Average Cost of Cross-Country Movers
Relocating to another part of the country and curious about how much it will cost you? We’re here to discuss the ins and outs of a cross-country move and how you can plan and save before you get going. Understanding the average cost of cross-country movers will help make your trip a breeze when it’s time to relocate.
Learn more:
- How to Hire An Interstate Moving Company: Steps to Choose a Mover
- How Long Does It Take Movers to Move Cross-Country?
How to Calculate the Cost of Cross-Country Movers
Figuring out the cost of movers out-of-state can feel like a puzzle, but it’s fairly straightforward once you know the key pieces. The main things that influence your cross-country movers cost are the distance you're moving, the amount you're taking, and the services you choose. Knowing your options will help you create a plan that works for your time and budget.
One of the biggest factors is the size of your home, as it directly relates to the volume and weight of your belongings. Here's a general idea of what you might expect for the
average cost of cross-country movers based on house size and distance:
Cross-Country Moving Costs by House Size
| # of Miles | Studio-1br | 2-3br | 4-5br |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 | $2,000-3,500 | $4,500-6,500 | $7,000-10,000+ |
| 1,000 | $2,500-4,000 | $6,500-9,500 | $11,000-15,000 |
| 2,500+ | $3,500-5,000 | $8,500-11,500 | $13,000-18,000 |
These are estimated ranges for cross-country movers cost and can vary based on specific services, time of year, and other factors. For a precise quote, request an estimate today.
Factors affecting cross-country movers cost
What really goes into how much it costs for cross-country movers? Let’s break down the services and costs for cross-country movers​ so you know what to expect from your moving process.
Moving distance
Moving cross-country pricing is based on how far you go. Sometimes, cross-country may be coast to coast, but it can also be from one side of the coast to another, making it a much shorter distance. If you go the truck rental route, you can expect to pay for the mileage put on the vehicle. PODS and storage containers are priced based on the distance of the relocation. At Stewart Moving & Storage, we calculate our cross-country moving cost​ by looking at how far you have to go.
Learn more: How Much Do Short Distance Movers Cost?
Transportation methods
When you hire support from a moving company, you have a few options on how to transport your items. The cheapest option is to rent a moving truck and transport it yourself. You can also choose to rent a POD or a storage container that can be filled, moved to storage, and transported to your location whenever you’re ready. This is more expensive than renting a truck, but it is still an affordable option because you will do the moving yourself, saving on the cost of moving personnel.
There are more transportation methods offered that cost a bit more, with the first being shipping your items by plane or transporting them over the ocean. You can also hire a moving company with a truck for cross-country moving and movers to do all the packing, transporting, and unpacking for you. At Stewart Moving & Storage, we specialize in personalized moving plans for cross-country moving. Our skilled movers will transport your precious items safely with our fleet of top-of-the-line moving trucks.
The size of your house
The cost for professional movers cross-country depends largely on how many rooms you have in your home. The more bedrooms you have, the more you will pay in moving costs. If you’re moving yourself, the number of rooms will also impact your spending, as you will need more moving supplies and a bigger moving truck.
Movers
If you speak to anyone who has recently moved and used our movers for the first time, they rave about the positive experience. Hiring movers to handle relocation for you will not only save you time, but it will also save you the stress and physical strain of moving all of your items. Hiring movers instead of doing a DIY move is obviously a more expensive option, but you can decide what exactly you need movers for. If you only need them to load and unload the truck, you will save more than if you hire them to do all of the packing and unpacking. Stewart Moving & Storage offers personalized plans created with a moving coordinator so that you get the most out of your movers.
Packing supplies
This may not be something you consider when you’re first scheduling your move, but packing supplies can add up! Here are some of the packing supplies movers frequently collect:
- Boxes
- Packing Tape
- Bubble wrap
- Packing paper
- Packing peanuts
- Cloth and sheets for wrapping items
- Durable plastic storage bins
- Straps for tying items down
Items such as boxes and packing paper can be gathered from businesses for free, or you can reuse some of your recyclable items. Other supplies will need to be purchased so that you can get your items packed up safely before your move. Many moving companies offer packing services and sell packing supplies so that you don’t have to go on a search for your own items. This can increase the price, but it will reduce the headache.
Check out this list for moving and packing tips so you can be prepared for your next move!
Time of year
Cross-country movers' costs can vary based on the time of year you move! The hotter seasons of spring and summer are popular for moves, making hiring movers and renting moving trucks more expensive. Because many people move on the weekends and supplies are more limited, you can also expect to pay more for a weekend move.
Additional services
Stewart Moving & Storage offers more than just the transport of your items. Services such as storage facilities, packing and unpacking, assembly of furniture, removal of packing supplies, or the moving of fragile and unique items are services that you can add to your moving plan. At Stewart Moving & Storage, we specialize in packing, unpacking, and carefully moving your precious items, but we also prioritize offering our customers additional services for fair prices. If you want to make your move a breeze, give us a call today to talk about our extra services!
Moving insurance
Although we take the care of your items extremely seriously, accidents do happen, and it's important to ensure that your items are protected. If you are moving yourself, you will not need any sort of moving insurance, as you are responsible for your own items. But, moving companies offer insurance so you have an assurance that you’ll get payment if something goes wrong. Companies tend to offer two types of insurance: Released Value Protection and Full Value Protection.
Released value protection determines what payment you will receive for an item based on the weight of your item instead of its actual value. So, you may receive $0.60 per pound for your item. Full Value Protection offers you insurance that reflects the full value of a broken or lost item. Although you get a larger payout, full value protection does cost more. At Stewart Moving & Storage, we are licensed and insured with extensive liability coverage to help you feel more secure during your move.
Fuel
Fueling the moving truck is not something you want to forget! When you rent a vehicle, you will be required to fill it up with fuel as you go, as well as returning it with a full tank. Varying gas prices make budgeting for fuel tricky, but it’s important to consider your total moving distance and how much gas mileage that will require. Moving companies factor fuel costs into your cross-country movers costs.
Hotel and food
Because of the length of your move, you probably will not be able to relocate in just a few short hours. Driving across the country with a large moving truck will take many days and various stops. Because you will be driving overnight, it's important to factor in hotel costs, as well as money for food as you stop along the way. If you move yourself, you will need more hotel rooms and meals out, as you will be responsible for the driving. If you hire movers, then you only need to move yourself! So you can go right to your destination as your items are moved for you, saving you money on hotel and food expenses.
How to lower the cost of a cross-country move or long-distance move
We know that this price tag might seem a little bit daunting, but don’t worry! There are ways that you can save movers cross-country cost​. Although the labor costs will stay the same, you can change certain things about your move before you start that will ensure you’re not paying too much for your cross-country movers costs. All you need to do is follow these easy steps.
1. Downsize your household
Not only will getting rid of unwanted items make your home feel fresher before you move, but it will also save you cash! Moving companies calculate the size of your move based on the amount of items you have in your house. If you are moving a lot of items that you just plan to get rid of at your destination, you will waste money! Downsize before you go so that you will pay less in your cross-country movers' costs. If you’re doing a DIY move with a rented truck, downsizing can also save you money! The fewer items you have, the smaller truck you will need. Get rid of unwanted items for low-cost cross-country movers​.
2. Find free packing materials
Businesses and organizations constantly have items that they just plan to throw away, but that you could use in your move. Grocery stores and wine and spirits shops tend to use tons of boxes a day that they will just throw away unless you come and grab them for your own purposes. You can also post on online sites to see if previous movers are giving away packing materials like boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and anything else that you may need. It’s also worth buying packing materials in bulk or at dollar stores so that you save on what you cannot get for free. Instead of buying every packing material, use your community to find what you need for cheap.
3. Ask for help from friends and family
Maybe you have some movers around you and you don’t know it yet! Many friends and family members are more than willing to help support their loved ones in their cross-country move. Plan a packing party and invite family and friends over to help you pack up your items and support you in deciding what you need to throw out. You can also ask friends to help with loading and unloading, as well as transporting items to your new destination.
4. Pack your own boxes
Packing and unpacking services are an incredible perk of hiring movers, but it’s not required. Many people say that the hardest part of the move is the loading and unloading. If you’re trying to save on your move but you also want to ease your stress, prioritize hiring movers for just the loading and transport of your items. Packing your items at home yourself can be a great process as you get to really see what you have and what you can get rid of, as well as packing it perfectly for unloading at your new home. Save money on the cost of movers cross-country​ by handling some of the services yourself!
5. Move during the off-season
When you move matters for your wallet! Moving and truck rental companies charge more in the peak seasons. If you are moving in the spring or summer or on a weekend, you can expect to pay more than the average cost of cross-country movers. If you are flexible on when you can move, you should consider moving on a weekday or in the colder months of fall and winter. You can save a lot by hiring a company during the off-season and put your money into other services you are interested in.
6. Get multiple moving quotes
Don’t just go with the first company you find! Moving companies should be offering you competitive quotes with fair prices and no hidden fees. It’s good to get recommendations from friends and family and scan Google and Yelp reviews before making your decision. Think about what you are looking for in a company and reach out to various moving coordinators to receive quotes and ask questions about what services the company offers. If you find that one company offers a better price, don’t pass them up! Getting as many quotes as possible will allow you to really see what the pricing expectations are for cross-country moving costs.
7. Look for possible discounts and deals
Many moving and truck rental companies offer deals and discounts that you may not know are available to you. Companies will want to increase business during off-peak times, so they will run special offers for discounted moving services. Keep an eye out for those on your search and ask any company you call whether they offer a deal for your move. Check to make sure you aren’t being overcharged for the amount of items.
Many companies also offer discounts for military personnel and seniors. At Stewart Moving & Storage, we specialize in senior moving, and our moving coordinators work with our customers to create a moving plan that meets your unique needs. We also offer Military Moving Services and are proud to offer active and retired military discount programs to help with any of your cross-country moving costs.
Cross-Country Moving Cost Breakdown
When it comes to moving cross-country, you've got a few main paths you can take, each with different
cross-country movers costs. Let's break down the typical expenses for full-service movers, moving containers, and DIY moves so you can see which option best fits your budget and lifestyle.
| Moving Option | Typical Cost Range | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Service Movers | $2,500− 15,000+ | Maximum convenience, professional packing/loading, less stress, insurance options. | Highest moving services out-of-state cost. |
| Moving Containers | $2,000− 7,000 | More affordable than full-service, flexible scheduling, you pack/they transport. | You do the packing and loading, limited space, potential for damage if not packed well. |
| DIY Moves (Rental Truck) | $1,000− 5,000 | Most budget-friendly, full control over your belongings. | Most labor-intensive, responsible for driving a large truck, fuel costs, potential for hidden fees (tolls, mileage), no professional insurance. |
As you can see, the average cost of cross-country movers varies significantly depending on how much of the work you're willing or able to do yourself. Full-service movers offer peace of mind and convenience, while DIY options save money but demand more effort and often come with unforeseen costs like injuries and damaged items.
Why is moving cross-country or long-distance so expensive?
Cross-country moving is a big endeavour; you are taking all of your precious items from one side of the country to another. Because of the distance involved in cross-country moving and the specialized vehicles required, cross-country moving can be quite expensive. In short-distance moves, you can relocate a lot of your items yourself in your car or with the help of friends’ vehicles, but cross-country moving requires more support as you are traveling long distances.
With long distances also comes more stops spent on lodging and food, as well as more fuel required to go the far distances. Spending the extra dollar to get the best cross-country moving service is worth every penny, though. When you move long distances, you want your items to be safe, so although cost is an important factor to consider, you also want to prioritize hiring a company you can trust. Stewart Moving & Storage has locations up and down the East Coast, and we will safely relocate you to anywhere in the country. Get a free estimate from us today!
The Average Cost of Cross-Country Movers
Hopefully, you now have a better idea of how much it costs for cross-country movers​. But let’s get into the numbers you should budget before you move. If you’re moving coast to coast, you should expect to pay $3,000-$5,000 for a POD, $2,000-$5,000 for a moving truck, and a range of $4,000 to $9,000 for a moving company based on the services you choose. If you’re still moving cross-country but not as far, you can plan to budget a bit less. If you move from one end of the coast to another, such as a move from Florida to New York, you should budget $900-$2,000 for a rental truck, $2,000-$4,000 for a POD, and $2,000-$7,000 for a full-service moving company. Knowing these price ranges can help you better prepare for your cross-country moving costs and help you decide what exactly you want to do for your cross-country move.
Trusted and High-Rated Cross-Country Movers by Stewart Moving & Storage
Stewart Moving & Storage is committed to giving our customers quality moving services for fair prices, and our goal is to always provide a 5-star experience for any of our moves. We proudly serve Richmond, Jacksonville, Pensacola, Raleigh, Fayetteville, St Petersburg, Dover, and Baltimore and can help you relocate anywhere you need to go, whether it’s a local move a few streets over or a long move across the country. We prioritize offering safe and reliable moving services, and our moving coordinators will work with you to personalize a moving plan that fits your expected cross-country moving needs. Give Stewart Moving & Storage a call or quickly get an estimate today for help with your cross-country move!
FAQs about the Average Cost of Cross-Country Movers
Got more questions about the cross-country movers cost? We’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions we hear, designed to give you quick, clear insights.
What factors affect the cost of cross-country movers?
Many things play a role in your cross-country movers cost. The main ones include the distance of your move, the total weight and volume of your belongings, the specific services you choose (like packing or storage), the time of year you move (peak season costs more!), and any additional services you might need. Think of it as a personalized moving package – each element adds to the overall price.
What is the average cost of a cross-country move?
The average cost of cross-country movers can vary quite a bit, but generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,500 to $15,000 or more. This wide range depends on lots of factors: how far you’re going, how much stuff you have, and what services you opt for. For a more precise estimate, it’s always best to get a personalized quote.
Are there hidden fees in cross-country moving cost estimates?
Reputable cross-country movers like Stewart Moving & Storage pride themselves on transparency, meaning no hidden fees! However, some companies might sneak in extra charges. Always ask for a detailed, written estimate that breaks down all costs. Watch out for charges like long carry fees (if movers have to carry items a long distance from the truck), shuttle service fees (if a smaller truck is needed to access your home), or charges for disassembling/reassembling furniture if not included in your initial quote. Always clarify everything upfront!
How much do movers cost cross-country?
The average cost for moving cross-country varies widely. Pricing can go from $2,000-$10,000 based on how you decide to do your move, the distance you travel, and the services you require. In the article above, we dive deep into what to expect for cross-country movers costs and what you can do to save.
What is the cheapest way to move across the country?
The cheapest way to move across the country would be to DIY your move. You can get your own supplies, pack your own items, and then transport your items in your personal vehicle or rent a moving truck. Although it may seem enticing based on the initial savings, you will need to factor in fuel costs, hotel accommodations along the way, as well as the stress of a long drive. At Stewart Moving & Storage, we offer cross-country moving plans for fair prices. Call to speak to one of our moving coordinators today!
How much does it cost to move a 3-bedroom house across the country?
It’s hard to come up with an exact number for moving a 3-bedroom house cross-country because there are so many different ways to move, including using a POD, hiring movers, or renting your own truck. You can expect to pay $4,000-$9,000 on the move of your 3-bedroom home. Scroll up to read more about the specifics on the pricing of a cross-country move.
How much money should I have to move across the country?
It’s good to plan to save between $3,000 to $12,000 for your cross-country move. Having this wide range factors in the moving distance, the size of your move, what company and services you plan to hire, and any other factors that may arise, such as packing supply costs and food and lodging needed for the move.
How much does it cost to move a 2,000 sq. ft. house?
On average, you can expect to pay $8,000 to $14,000 to move a 2,000 square foot house cross-country. The price varies a lot based on how many items you actually have to move and the distance you are moving them. Costs can also change based on what services you require and how much you plan to DIY.
Are moving costs tax-deductible?
Unfortunately, most moving expenses are not tax-deductible. This is because of a change in tax law called the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. But if you are an active-duty member of the military and are moving to a new location because of a change in your permanent station, you may be eligible for a deduction. At Stewart Moving & Storage, we specialize in supporting military families during their move. Read more about Stewart’s
support for military families.
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