If you’re planning a long-distance move, you have several options, including hiring movers, renting a truck, or using moving containers. The most budget-friendly option depends on how much you’re moving, the season, and your destination.
Professional movers are the priciest, typically costing $7,000 to $10,000. Moving containers fall in the mid-range, with prices between $3,000 and $5,000. Renting a moving truck is usually the most affordable, ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 for a full household move.
How Much Does a Cross-Country Move Cost?
The cost of moving across the country varies based on several factors. Discounts, time of year, distance, and the number of items you’re moving all play a role.
On average, moving costs range between $1,000 and $8,000, depending on whether you rent a truck, use a moving container, or hire professional movers. If you can fit everything in your car, you can save even more.
Here are some factors that can increase or decrease your moving expenses:
How Distance & Location Affect Moving Costs
The farther you move, the higher the cost, but mileage alone doesn’t determine the price. Factors like zip codes, demand, and the time of year also impact moving expenses.
Here’s a breakdown of estimated costs for different cross-country routes:
|
Route |
Distance (miles) | Rental Truck Quote ($) |
| Chicago, Il → Phoenix, AZ | 2,200 |
3,030 |
|
New York, OR → Austin, TX |
2,000 | 6,179 |
| Sacramento, CA → Kansas City, MO | 1,700 |
4,869 |
|
St. Paul, MN → Atlanta, GA |
1,100 |
3,722 |
We looked at rental truck prices for long-distance moves over 1,000 miles. While the costs were somewhat similar, they didn’t follow a strict mileage-based pattern. Factors like truck availability in cities, rental company locations, and demand may cause prices to vary.
How Household Size & Item Value Affect Moving Costs
The more belongings you have, the higher your moving costs will be. To save money, consider donating or getting rid of unnecessary items before booking a truck, moving service, or container.
Even if you don’t own a lot, bulky or valuable items like pianos, artwork, or large collections can raise costs because they need extra space and special handling.
The more items you move, the bigger the truck or container you’ll need, which increases the total cost of your cross-country move.
Get Some Extra Help
Need an extra hand? You can hire movers by the hour to assist with packing, unpacking, loading, unloading, and even furniture assembly.
Long-distance movers can make cross-country moves less stressful by handling the heavy lifting.
How Extra Services Affect Moving Costs
Moving companies, container services, and even rental truck providers offer additional services. Some, like insurance, are essential, but others can increase your costs.
If you want to save money, try to limit add-ons like paid moving labor or extra packing supplies. You can often find free packing materials or handle some tasks yourself to keep expenses low.
How the Time of Year Affects Moving Costs
Summer is the busiest season for moving, which makes prices higher. If you move in winter or early spring, you’re more likely to get lower rates for movers, containers, and rental trucks.
However, bad weather can cause delays for all types of moves. Snow, storms, or wildfires may make roads unsafe. In some cases, paying a little extra for moving insurance or waiting for better weather might be worth it to keep your belongings safe and on schedule.
Budget-Friendly Moving Options
The cheapest way to move cross-country is to pack your belongings into your own car and drive. But for most people, a full DIY move isn’t practical.
If you have kids, pets, or a lot of stuff, hiring an affordable moving company is usually the best option.
Here are some of the cheapest ways to move across the country:
Affordable Moving Truck Rentals
Renting a moving truck is one of the most budget-friendly ways to move across the country, with costs usually staying under $3,000, depending on the company and location.
Pros & Cons of Rental Trucks
|
Pros |
Cons |
| ✅ Cheapest option |
❌ You handle all the work |
|
✅ Move on your own schedule |
❌ Add-ons can increase costs |
| ✅ Easy to book and reserve |
❌ Extra insurance may be needed |
|
✅ Different truck sizes available |
❌ Travel expenses (gas, hotels) add up |
Even though rental trucks are affordable, expenses like fuel, insurance, and lodging can increase overall costs. Fortunately, many rental companies have nationwide locations, making pickup and drop-off easier.
Affordable Moving Containers
Moving containers offer a mid-range option between rental trucks and full-service movers in terms of cost and effort. The process is simple—you load the container and the company transports it to your new location. If you don’t have a permanent home yet, you can store the container for a monthly fee.
However, getting price quotes for moving containers isn’t always quick. Many companies require details about your move before giving an estimate, meaning you may need to make a few calls to get accurate pricing.
Moving Container Pros & Cons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
✅ Different container sizes available |
❌ You handle all the loading/unloading |
| ✅ Can be stored for later use |
❌ May require a phone call for a quote |
|
✅ Weatherproof and secure |
|
|
✅ No need to drive or haul anything |
While moving containers are weatherproof and convenient, they still require manual labor for loading and unloading. Additionally, getting a price estimate may take extra effort, as some companies require phone consultations before providing a quote.
Cheap Moving Companies
Hiring full-service movers makes a cross-country move easier, especially for families with a lot of belongings. These companies handle packing, loading, transportation, and unloading, so you only need to focus on getting to your new home.
However, professional movers aren’t the cheapest option. The cost depends on when and where you move, with prices typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.
Pros & Cons of Hiring a Moving Company
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
✅ Packing, loading, and logistics included |
❌ Most expensive option |
| ✅ Compensation for damaged items |
❌ Finding the best deal takes time |
Professional movers make the process easier and less stressful.
How to Save Money on Cross-Country Moves
Combine Different Moving Services
Moving cross-country isn’t always cheap, but you can cut costs by mixing different services. For example:
- Ship bulky items separately in a small container while driving a rental truck with the rest.
- Load everything yourself and hire movers only to unload at your destination.
Look for Discounts
Many moving companies offer discounts for military personnel, seniors, teachers, students, and returning customers—you just have to ask! Also, many companies offer price matching, so don’t settle for the first quote you receive.
Be Careful with Extremely Low Quotes
If a moving price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Some companies offer very low quotes to attract customers but charge hidden fees later.
To avoid scams, always compare prices with customer reviews, industry trends, and official reports before making a decision.
Move During the Off-Season
Summer is the busiest time for moving, which drives up prices for trucks, movers, and containers. If possible, plan your move between fall and early spring to get lower rates, especially for long-distance moves.
Book Early
No matter how you’re moving, booking in advance increases your chances of getting the services you need at a better price.
Declutter Before Moving
Getting rid of unnecessary items makes any move easier, whether it’s local move or long-distance. The fewer bulky things you have, the simpler and cheaper your move will be.
You can sell, donate or dispose of items you no longer need. This reduces packing time and allows you to use smaller trucks or containers, saving money on moving costs.
The Cheapest Way to Move Long-Distance
Moving cross-country isn’t cheap. Even with budget-friendly options like rental trucks or moving containers, you should plan to spend $2,000 to $4,000 for an out-of-state move.
The good news? You can cut costs by:
- Reducing the number of items you move
- Comparing prices & looking for discounts
- Booking during the off-season
A little planning can help make your move more affordable.
FAQs About Moving Cross-Country on a Budget
What is the average cost of a long-distance move?
On average, a long-distance move costs about $4,250 for moving containers and $4,620 for rental trucks. Some companies, like STI, may offer lower prices.
How can I ship furniture to another state?
You have three main options for shipping furniture:
- Rent a one-way moving truck
- Use a moving container
- Hire professional movers
How can I save money on my move?
Here are some ways to cut moving costs:
- Ask about discounts for students, military or seniors
- Sell unwanted items before moving
- Find free boxes and packing supplies
- Compare multiple moving quotes
- Prepare your new home in advance to avoid unexpected costs like parking issues or repairs
What’s the cheapest way to move long-distance?
Using a moving container is often the most affordable option. It can cost less than renting a truck because you avoid extra expenses like gas, food and hotel stays.
Are there professional movers for cross-country moves?
Yes, you can hire full-service movers to transport your belongings if you don’t want to do the heavy lifting yourself.
Where can I find free moving boxes?
Local grocery stores, furniture stores and liquor stores often give away free boxes. You can also check online marketplaces or community groups for free packing supplies.
