Average Cost To Move Across The Country: 6 Ways To Save Money

Written by Aaron Steed

Moving across the country is a huge undertaking, and the financial aspect can be daunting. Whether you’re relocating for a new job, to be closer to family, or simply for a change of scenery, planning, budgeting for your move, and the right long-distance moving checklist is critical. The cross-country moving companies’ costs can vary widely, depending on factors such as distance, the weight of your belongings, and the services you choose. However, there are ways to save money without sacrificing the quality of your move.

How Much Does it Cost to Move Across the Country?

Before diving into the savings tips, it’s essential to understand the potential costs. On average, a cross-country move can range from $2,500 to $7,000, depending on several variables. The distance between your current location and your new home, the total weight of your household items, and the level of service you choose whether full-service movers, DIY moving, or a hybrid option will all influence the total cost. Additionally, cross-country moving companies’ costs can be impacted by factors like packing services, storage needs, and even the time of year you choose to move.

For example, using a full-service moving company may cost more due to the convenience and professional handling of your items, while renting a moving truck and handling the move yourself will be more affordable but physically demanding. Additionally, the time of year you move and the demand for moving services in your area can also affect pricing.

Tips To Save Money During A Move Across The Country

Compare Quotes from Multiple Cross-Country Moving Companies

One of the most effective ways to save on your cross-country move is to compare quotes from several moving companies. Each moving company offers different services, pricing models, and specializations, so gathering quotes from at least three to five companies is a good start. Doing this allows you to:

Identify the most budget-friendly option: Different companies will offer varied rates based on their services, availability, and additional features like packing or storage services.
Understand service variations: Some companies might include basic services like loading and unloading in their pricing, while others charge extra. This is why it’s essential to compare every aspect of the quote, not just the bottom line.
Leverage competitive pricing: Once you receive multiple quotes, you may use these offers to negotiate a better deal. Some companies may match or beat their competitor’s prices to win your business.

Details About Your Move

The size of your home or the number of rooms.
Estimated weight of your belongings.
Distance to your new location.
Any special requirements (e.g., fragile items, storage needs).

Binding or Non-binding:

Binding estimate: Guarantees that the price won’t change as long as the moving conditions (inventory, distance, etc.) remain the same.
Non-binding estimate: The price may vary based on the actual weight of your items or the time required to complete the move.

Taking the time to compare quotes can help you better understand cross country moving companies’ costs and make an informed decision.

Declutter Before You Move

Reducing the amount of stuff you move is one of the simplest ways to save money on your cross-country relocation. The cost of a move, especially with cross country moving companies, is largely based on the weight and volume of your belongings. So, fewer items mean lower costs.

Here’s how to declutter effectively:

Create separate piles: Make three categories, sell, donate, and discard. This will make it easier to decide what to keep.
Sell: You can sell gently used furniture, electronics, and other household items through online platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or at a garage sale. The money you earn can help offset some of your moving expenses.
Donate: Items that are still usable but not worth selling can be donated to local charities. Many organizations will even pick up large items like furniture.
Discard: Get rid of anything that’s broken, outdated, or no longer functional. Consider hiring a junk removal service if you have a lot of items to discard.

By decluttering, you’ll lower your overall moving expenses and minimize the stress of packing and unpacking.

Choose a Less Busy Time to Move

The timing of your move can play a big role in the cost. Moving companies tend to be busier during peak season (typically May through September), and demand during these months drives prices up. To save on cross country moving companies’ costs, try to:

Move during the off-peak season: Fall and winter months are generally less busy for movers, which means you might get better rates. Moving companies are often more willing to negotiate discounts or offer promotions during these slower periods.
Move mid-week: Most people move on weekends to accommodate their work schedules, making weekends the most expensive time to book a move. If you can move during the week (Tuesday or Wednesday, for example), you’ll likely find lower rates.
Move mid-month: At the beginning and end of the month, moving companies are usually in high demand due to leases starting and ending. If your schedule is flexible, try to move in the middle of the month for better pricing.

Choosing a less busy time for your move can lead to significant savings and less competition for available moving dates.

Opt for a DIY or Hybrid Move

Another strategy to reduce the cost of your cross-country move is to opt for a DIY (do-it-yourself) or hybrid move. While hiring a full-service moving company provides convenience, it also comes with a higher price tag. Consider these alternatives to save money:

DIY Move: Rent a moving truck or trailer, and handle the packing, loading, driving, and unloading yourself. This option is ideal for those who want full control over the move and are willing to do the heavy lifting.
- Rent a truck from companies.
- Enlist friends or family to help with loading and unloading to save even more.
Hybrid Move: This option lets you combine professional help with your own efforts, allowing you to balance cost and convenience.
- Pack and unpack yourself: Handle all the packing and unpacking, but hire professionals to load, transport, and unload your belongings.
- Load and unload yourself: Rent a truck, but hire professionals for heavy lifting and loading/unloading, while you drive the truck across the country.

Both DIY and hybrid moves can reduce the overall cost compared to a full-service move. By selecting what you can do yourself, you can significantly lower your cross country moving companies’ costs.

Use Free or Low-Cost Packing Supplies

Packing supplies can become a hidden cost when moving long distances, but there are ways to cut down on these expenses. Start by gathering free or low-cost materials:

Source free boxes: Many grocery stores, liquor stores, and retailers have boxes that they’re willing to give away. Contact your local stores in advance to find out when they receive shipments, as this is the best time to ask for boxes.
Check online communities: Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Nextdoor are great places to find people giving away moving supplies. You can often find free boxes, packing paper, and bubble wrap from people who have recently moved.
Use what you already own: Towels, blankets, and clothing can be used to wrap fragile items. This not only saves you money on packing materials but also reduces waste.

Using these methods for packing supplies can help lower the overall cost of your move without sacrificing protection for your belongings.

Deduct Moving Expenses from Your Taxes (If Eligible)

For those who are moving for work, there may be opportunities to deduct moving expenses from your taxes. While not everyone qualifies, under certain circumstances, moving expenses related to starting a new job or relocating for an existing job may be tax-deductible.

Here’s how you can determine if you qualify:

Distance test: Your new job must be at least 50 miles farther from your old home than your previous job location.
Time test: You must work full-time for at least 39 weeks during the first 12 months after arriving in the new location.
Eligible expenses: You can deduct reasonable costs for transportation, lodging during the move, and the cost of moving your household goods.

Conclusion

Moving across the country can be a stressful and expensive experience, but by planning ahead and making smart choices, you can keep costs manageable. The average cost for a cross-country move varies, but with strategies like comparing quotes from cross country moving companies, decluttering, and choosing the right time to move, you can save a significant amount of money.

Whether you’re working with a tight budget or looking for ways to reduce your overall moving expenses, the tips above can help you make the most of your relocation without sacrificing quality. Remember, cross country moving companies cost less when you take the time to plan, negotiate, and get creative with your approach. Happy moving!