Average Cost of Moving In State

No matter the distance, moving is usually never easy on the wallet. If you’re planning an intrastate move, you’re likely wondering how much this endeavor is going to cost you. There are several factors that come into play when calculating how much an in-state move will cost. While you can certainly opt to DIY your move and save a bit of money, hiring professional movers offers the most convenience.

With that said, we’re here to help you financially prepare for your upcoming move. Continue reading for our comprehensive guide on how much in-state moves cost, what goes into calculating these costs, and some money-saving tips!

What is an intrastate move?

An intrastate move simply refers to any move that occurs within the same state. With this in mind, these relocations can also be called in-state moves. Although typically further than local moves (usually less than 50 miles), they stay within state lines. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) does not regulate intrastate moves. Instead, if you are planning a move in the same state, it’s important that you do the necessary research to understand the specific moving terms and conditions in your state.

Each state has its own rules and regulations regarding moving and it’s important that you are familiar with them. To protect yourself as a consumer, it’s a good idea to speak with your state’s attorney general’s office to check if you live in a regulated state that oversees movers. In terms of cost, intrastate moves typically cost more than local moves but less than long distance moves.

On the other hand, interstate moves are moves that involve passing goods outside of state lines. It’s important to note that even if you’re moving to another city in the same state if your move requires you to cross state lines to get there, it’s considered an interstate move. Perhaps you have to take a major highway that weaves in and out of your state. Regardless, understanding the difference between an interstate move and an intrastate move will save you from hiring movers that are not properly licensed to carry out interstate relocations.

What is the average cost of moving in state?

In the United States, the average cost of moving in-state is approximately $1,200. This estimate is based on a home that has two to three bedrooms and a total weight of goods coming in at around 7,500 pounds. Nonetheless, if you plan on hiring professional movers, you’re looking at spending at least $1,000 for your intrastate move.

Of course, the actual cost of your relocation depends on numerous factors including the total distance, specific moving date, the weight of your belongings, additional services, and labor costs.

How are intrastate moving costs determined?

Moving costs are determined differently based on whether it’s a long distance move or intrastate move. Intrastate moves are usually based on a flat amount per hour, which is impacted by a number of factors. The factors that influence this hourly rate include labor costs, additional services like packing, assembling furniture, your movers having to climb stairs and any extra add-ons.

Some intrastate moving companies offer customers a flat rate option. This is determined based on the estimated number of hours they expect the move to take, multiplied by their flat hourly rate. In most cases, this fixed price will also factor in any add-ons as well.

Factors that impact intrastate moving costs

When it comes to calculating the average cost of in-state moves, it’s important that you consider all the possible moving expenses. The following factors have the highest impact on the cost of moving in-state:

• The size of your move. If you have a big home or just a lot of stuff to move, not only will your move take longer but it may require more movers and your shipment will be heavier. In either case, you can expect the cost of your move to increase. Generally speaking, the more stuff you have to move, the more expensive your move will be.
• Distance. The further that your movers have to travel to deliver your belongings, the more expensive your move will be. Your intrastate moving company is charging an hourly rate – so, the more time spent, the more money you’ll pay. And yes, your movers are still on the clock during the drive from point A to point B.
• Add-on services. Your moving company will charge you extra for any additional services that you opt for including packing and unpacking, upgraded moving insurance, furniture assembly and disassembly, and long carry charges.
• Your moving date. Both the time of year that you’re moving and the specific day that you move affect the cost of your move. Busy season for the moving industry tends to be between April and September. During this time, and around major holidays, the demand for movers is higher which causes prices to rise. It’s also generally more expensive to move on weekends and on the first or last days of the month.
• Moving materials. Unless you have boxes lying around or you are able to scrounge up some free ones, you’re going to have to budget for all the necessary moving materials. In addition to cardboard boxes, you’re also going to need bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, and any other supplies you need for the move.
• Specialty items. If any of your items are heavy, valuable, awkward, or fragile, you will likely have to pay an additional fee to have them properly protected and moved.
• Your moving company. Hourly rates vary from company to company, which is why it’s highly recommended to request multiple quotes. That way you can do a proper comparison and ensure that you’re getting the best deal possible.

Cost-saving tips for moving in state

If the above numbers scare you, have no fear! There are ways to save money on your upcoming in-state relocation. Here are some simple and effective ways to cut costs when moving within the same state:

1. Purge your excess belongings. One of the easiest ways to save money on an intrastate move is to reduce the items you are moving. Go room by room and take inventory of your belongings to determine what exactly is worth taking with you. Then, you can choose to sell, donate, or trash the excess.
2. Handle the packing yourself. This may seem like an obvious tip, but you can save a lot of money by doing all the packing yourself. While hiring professional packers is very convenient and ensures the safety of your belongings, it’s a service that doesn’t come cheap.
3. Be flexible with your move date. If you can be flexible, aim for a move date that it’s in the middle of the week and the middle of the month. Also, try to avoid peak season (April to September) and major US holidays.
4. Gather quotes from multiple companies. Before you land on a moving company, it’s best to do some shopping around. Collect in-person quotes from at least three moving companies and make sure you are as detailed as possible about the conditions surrounding your move.
5. Ask about moving discounts. You may be surprised what moving discounts you are eligible for. Ask your moving company if you qualify for any or if they have any special promotions that they are running!

If you need assistance with an upcoming intrastate move, look no further than Three Movers. Contact us today to receive your free, no-obligation moving estimate and find out how you could save up to 20%.