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6 min read Feb 26, 2024

Cost to Move Across Country: 5 Ways to Cut Your Expenses In Half

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Carol Coutinho

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Edited By

Carol Coutinho

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Carol is a versatile content editor and writer, crafting riveting narratives with precision and finesse. When not reading a novel, she is immersed in the enthralling world of the theater.

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The cost to move across the country ranges between $2,000 and $8,000. The cost may vary with the location; the most expensive is moving from the east to the west coast. However, multiple factors affect the overall cost, including the moving season.

It is observed that people tend to move during the summer months, i.e., May to August. In that period, it is tough to find a transportation company, and even if you do, they will charge more. They are pre-booked, and last-minute booking charges are quite expensive.

Moreover, if you want to move but are not able to find a desired place, Houzeo can help you. The platform had a wide range of lists of houses. You can view houses in all 52 states and buy them hassle-free.

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How Much Does It Cost to Move Across the Country?

The average cost of moving across the country is between $2,000 and $8,000. However, it depends on multiple factors, like location, moving company, and method of transportation. In addition, you can experience a difference in price if you move from coast to coast.

Here are the prices based on the different coasts:

Location Cost
East Coast to West Coast$4,600 – $ 10,300
South East Coast to West Coast$4,700 – $9,400
East Coast to South East Coast$3,000 – $8,000
North East Coast to South East Coast$3,000 – $8,000

Generally, the movers first provide the estimated cost (before the trip cost), which can differ from the actual expense (after the trip). The estimate includes the number of miles to travel, the packing and unpacking of your belongings, the number of boxes, and more.

6 Factors That Affect the Cost to Move

Here are the factors that affect the cost of moving across the country:

1. Distance

The movers calculate the cost for the distance from fuel cost, the distance covered, and driver’s fees. The current average gas price is $3.385 and the prices change from state to state, for which the total expense would differ. Some transportation companies provide discounts for longer journeys.

2. Home Size

Home size affects the cost, as the moving companies charge differently for 1-bedroom and multi-bedroom houses. In addition, you may require more movers if you have larger homes.

Home SizeCost for Movers
1 – bedroom$320- $640
2 – bedroom$720- $1,440
3 – bedroom$1,120- $2,240
4 – bedroom$1,440- $2,880

3. Transportation Type

The cost differs depending on the type of transportation, as a larger vehicle can cost you more. In addition, the plan includes the loading and unloading of your belongings. If you choose the cheapest plan, you may have to do all the lifting. However, it is better to leave most of the work to the professionals, as moving can be tiring and time-consuming.

Here’s the average cost according to the transportation type:

Transportation TypeCost
Rental Truck$1,300–$2,100
Container$700–$3,200
Full-Service Movers$1,400–$9,700

4. Weight

Mover companies weigh your belongings to calculate the cost. Generally, the average cost is around $0.50 to $0.80 per pound.

5. Packing Supplies

Packing supplies used while moving adds up to a significant cost. To avoid the extra expenses, you can opt for reusable plastic bins, which would cost around $5 a bin.

The average cost for supplies like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap is $100 to $200. If you have two bedrooms, then it could go up to $200 to $600.

6. Additional Fees to Consider

Here are the additional fees you may have to pay, depending on your moving needs:

  • Unpacking service
  • Extra stops
  • Elevator fee
  • Specialty moving
  • Expedited delivery services
  • Stair carry fee
  • Long-carry fee

5 Easy Ways to Cut Moving Costs

Multiple factors affect the cost, but with a few tips, you can try to cut the costs and save some money. Here are some ways to cut moving costs:

1. DIY

Through DIY, you can pack your belongings and move them into the truck. You can ask a friend or a family member to help you with moving. These little actions can save a significant amount of labor costs.

During the process, you can donate or throw away unnecessary clutter. It will eventually save some from the total weight cost.

2. Use Recycled Packing Supplies

Recycled packing supplies can greatly help you save money. You can use old boxes, suitcases, plastic bags, and containers to pack your belongings. In addition, you can use the old crates and cardboard boxes that your mother kept for years. You can also as a grocery store for waste boxes and other packing supplies.

3. Shifting on Weekdays

Moving on weekends costs more in comparison to weekdays. On weekdays, the moving companies are less occupied, because of which they are easily available. It is observed that companies keep prices lower on weekdays to attract more customers.

4. Get Multiple Moving Estimates

Many moving companies provide a free quotation, which is the moving estimate. It is better to read the reviews to check the professionalism and reputation of the company. Later, you can check and compare 4–5 quotations from different moving companies.

In addition, be aware of their cheapest plan scams. Many companies provide moving services at lower costs, but they miss out on many basic services. Some even added services that they didn’t provide after payment.

5. Explore Discounts

On the other hand, there are times when companies agree to match the lower quote you get from other companies. If you have to reach out and ask for a discount; there is a higher possibility of getting one.

Moving companies have various schemes under which you can get a possible discount. If you have any disability, or if you are a senior citizen or a veteran, you can opt for a moving assistance program.

Cost to Move Across Country: Bottom Line

The cost to move across the country sits around $2,000-$8,000. The cost may differ depending on the location. It can be expensive if you are moving from coast to coast. If you are looking for budget options, you have to cut costs in multiple instances, like packaging, supplies, and more.

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Find Your Dream Home 🏡

text View 14,619,268 Homes For Sale in the US

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Find Your Dream Home 🏡

View + Inspectors in the US

Find Your Dream Home 🏡

View 14,619,268 Homes For Sale in the US

Where do you want to live?

» Need More Clarity? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should you budget to move across country?

Moving across the country costs around $2,000–$8,000, depending on the company and transportation. A coast-to-coast move may cost up to $15,000.

What is the cheapest time of year to move across country?

Move between late September to April to save the most. Avoid peak moving season in summer and high demand in fall.

Can I negotiate moving expenses?

It depends on the company policy and its size. The company might provide some discounts, but you may have to substitute them with your vacation days.

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