Moving to a different state is a big deal. Whether you’re doing it for a new job, school or just a fresh start, one thing is clear—it can get expensive fast. But the good news is, there are smart ways to keep the costs low. If you plan ahead and make a few smart choices, you can move without spending more than you have to.
Here are some easy and effective ways to save money during a cross-country move:
Key Takeaways
- Moving on your own is usually the cheapest option, but it takes time, effort and good planning.
- If doing everything yourself feels overwhelming, try a mix—handle the easy stuff yourself and get help for the harder parts.
- Using a freight trailer can also save you money. You load your things and the company drives it to your new home.
7 Affordable Ways to Move Across the Country
Hiring a moving company to do everything—from packing to unpacking—is the easiest way to move. But it’s also the most expensive. If you're okay with doing some work yourself, there are cheaper ways to move without breaking the bank.
1. Do It Yourself
The most affordable option is to move by yourself. If you have access to a van or truck and know how to pack smartly, this can save a lot of money. It’s best for people moving from small homes or who don’t have a lot of stuff. You can always buy big furniture later once you’ve settled in.
2. Rent a Moving Truck
You can rent a truck based on how much stuff you have. Some companies offer deals that include gas and insurance in the price. Just remember—moving trucks need a lot of fuel, so plan for gas stops on the road.
3. Try a Hybrid Move
A hybrid move is a mix of doing some things yourself and hiring help for the rest. For example, you can pack everything on your own and just pay movers to load and drive. Or use your own car for small stuff and get help for big items. You get to choose what you want to pay for.
4. Use Moving Containers
Moving containers are another cheaper option. They come in different sizes and usually cost less than hiring full-service movers. The best part? You can also use them for storage before or after your move which gives you more flexibility. On average, it costs around $3,000 for a long-distance move with containers.
5. Rent a Freight Trailer
If you don’t want to move everything yourself but still want to save money, consider a freight trailer. A company brings the trailer to your house, you load your things over a few days and they drive it to your new home. You only pay for the space you use and the rest may be shared with other customers, which lowers the overall cost.
6. Ship Your Belongings
If you don’t have a lot to move, shipping your things might be the cheapest way. Ground shipping usually costs the least. There are also companies that specialize in shipping large or delicate items, like cars or pianos, so this can be great for smaller moves.
7. Use Shared Load Moving
Shared load moving lets you split the truck space—and the cost—with other people going in the same direction. You don’t need to find those people yourself, the moving company does it for you. It’s cheaper but since your stuff may make a few stops along the way, it’s a good idea to get extra insurance.
6 Ways to Save Money on a Cross-Country Move
Once you’ve decided how you’re going to move, here are some extra tips to help you cut down the costs:
1. Get Quotes from Multiple Movers
Don’t just go with the first mover you talk to. Get estimates from a few companies and compare what they’re offering. Look for good service at a fair price. Some movers might even lower their rate if you show them a cheaper quote from someone else—so don’t be shy to negotiate.
2. Use Free or Cheap Packing Supplies
Buying boxes and packing material can get expensive. But you don’t need to buy everything. Ask friends or neighbors if they have extra boxes from a past move. Many local stores—like liquor or appliance shops—often give away sturdy boxes for free. And for fragile items, you can use towels, socks or clothes instead of bubble wrap.
3. Sell Stuff You Don’t Need
This won’t lower the cost of movers directly but it can put more cash in your pocket. Sell things you no longer use through a garage sale or online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or eBay. Fewer items mean less to pack—and less to pay for.
4. Ship Books Using USPS Media Mail
Books are heavy and they can take up a lot of space. A cheap way to move them is by using USPS Media Mail. It’s meant for books and is much more affordable than regular shipping. You can send up to 70 pounds of books for about $55 which helps lighten your main load.
5. Avoid Moving During Peak Season
Moving in summer especially between May and September can cost more because it's the busy season. If you have flexibility, try moving in early spring or fall. Prices are usually lower during these months and you might find better deals if your dates are flexible.
6. Ask About Discounts
Many movers offer discounts but they don’t always advertise them. Check their websites, social media or discount sites. Better yet, call and ask directly if they’re running any specials. Even a small discount can make a difference when you're moving long distance.
How Much Does It Cost to Move Across the Country?
On average, moving across the country costs about $4,600 but prices can range from $2,400 up to $15,000. If you move everything yourself, it usually costs less. Hiring a full-service moving company will cost more because they handle everything for you.
What Can Change the Cost of a Cross-Country Move?
A few things affect how much you’ll end up paying:
- Distance – The farther your new home is, the more you’ll pay. Some movers charge a flat price, while others charge by the mile.
- How Much You’re Moving – If you have a lot of stuff, you'll need more labor and a bigger truck which costs more. Movers often base their prices on how many bedrooms you have or how much your stuff weighs.
- Type of Moving Service – Renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper than hiring movers to do everything. Shipping by plane or ship costs even more than ground transport.
- Labor Costs – If you do the packing and heavy lifting yourself, you’ll save money. But it can also be a lot of work and stress.
- Season & Timing – Moving during the summer (May to September) is the most expensive. If you can move in the spring or fall, prices are usually lower. Winter is often cheapest but weather and road conditions can make things tricky.
Cross-Country Moving Checklist
A checklist can help keep you organized and reduce last-minute stress. Follow these simple steps to make your long-distance move smoother:
1. Finalize Your Moving Plan
Decide early whether you're moving on your own or hiring movers. Get quotes, book your movers, set a budget and lock in your moving date.
2. Prepare Your Car
If you’re driving to your new place, get your car checked and serviced so it’s ready for the long trip.
3. Pack a Bag with Essentials
Keep a small bag with you that has clothes, toiletries, chargers, important papers and anything you’ll need right away. The rest of your stuff will be on the moving truck.
4. Plan for Your Pets
Think ahead about how your pets will travel. Some pets are easy travelers but others might need a pet carrier or special care during the move.
5. Declutter & Make a List
Go through your stuff and get rid of anything you don’t use. Donate, sell or give away the extras. Then make a list of what you’re taking with you.
6. Set Up Utilities at Your New Place
Cancel utilities at your old home and arrange for water, electricity, internet and other services to be active at your new address before you arrive.
7. Change Your Address
Let the post office know about your new address. Also, update it with your bank, job, subscriptions and any other important accounts.
8. Buy Packing Supplies
If you're doing the packing yourself, grab boxes, tape, markers and bubble wrap ahead of time so you’re not rushing at the last minute.
9. Handle Subscriptions
Cancel or update subscriptions like Wi-Fi, gym memberships and streaming services so you’re not paying for things you won’t use.
10. Transfer Medications
If you take any medicine, make sure your prescriptions are moved to a new pharmacy near your new home. Bring enough to last through the move.
11. Clean Out the Fridge
At least two days before moving, empty your fridge and freezer. Defrost and clean them so they don’t leak or smell during the move.
What to Expect When Moving Across the Country
Moving far away can be exciting—you’ll see new places and start a fresh chapter. But it’s also important to be ready for a few bumps along the road. Here’s what you should know:
Tolls on the Road
Some highways charge tolls, so make sure you have some cash or a card ready to avoid getting stuck at a toll booth.
Changing Fuel Prices
Gas prices aren’t the same everywhere. If you find a station with a good price, it’s smart to fill up while you can.
Weather Issues
Storms, snow or heavy rain can slow you down. If the weather gets bad, don’t take risks—pull over and wait until it’s safe to keep going.
Unexpected Vehicle Problems
Things like a flat tire or engine trouble can happen, whether you're driving yourself or using a moving company. It’s good to have a backup plan, just in case there are delays.
How to Find a Reliable Cross-Country Moving Company
Picking the right moving company takes a bit of time but these easy steps can help you choose wisely:
Start by Searching Online
Look up long-distance moving companies and read what people are saying about them on Google, Yelp or other review sites. You can also check lists of top-rated movers to get some ideas.
Call & Ask Questions
Talk to a few different companies to compare their services and prices. Make sure they cover both your current and new location, have proper insurance and don’t hire outside help without letting you know.
Read Customer Reviews
See what past customers have said. Reviews can give you a good idea of how the company works. If you want extra peace of mind, ask the company if they can share references.
Compare Estimates
Get price quotes from a few movers. But don’t just pick the cheapest one—check for any extra fees and understand what’s included in the cost. Sometimes, paying a little more means better service.
Make Sure They’re Licensed & Insured
The company should have a valid USDOT number for moves across state lines. Also, check that they have state licenses and up-to-date insurance to protect your stuff.
Read the Contract
Before you sign anything, carefully read the full contract. Check the terms, delivery times, insurance details and how they deal with problems or damage claims.
Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Across the Country
Moving far away can be stressful and certain slip-ups can make it even tougher. Here are some common mistakes you should avoid:
Packing Carelessly
Your stuff is going on a long journey, so pack it the right way. Wrap fragile items well so they don’t break and pack smart to save space.
Leaving Out Important Items
Keep a small bag with you that has your must-haves—things like toiletries, chargers, house keys and important documents. Especially if your trip takes more than a day, you’ll need these handy.
Forgetting to Handle Utilities
Don’t forget to turn off services like gas, electricity, water and internet at your old home—and set them up at your new one before you move in.
Skipping Moving Insurance
If you're hiring movers, getting insurance is a smart idea. It protects you in case something gets lost or damaged during the move.
Not Labeling Boxes
Label each box with what’s inside. It’ll save you a lot of time and confusion when you’re unpacking in your new place.
When to Hire a Professional Long-Distance Moving Company vs. Moving Yourself
Deciding between hiring movers or doing it all yourself depends on how much money you want to spend and how much work you’re willing to do. Here’s a quick look at both options:
Moving Yourself
Doing the move on your own can save a lot of money, especially when it comes to labor. You get to control everything—your schedule, how you pack and when you move. But it can also be tiring and stressful, especially if you're juggling work or family responsibilities at the same time. There’s also a risk of damaging your stuff or having car trouble and without professional movers, you won’t have insurance to cover any surprises.
Hiring a Moving Company
Hiring professionals means paying more upfront, but they handle the heavy lifting and tricky parts. You won’t have to worry about loading the truck, long drives or dealing with problems on the road. Most companies also offer insurance, so your belongings are covered. It’s a great option if you want less stress or if the physical side of moving is too much for you.
Just keep in mind—moving quotes often include extra costs like fuel, tolls, hotel stays and equipment rentals. Still, for many people, the ease and peace of mind are worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money should you save for a cross-country move?
Moving across the country can cost anywhere from $2,400 to $15,000, depending on how far you’re going, where you're moving from and to, and how you choose to move. It's a smart idea to get a quote from a few moving companies to understand what you’ll pay.
Also, make sure to budget for daily living costs—especially if you don’t have a job lined up right away. A good tip is to save enough to cover three months of expenses, plus an extra 5–10% for surprise costs.
What should you do before moving to another state?
Start by planning your budget and booking movers if needed. If you can, visit your new city in advance to check out neighborhoods, set up utilities and look into schools if you have kids.
Take care of important things like forwarding your mail, updating your driver’s license and canceling or transferring subscriptions like internet or gym memberships. After that, pack up and get ready for your move.
How long does it take to move across the country?
It depends on how you're moving, how far you're going and how much stuff you have. If you’re using professional movers, it usually takes 2 to 5 days. If you're driving yourself and taking your time, it could take twice as long—or even more.