Average Cost of Moving to Another State

If you’ve never had to move out of state or anywhere long distance, you can expect to face a pretty steep learning curve. Of course, it’s more complicated and more expensive to move to another state than it would be to move to a neighboring city or town. Since you likely don’t have an unlimited moving budget, you may be feeling a little anxious about what this type of move is going to cost. So, how much does it cost to move to another state?

Unfortunately, moving costs can be very difficult to predict. Although your moving company will provide you with an estimate, the final amount usually isn’t determined until the move has been completed. Likewise, if you choose to rent a moving truck and DIY your move, it can be challenging to predict all the extra hidden fees after the fact.

Though, to simplify things a bit, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on the average cost of moving to another state, whether you choose to rent a truck, use a moving container service, or hire professional movers.

Out of State Moving Services

If you’re planning to move to another state, your first task is to choose the type of service that you want – whether it’s a shipping container, moving truck rental, or full-service movers. The table below outlines the average cost of moving to another state based on these services:

As you might already expect, full service movers cost the most because the handle all of the aspects of your move – including the loading, unloading, and the physical transport of your goods. If desired, you can even hire them to take care of the packing and unpacking as well. Whereas, with a shipping container service or renting a moving truck, you’ll pay less because you’re responsible for all of the loading and packing.

That said, what makes the cost of moving to another state so expensive? Let’s dive into the various factors that determine moving costs.

Cost Factors

In addition to the specific moving service that you choose, the cost to move to another state depends on a number of factors. Understanding all of the details that go into the average cost can help you budget and prepare accordingly. The most important factors to understand include:

• The size of your home.
• The distance of the move.
• Moving & packing supplies.
• Utilities & security deposits.
• Vehicle transportation.
• Hotels and potential storage needs.

Let’s examine these factors to understand how they impact the average cost of moving out of state.

Home Size

Homes vary considerably in terms of size. As you might expect, the smaller your home, the less moving costs you’re going to have. For example, if you live in a small apartment, you will pay less than if you lived in a large estate. The size of the rooms in your home can also impact the cost of the move, as it may be more difficult for your movers to navigate. Or, if you have several flights of stairs, you may incur some extra fees.

Overall, the more stuff that you have, the more expensive your move is going to be. This will require you to rent a larger moving truck or shipping container, and most moving companies estimate moving charges based on weight. A heavier shipment not only means they’ll need to secure a bigger truck, it also means that more movers and supplies will be necessary to complete your move.

Distance

Undeniably, distance is a major determining factor in the cost of moving to another state. The longer the distance, the more expensive your move is going to be. The fact of the matter is, more miles requires more fuel, which contributes to the overall expense. That said, regardless of the method you choose to move to another state, the company isn’t only going to charge you for the fuel. They’ll also charge you for vehicle wear and tear, labor costs for the movers, liability insurance, and more.

Moving & Packing Supplies

While you can purchase the necessary packing supplies from your moving company, if you’re concerned about keeping costs low, this isn’t the best option. If they’re not included in the move, most moving companies will charge extra for moving supplies.

If you want to cut down on moving expenses and try to keep costs as low as possible, try to seek out free supplies. Try asking for extra boxes from grocery stores, retail shops, and warehouses in your area. Many companies will gladly give you their used boxes, as they need to get rid of them anyways.

Utilities & Security Deposits

If your out of state move is into a rental, you’re likely going to be required to pay a security deposit at some point. Additionally, one of the lesser-known expenses of moving, especially when it’s to another state, is utilities fees. Some utility providers operate on contracts, meaning you may be charged for an early cancellation fee if you are leaving your contract early. Though, if possible, re-establishing service with the same provider can help you avoid this fee.

Vehicle Transportation

So, you have a plan for your belongings, but how are you going to get your car transported to your new location? For some, driving their vehicle themselves is the preferred option. Though, if you’re concerned about putting extra miles and unnecessary wear and tear on your car, you’ll need to budget for an auto shipping service. Regardless, whether you choose to hire a company to transport your car or you’ll be paying for the gas on the road to drive it yourself, budget accordingly.

Hotels & Storage

Depending on the distance, your out of state move may be a multi-day trip. Unless you’re planning on flying while your moving company handles everything, you’re going to need somewhere to stay on the road. Whether it’s with family members, friends, or in a hotel, there will be accommodations costs associated with moving to another state.

In some cases, you may also need to secure a storage unit if there’s a waiting period in between when you arrive and when you can move into your new place. The cost of storage varies considerably from company to company so make sure that you do plenty of research to factor storage costs into your overall moving budget.

What is the Average Cost of Moving to Another State?

The average cost to move to another state depends on a number of factors, including the size of the shipment, what you’re taking with you, and the distance of the move. Though, moving to another state typically ranges in cost from about $2,500 to $6,500 on average. When you consider distance and size, short, small moves can run from $700 to $5,000, while bigger, long distance relocations usually cost between $4,000 and $10,000, or more.

Need assistance with moving to another state? We can help! At Three Movers, we offer a wide array of moving and storage services that can be customized to fit your individual needs. Contact us today by filling out our convenient online request form or calling the number listed at the top of this page to receive your free, no-obligation moving estimate and find out how you could save up to 20% on your out of state move.