers so watch out nad take the shortest route.
- Let’s face it, no one wants to move by themselves, so why not turn it into a pizza party? Call in a few friends, bribe them with pizza, beer, and make it a fun goodbye party along the way. The best part- you’ll save major money on labor costs and have fun doing it as long as you don’t pull out your back.
- Don’t fall for peak-season pricing if you do decide that you need a full moving team. Schedule your move for off-peak times, like the middle of the week or in the early part of the month in the winter. The savings will add up.
- Pack your own boxes to save on packing services. Sure, it’s some work, but think of the money you’ll save! You can even get creative and use towels, blankets, or random things around your place to pack fragile items instead of bubble wrap.
3. Declutter to Save
The cheapest way to move is to move less stuff.Obviuosly that sounds easier said than done when it means getting rid of things. Sure, that old couch from your apartment holds memories, but let’s be real, it’s also holds about 7,000 crumbs and it no longer serves you. If you want to save big, you need to start getting rady to say goodbye to some pieces.
💲What will it cost me:
Time and patience. This will bring in funds for your move.
Practical How to
- Host a garage sale. Sell everything from your furniture to your collection of old records.
- Bonus points if you manage to sell your stuff for more than it cost you when you bought it. Keep these savings in a certain pouch you can use to pay the movers and off set the burden of the payment.
- If you don’t want to or don’t manage to sell everything, think about donating to a local non–profit or giving it to a thrift store. Some organizations will even come to your house to pick up your things so it’s a win-win: you clear out clutter, save on moving costs, and help others.
- Let go of the items you haven’t worn in the last year to save money on packing and moving.
- Try the “Marie Kondo” method: If it doesn’t spark joy or serve a practical purpose, it’s got to go. You’ll be amazed at how freeing it is to lighten your closet and load.
4. Hire Movers for Only the Heavy Stuff
Let’s be clear: full-service moving companies are more expensive than a DIY move. That doesn’t mean you can’t use them for the heavy stuff, like your couch, bed, and giant table.
💲What will it cost me:
$500–$1,500 (labor-only moving service)
Tips
- Pack all your small items like books, clothes, kitchenware and more and load them into your car or a rental truck. For larger, heavy furniture, hire movers just as moving labor for a few hours. This way, you only pay for the heavy lifting, rather than the full-service move.
- Ask movers to disassemble large items like your bed frame or dining table. This will save you a lot of space in the truck so you can use a smaller sized truck and reduce the chances of damaging your things.
5. Take the Bus or Train
If you’re not in a rush and don’t have tons of stuff to habring with you, you can save on the cross-country drive or flight by taking a bus or train across the country and shipping your home goods.
Greyhound, Amtrak, and other services offer long-distance routes that are super cheap compared to flying. Some of them even start from $1 like Megabus. You won’t need to worry about paying for gas, hotels, or rental cars.
💲What will it cost me:
$100 – $500 depending on mode of transport. This is the most ideal way to go if you don’t have many items.
How to
- Pack light and ship everything you can’t easily carry.
- Train and bus rides offer scenic routes, and you can meet interesting people along the way. Just think of it as an extended vacation, without the luxury..
- Use a car transport service to save ont eh wear and tear like “Auto Train” to transport your car while you travel in comfort and save on hotel costs. Your car will meet you at your new home, so you can drive off like a road trip pro.
7. Creative DIY Solutions: The "Weird, But Affordable" Route
If you’re a true DIY mover and saver, there are endless ways to get creative and make your move cheaper.
💲What will it cost me:
Depends what you need but mostly this will cost $0 and only take up your free time.
More Ideas
- Pack in plastic boxes not cardboard as they are more sustainable. Not only do they protect your stuff better, but you can reuse them for other things after the move like storage. Some moving companies even sell these as part of their service.
- If you’re moving long-distance, consider renting a portable storage container. You pack it, they pick it up, and you save money on travel and insurance. Plus, you won’t have to worry about loading/unloading simultaneously.
- If you’re driving and want to save on gas, think about offering a ride to someone else heading your way. This way you can share gas costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move cross-country without hiring professional movers?
Yes, if you have the manpower! If you’re willing to put in some elbow grease, using a rental truck, driving your car, or even shipping smaller items via freight can save you a lot of money. This can also turn out to be a more expensive.
What’s the cheapest way to move across the country with a lot of boxes?
The cheapest way to succeed in a big move is to rent a truck and DIY style ask friends to help you load and unload. You can handle the packing on your own with the family.
How can I move my car across the country without driving it?
You can ship your car through a car transport service instead of making the drive yourself. Shipping your car costs $500 to $2,500, depending on the distance. If you are headed cross-country, this might save you money in the long run, as you will save the wear and tear.
Is it worth it to sell or donate my stuff before I move?
Yes- start downsizing as early on as you can! Selling/donating items lightens your load and saves you money on moving costs as you will have less weight and volume. Also t’s an eco-friendly way to start fresh in a new place. Why bring your old junk into your new space?
What are the hidden costs when moving cross-country?
Hidden costs can include gas if not stated, extra miles if not stated, food on the road, temporary housing for the trip, and insurance for rented vehicles. Be sure to budget for these extras to avoid surprises and ask your moving company what is and isn’t included!
