How Long Does It Take Movers to Move Cross-Country?

Factors That Affect the Duration of a Cross-Country Move

To understand how long cross-country movers take, we need to look at the various elements that can speed up or slow down your move. Let's dive into the key factors that influence your moving timeline.

Moving Distance

Distance is the most significant factor in determining how long your cross-country move will take. The further the distance, the more time it will take to transport your belongings from one place to another. A move from Virginia to North Carolina will naturally take less time than a coast-to-coast relocation from Virginia to California.

Per the Department of Transportation (DOT), drivers can legally drive up to 11 hours a day and are required to take breaks, which means longer distances require more driving days and potentially more rest stops for the moving crew.

Volume of Belongings

The amount of stuff you're moving directly impacts both loading time and transportation logistics. A studio apartment can be loaded in a couple of hours, while a five-bedroom house might take an entire day. More belongings also mean potentially needing a larger truck or multiple trips, which can extend your timeline. Smaller shipments heading in the same direction are often matched together to keep your costs low. Most of our cross-country moves are packed in 53-foot tractor-trailers.

Types of Transportation

Different transportation methods affect how long your move takes. Here are the main modes of transportation for your belongings:

• Dedicated truck service: Your belongings travel alone, typically faster but more expensive
• Consolidated shipping: Your items share truck space with other customers, potentially adding time but reducing costs
• Container services: Flexible timing, but may involve additional handling steps

Moving Company

Not all moving companies operate with the same efficiency or scheduling. Reputable, well-established companies typically have better logistics networks and more predictable timelines. That's why choosing a trusted moving partner is crucial for meeting your expected delivery dates.

Time of Year and Weather

Moving during peak season (summer months) often means longer wait times due to higher demand. Weather conditions can also significantly impact your timeline. Bad weather, traffic, delays in loading or unloading, or unforeseen necessary stops can also add extra time to your cross-country move.

Logistics of Your Cross-Country Move

The complexity of your move affects timing. Factors like:

• Accessibility of your current and new homes
• Elevator availability in apartment buildings
• Narrow streets or difficult parking situations
• Special handling requirements for fragile or valuable items

All of these logistics considerations can add time to your moving process.

Unpredictable Circumstances

Even with the best planning, unexpected situations can arise. Sudden weather changes, issues with your new home, or road closures can impact your timeline. Unknown variables, such as elevators, stairs, and long carries, can also cause delays. Professional moving companies like Stewart Moving & Storage build some buffer time into their estimates to account for these possibilities.

Legal Time Frame

Understanding the legal requirements helps set realistic expectations. According to FMCSA regulations, moving companies are generally required to deliver your belongings within a specific timeframe that should be spelled out in your contract (known as a “delivery spread”). The standard delivery window for an interstate move is often up to 30 days, though this can vary based on distance and circumstances.

Delays

Common delays in cross-country moves include:

• Traffic congestion in major metropolitan areas
• Required rest periods for drivers
• Weather-related road conditions
• Coordination issues with delivery scheduling
• Mechanical issues or driver injury/illness
• Consolidated load cancellations and other logistical complications

Move-in Dates

Your flexibility with move-in dates can significantly impact how long your cross-country move takes. If you have a hard deadline, movers may need to adjust their routes or prioritize your shipment, potentially affecting the timeline and cost.

Professional Cross-Country Moving Services from Highly Rated Moving Company

At Stewart Moving & Storage, we understand that every cross-country move is unique, and we're committed to providing you with honest, transparent timelines based on your specific situation. Our experienced team takes pride in delivering exceptional service while maintaining the integrity and diligence that our customers expect.

We offer comprehensive cross-country moving services designed to minimize stress and maximize efficiency. Our professional movers are thoroughly trained to handle every aspect of your long-distance relocation, from careful packing and loading to secure transportation and timely delivery.

When you choose Stewart Moving & Storage for your cross-country move, you're partnering with a company that values truth and honesty. We'll provide you with realistic timelines, keep you informed throughout the process, and work diligently to meet or exceed your expectations.

FAQs About Your Cross-Country Move Timeline

How Long Does a Moving Company Legally Have to Deliver My Stuff?

The standard delivery window for an interstate move is often within 30 days, according to FMCSA regulations. However, this timeframe can vary depending on the distance of your move and other factors. It's important to discuss specific delivery windows with your moving company and get these details in writing as part of your moving contract.

How Much Does It Cost to Move a 2-Bedroom Apartment Cross-Country?

The cost of moving a 2-bedroom apartment cross-country typically ranges from $3,500 to $5,500, depending on the distance, services required, and time of year. Factors that influence cost include packing services, insurance coverage, storage needs, and the specific moving company you choose. For an accurate estimate, it's best to get quotes from multiple reputable moving companies.

What Is the Average Cost to Move Across the Country?

Cross-country moving costs vary widely based on the size of your household and the distance traveled. On average, families can expect to pay between $4,000 and $12,000 for a full-service cross-country move. This includes packing, loading, transportation, and unloading services. Additional services like storage, special item handling, or expedited delivery will increase the total cost.

How Long Do Professional Movers Take?

Professional movers typically complete the physical aspects of a cross-country move (loading, transportation, and unloading) within 2-3 weeks. However, the entire process, including initial consultation, packing, and settling into your new home, can take 4-6 weeks total. The key is working with experienced professionals who can provide accurate timelines and stick to their commitments.

Remember, when you're planning how long your cross-country move will take, it's always better to allow for some flexibility in your timeline. This reduces stress and ensures you have adequate time to handle any unexpected situations that might arise during your relocation journey.