Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end.
Moving across the country is more than just packing boxes; it’s a leap of faith, a bold decision to embrace the unknown.
It’s exciting, but if we being real, it can also be downright overwhelming.
Every year, over 9 million Americans pack up their lives and relocate, with many relocating across state lines to new opportunities or simply a fresh start.
A cross-country move is a significant endeavor that takes careful planning, budgeting, and, yes, a lot of patience.
One of the first questions people have is, “How much will this cost me?”
The average cost of a cross-country move can range widely from $2,500 to $7,000,
This cost is a big consideration, especially when you realize that a simple decision, like whether to hire a full-service moving company or rent a truck, can impact your budget by thousands of dollars.
For example, renting a moving truck might cost around $1,500 for a long-distance trip, but hiring full-service movers could easily double or even triple that amount.
It’s no wonder people spend weeks researching the most affordable long-distance movers or looking for cheap ways to move cross country to keep costs manageable.
But finances aren’t the only factor.
Moving cross country also means carefully managing a timeline, organizing every detail of the packing process, and preparing to leave behind familiar surroundings.
You are not alone if this feels like a mountain of tasks.
Many people feel exactly the same, which is why having a detailed cross-country moving checklist can make the whole experience feel less stressful.
So, if you are wondering where to start, how to manage the details, and what to watch out for along the way, don’t worry; we are going to break it all down.
Plan Your Cross Country Move
The first step to a smooth move is careful planning.
Creating a roadmap for the entire process will help you stay organized and less stressed.
Here are the critical points to cover in your plan:
Create a Moving Budget
Moving cross country is a big financial commitment, and costs can add up quickly.
Here’s a rough breakdown of typical costs:
Long-distance moving companies can charge anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000 for a cross-country move.
Renting a moving truck and handling the move yourself may cost between $1,200 and $2,500.
Pro Tip: If you are looking to move across the country on a budget, book your movers during the off-season (fall and winter) to save on costs.
Choose the Right Moving Service
Selecting the right moving service can make all the difference.
It doesn’t matter if you need a full-service moving company, self-service moving options, or just exploring affordable long-distance movers; you need to select the best moving service.
| Service Type | Description | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Service Movers | Handles everything, including packing, loading, driving, and unpacking | $4,000 - $7,000 |
| Self-Service Movers | Provides a truck for loading/unloading; you handle the rest | $2,000 - $4,500 |
| Truck Rental | Rent a truck and drive yourself | $1,200 - $2,500 |
| 1Moving Container Services | Drop-off container for you to load; shipped to your new location | $1,500 - $3,000 |
Create a Cross-country Moving Checklist
A checklist can be a lifesaver for staying on track.
Here are some essentials to include in your cross-country moving checklist:
Sort and declutter items you won’t take.
Schedule a moving service or reserve a rental truck.
Notify utility companies and set up services in your new location.
Update your address with the USPS, banks, and insurance providers.
Pack an essentials bag with items you’ll need immediately after the move.
Cross-country Moving Cost Estimate
Request quotes from at least three companies for an accurate cross-country moving cost estimate.
Make sure the quote includes all fees, such as fuel surcharges, packing materials, and extra services.
Pack and Organize Your Move
Efficient packing is compulsory to keep your belongings safe and secure during the moving process.
Declutter to Save on Moving Costs
Before packing, go through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or throw away.
Cheap ways to move cross-country include reducing the number of items you bring, which can cut down your moving costs.
Tip: Host a yard sale or sell items online to make a few extra dollars for the move!
Tips for Packing Like a Pro
Here are tips for moving across the country when it comes to packing:
Use quality boxes and secure fragile items with bubble wrap.
Label boxes by room and indicate if they contain fragile items.
Use vacuum-sealing clothing and bedding to save space.
Moving Day Strategies
On the big day, the goal is to keep things as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Load Your Truck or Container
When loading a truck, place heavier items like appliances and furniture at the bottom and lighter, fragile items on top.
This technique reduces the risk of damage and makes unloading easier.
Drive Cross-Country or Ship Your Car
If you are driving, map out a route and book hotels ahead of time.
For those not planning to drive, cross-country moving services offer car shipping as an add-on.
Did you know: About 40% of people relocating cross-country choose to ship their car instead of driving it and the average shipping costs them between $700 and $1,200.
Arriving and Settling In
Once you reach your new home, there’s still work to be done.
Here’s how to get settled quickly:
Unpack Efficiently
Start by unpacking essentials (kitchen, bathroom, bedding) and then tackle one room at a time.
Set Up Utilities and Services
Always prioritize setting up utilities first, such as electricity, water, and internet.
Update your address with local services and government offices.
How Much Does It Cost to Move Across the Country?
Moving across the country isn’t cheap, but understanding where the costs come from can help you make smart decisions along the way.
On average, a cross-country move can set you back anywhere from $2,500 to $7,000 or more.
Let’s break down exactly where your money is going so you know what to expect.
Cost of Moving Services
One of the biggest expenses when moving long-distance is, of course, the moving service itself.
| Service Type | Included Services | Pros | Cons | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Service Movers | Packing, loading, transportation, unloading, unpacking. | Convenience and stress-free | High cost and limited flexibility | $5,500 - $9,000 |
| Partial- | Loading and | Flexible options | May need to | $3,000 - |
| Service Movers | transportation; optional packing/unpacking | and less costly | handle some packing | $6,000 |
| Moving Container Services | Drop-off of moving container, DIY packing and loading | Cost-effective and flexibility | DIY packing and limited access | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Truck Rental | Rental truck, mileage allowance, optional insurance | Most budget-friendly | Labor-intensive | $1,200 - $3,000 |
| Freight Moving Services | Shared truck space, you pack and load | Lower cost and ideal for small moves | Limited control | $1,500 - $3,500 |
| Self-Storage Move | Rent storage units for a gradual move | Flexible move-out timeline | Requires local movers | $2,500 - $5,000 |
Size of Your Move and Home
The amount of stuff you are moving impacts the cost, especially if you are hiring long-distance moving companies that charge based on weight or volume.
Here’s a rough estimate:
| Home Size | Average Weight | Full-Service Moving Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Studio/1-Bedroom Apartment | 2,000 - 3,000 pounds | $2,500 - $4,000 |
| 2-3 Bedroom House | 5,000 - 7,000 pounds | $4,500 - $7,500 |
| 4-Bedroom House and Larger | 10,000+ pounds | $7,000+ |
Additional Fees and Hidden Costs
Moving companies often add on extra fees that you might not initially consider.
| Additional Fee | Description | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Packing Supplies | Boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, etc. | $100 - $300 |
| Packing Services | Professional packing by movers, typically charged per hour. | $300 - $600 |
| Insurance Coverage | Protects belongings in case of damage; often worth it for high-value items. | 200 - $1,000+ |
| Stairs/Long Carry Fees | Applied if movers have to carry items over a certain distance or upstairs. | $50 - $100 per flight |
| Storage Fees | Temporary storage if your new home isn’t ready; usually charged monthly. | $150 - $300 per month |
| Shuttle Service | Used if a larger moving truck can’t access your home, requiring a smaller truck. | $200 - $400 |
| Fuel Surcharge | Applied for the gas and mileage; often included in the base quote but can vary. | Typically 10-15% of cost |
Auto Transportation
If you are not planning to drive your own vehicle across the country, you’ll need to factor in the cost of auto transport.
| Vehicle Transport Service | Description | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Open Transport | Most cost-effective, with the car exposed to elements. | $700 - $1,000 |
| Enclosed Transport | Protected transport for high-value or luxury vehicles. | $1,000 - $1,500+ |
Accommodation and Travel Expenses
If you’re driving to your new home, don’t forget about accommodation, meals, and fuel along the way.
| Expense Type | Description | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Stays | Average hotel cost per night for 2-3 nights. | $100 - $150 per night |
| Meals | Dining out or groceries during the trip. | $30 - $50 per person per day |
| Fuel | Depends on vehicle and distance; for a 2,500-mile drive. | $250 - $400 |
Sample Total Cost Breakdown for a Cross-Country Move
To give you an idea of how these expenses come together, here’s a sample breakdown of costs for a 2-3 bedroom house moving from New York to California, using full-service movers:
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Moving Service | $5,500 |
| Packing Supplies | $250 |
| Insurance Coverage | $500 |
| Auto Transport (Open Transport) | $850 |
| Travel/Accommodation (2 people) | $600 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $7,700 |
How to Cut Down on Costs
If the total cost sounds steep, don’t worry; there are ways to bring it down.
Here are some of the best ways to move across the country while keeping the budget in check:
DIY Packing: You can save $300-$600 by packing your own boxes instead of paying for professional packers.
Downsize: Declutter and sell or donate items you no longer need. This can reduce the volume and weight of your load.
Compare Quotes: Reach out to at least three long-distance moving companies and compare quotes. This will give you competitive pricing and room to negotiate.
Travel Smart: Book hotel rooms in advance to take advantage of lower rates and pack snacks or easy meals for the drive to avoid costly dining expenses.
Accommodation and Travel Expenses
