How Much Does It Cost To Move Out Of State?

What Does an Out of State Move Cost?

According to data from the American Association of Movers, the average family moving to a new home will spend around $4,890 for a long-distance move of 1,000 miles and a home size of 2 to 3 bedrooms. While a local move costs around $1,250, you’ll pay significantly more for an interstate move due to varying laws and regulations, travel fees the movers must incur, and any additional services you add to your move to make the journey a little easier.

Sample Costs For Interstate Moves

The two primary factors that moving companies will use to calculate the cost of your move are the size of your home and the distance you’re traveling. If you’re moving a larger property a longer distance, you’ll pay significantly more. Here is what you can expect to pay for different home sizes and distances for a full-service move:

* This sample cost data was obtained from thousands of real customer testimonials. Even so, it is no substitute for a real quote from an actual mover. There are many factors that influence cost, and moving costs can vary dramatically even for moves of similar size and distance.

Cost Factors for an Out of State Move

Though the size of your home and the distance you’re traveling are the two primary factors that influence the cost of your move, moving companies will also take the following factors into account when assigning your estimate:

• The type of moving company you work with: Different types of moving companies charge different rates depending on the services you request from them. For example, full-service moving companies can offer services like packing and crating for fragile items but charge more per hour than other types of movers. Renting a moving truck is more affordable—but you’ll have to do all of your heavy lifting yourself.
• Storage services: If your move-out and move-in date don’t exactly line up, your moving company can usually arrange storage services on your behalf to keep your shipment safe until you arrive. The longer you need to rent a storage unit, the more you’ll pay.
• Specialty items: If you’re moving something large that requires specialized services, your moving company may charge an additional fee. For example, if you’re moving a large leather couch, you might want to ask your movers to wrap it to prevent scuffing and damage while in your moving truck. Moving something like piano or pool table may also require extra fees.
• Stairs: If you live in an apartment building or a two-story home, your moving company may charge you a higher rate for labor because of the extra work and time required to move up and down stairs.
• Insurance: If you’re working with a professional moving company, it’s a good idea to purchase some type of valuation coverage for your belongings. You might also want to purchase third-party insurance to further protect your things.
• What you’re shipping: If you’re only moving cardboard boxes and plastic storage containers, you’ll require fewer movers and you’ll pay less for your move. If you’re moving a number of large items (like a piano or an antique set of drawers), you’ll pay more for your move because your moving company will need to assign more movers to your job.
• Moving date: Some seasons are busier for moving companies than others. If you move during the summer months (usually between May and August) you’ll pay more for your move because there is more competition for each moving company. Weekend moves are also typically more expensive.

How to Reduce the Cost of Your Interstate Move

As you can see, moving costs can quickly get out of control. Thankfully, there are a few steps that you can take to reduce the amount that you’ll pay for your move:

• Talk to your employer: If you’re moving for a new job, consider speaking with your employer and asking if your company offers any relocating bonuses or assistance.
• Locate free moving supplies: While your moving company can provide you with packing supplies for an additional fee, it’s usually more affordable to collect these items yourself. Though the cost of a few rolls of masking tape, permanent markers and bubble wrap might not seem like much, these expenses can quickly add up if you need to buy everything new. Ask local stores, friends, or neighbors if they have any leftover boxes they can give you.
• Downsize: The easiest way to lower your cost is to reduce your shipment size. Downsizing can help you save money on your move by lowering the total weight of your shipment and making the packing process faster and easier. If you’re looking for a little extra cash for your move, consider sorting through your things and hosting a garage sale. You can sell old collectables and books on auction websites like eBay. You can also earn more money from your clothing sales by selling on a website like ThreadUp or Depop.
• Choose a different moving date: Though not everyone has the luxury of remaining flexible with their moving date, you can often find a more advantageous price by changing your move by just a few days. Movers tend to be less busy during the months of September through April. If you can afford to wait for a winter or early spring move, you can often save hundreds of dollars on your moving expenses. You can also save money by moving on a weekday rather than a weekend.

How to Move Out of State on a Budget

The key to enjoying an affordable interstate move is to create a comprehensive plan beforehand. Just a few days of planning can help make your moving services significantly more affordable. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to move out of state on a budget:

Step 1: Set a Budget and Begin Saving

Many movers underestimate just how much it can cost to travel to a new state. Expenses like fuel, lodging, food, and more can add up quickly. Sit down with your family and decide how much you can spend on moving services, additional add-ons you need from your movers (like crating or unpacking services), and how much you’ll be able to spend on the road.

You can use an online fuel calculator to determine how much you’re likely to spend on gasoline. Depending on your state, you may also be able to check how much you’ll accrue in toll charges before you head out. For example, Florida offers its SunPass calculator online, while Texas uses the TxTag calculator. You may need to use multiple calculators when traveling across state lines.

If you’ll be renting your new space, be sure that you have enough cash to cover your first and last month of rent if you haven’t already submitted it to your new landlord. You should also budget enough cash to cover at least your first month of utilities as well as your security deposit. It can sometimes take weeks for a landlord to return your security deposit, so don’t count on your previous deposit to cover the cost of your new space.

Step 2: Choose a Moving Method

After you’ve created a budget for your move and decided how much you can afford to spend on moving services, you can determine which type of moving company you’d like to work with. The following are a few types of moving companies you’re likely to encounter and who they’re best for:

• Full-Service Mover. If you’re looking for the easiest possible interstate move (and you’re willing to spend a bit more for convenience) you may want to consider a full-service moving company. Full-service movers provide an increased range of services and tools that you can use to make your move as easy as possible. While this can be the most expensive option, the cost can be well worth it to ensure your move is as easy, efficient, and safe as possible.
• Moving Container Service. Moving containers can be much more affordable than a full-service move. The company will drop a container off at your property, which you will load yourself. Once ready, the company will ship your container to your home for you to unload. You’ll have to do some work yourself, but if you’re up to the task, you can realize significant savings.
• DIY Move. A full DIY move typically involves renting a moving truck and managing everything from packing and loading the truck to driving the truck and unloading at your new home. This can often be the cheapest way to move, but it can also be the most difficult and time-consuming.

Step 3: Research Moving Companies

After you’ve laid out your budget and decided which type of moving company you want to work with, start researching the best interstate moving companies. Use these tips to compare professional movers:

• Consider third-party sites: Start with a third-party review site to read unfiltered reviews of the local movers operating in your area. You can find plenty of great moving company reviews on Pro Mover Reviews! Other great sources include the Better Business Bureau and Consumer Advocate.
• Ask friends and family for recommendations: Consider asking your family members and friends if they have any movers they can recommend.

• Ask for licensing information: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is a government entity that regulates interstate movers. The FMCSA assigns a unique USDOT number to every moving company registered with the FMCSA. Ask for each company’s USDOT number and verify it using the FMCSA Company Snapshot tool.

We recommend that you create a list of at least three moving companies in your area that meet your standards—but the more the better.

Step 4: Request Free Quotes

After you’ve created a list of great moving companies, it’s time to start collecting quotes. Most movers will be happy to provide you with a free quote, and many movers may offer you a binding estimate after visiting your property and assessing your shipment.

Be sure to get any quotes that you receive in writing so the movers cannot add extra charges later. Compare the estimates you received to determine which company best matches your needs and budget.

Step 5: Decide What Can Stay Behind

After you’ve set your moving date, it’s time to begin the downsizing process. Walk through your home room-by-room and sort all your belongings into three categories:

• Keep: Items that you want to keep and need to bring to your new home.
• Donate: Items that are in good condition, but you don’t need or want any longer. These items can still be used, so consider donating them to your local charity drive or thrift store. Examples may include clean clothing free of rips and tears and books in good or acceptable condition.
• Trash: Items that are broken or in unusable condition. Some examples of items that you might want to trash may include stained clothing, unrepairable electronics, or books with pages torn out of them.

You may also want to consider contacting family members and friends to invite them to take any salvageable household goods before you begin packing.

Step 6: Begin Packing

After you know what you need to bring to your new home, you can begin the packing process. Be sure to leave yourself with plenty of time to pack. The last thing you want is to be struggling with packing paper or tape when your movers get to your home.

Watch Out for Moving Scams Disguised as Bargains

No one wants to overpay for their moving services. Unfortunately, scammers have taken advantage of high average moving costs to trick consumers into fraudulent moving scams. These scammers may overcharge you, add on extra fees you didn’t agree to when you signed your contract and even hold your things hostage until you agree to pay an exorbitant fee.

Watch out for these red flags to avoid fraudulent companies and excess fees:

• Cash-only payments: Moving scammers know that when you pay for a service with a credit card, you have recourse if the company fails to deliver on its promises. Moving scammers often demand payments in cash only so they don’t leave a paper trail after making off with your things.
• Large deposits: Your moving company should never attempt to charge you more than 110% of your quoted moving estimate—even if you’ve added more things to your move since you originally received your estimate. If your mover needs to add excess weight fees after that, they must first deliver your shipment and then bill you for them. Any company that demands a large down payment (especially in cash) may be trying to scam you.
• Lack of credentials: Moving scammers need to change their location often, which means they typically won’t take the time to get proper licensure or adhere to your local laws. If a company claims that it can make interstate moves without a USDOT number or seems confused when you ask for other verification, you should continue on with your search.
• Pricing that’s significantly cheaper than competitors: Moving scammers frequently lure victims in by claiming that they can complete a move for thousands of dollars less than other (legitimate) companies in the area. You should be especially suspicious if the moving company that you’re speaking to claims that they can provide you with an estimate without visiting your home. If a moving quote sounds good to be true, it probably is.
• Blank contracts: Legitimate moving companies will provide you with a fully customized contract before your move. This contract should include things like the moving company’s address and phone number, information on your estimate and a defined price for services rendered. A legitimate and honest moving team will never ask you to sign a blank contract or a contract that isn’t completely filled out in ink.

It is always against the law for a moving company to “hold your things hostage” by demanding an additional fee before delivering your things. If a moving company attempts to extort you, contact the FMCSA and report the movers for fraud. The FMCSA can also help you get in touch with local law enforcement officers who can help you get your things back.

Top Interstate Moving Companies

Now that you know how much it costs to move out of state, it’s time to find a great mover. To help you with your planning, here are the best interstate movers available today: