Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Jan, 08 2026
There are a lot of variables involved in long-distance moves. Choosing the right moving company is the first step in the process. Once you know the company you will go with, they will be able to help you with all the details of the move. Three Movers are skilled with long-distance. Their business offices throughout the United States make them easily accessible no matter where your shift takes you.
Getting Your Quote
When you know the date of your move, you need to call for a quote with enough time for the hauling agency to complete all of the paperwork and necessary items on their end. A rule of thumb is to call at least one week before the scheduled. For a long-distance move estimate, it would be recommended to call as soon as you know your plans. Some states have regulations about taking items across state lines, which must be checked for passage purposes.
What Takes Place When Receiving A Quote
Getting a passage is free with Three Movers. They will gather information from you about the location you are moving from and where you need it moved to. An in-person or virtual tour of the items you need to carry will be conducted. This helps you choose the size of a truck suitable for your hauling and the number of workers that will be required.
Once the quote has been compiled, it will reflect what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind that other add-ons may not be included in your quote.
Add-On Services To Ask About
Moving companies offer a plethora of additional services. Full-service haulers like Three Movers provide fantastic amenities that are not much more expensive than the move itself. Make sure to ask about these when getting your quote.
Common Add-On Services
- Packing Services
- Some companies will take complete control of your move for you. Packing is a tedious task that can become overwhelming quickly. Finding the right packing materials and wrapping fragile items can be a nightmare if you don’t have experience doing it.
- Adding packing services to your long-distance move might be the solution you need. Skilled specialists know how to pack items and keep them organized efficiently. This service can run up to $35 an hour, but packaging supplies are often included in that price.
- Storage
- Some people choose to store some of their items when they are moving. We have storage solutions available for you. The charge for this is often based on the size and is paid monthly.
- Insurance Coverage
- Moving companies carry liability insurance on any items they possess during a move. This liability insurance rate is commonly valued at $.60 per pound of household goods. This insurance is included with your price, required to be carried at a minimum.
- When relocating items much more expensive than the general liability coverage will cover, it will be time to ask about the extended insurance coverage options. These types of insurance are typically time-sensitive, so make sure you ask your customer service representative when it has to be decided upon so that you can add it in time for your move.
- Supplies
- If you decide that you don’t want a stranger packing your belongings for you, you can opt to do it yourself. Many moving companies have various supplies that you can purchase at a cheaper rate than getting from a general store.
- These supplies are not going to be in your initial quote unless you ask for them to be. Make sure you know what you will need to pack and secure your belongings for transport.
- Automotive Transport
- A long-distance move does not automatically mean you are transporting your vehicle instead of driving it. If you need for Three Movers to transport your car when we transport your belongings, you will need to specify this for your quote. We offer affordable rates for automobile transport, so there is no need to worry about getting your transportation to your new home in excellent condition.
Bottom Line Pricing
The cheapest way to travel long distances is to ask about full-service options. The more options you ask for, the bigger the savings will be in the long run. Long-distance moves are made based on weight and mileage when determining price. Most people use moving as an excuse to get rid of things they no longer need or use. Why do they do this? It cuts down on the weight and the space required for the move.
Take into account when you are planning your move. Transferring outside peak times, like spring and summer, can save you money. The same goes for a mid-week move. There are only so many weekends in a year, and people are all trying to get those.
The Numbers
On average, a long-distance move will cost you over $1000. Depending on how far you need to move items, you could be looking at close to $5000. That is a vast range, but there is a reason for this. Homes come in all different sizes. People have all kinds of stuff that has been accumulated over the years, especially if moving from a home they have been in since they were children.
Starting The Process
The only way you can get an accurate quote is to call Three Movers. They can give you a passage that is specific to your situation. The variables that can be incorporated in a long-distance move make it hard to provide an accurate “what if” idea at a cost. That is why we gives no cost or obligation quotations to ensure you get the best passage in the business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Long-distance movers typically charge $2,000–$7,500 for moves over 100 miles or across state lines. Pricing is based on shipment weight or cubic footage, distance, fuel, and labor. A studio or one-bedroom move often falls at the lower end, while 3–5 bedroom homes cost more. Packing, stairs, elevators, long carries, and delivery timing affect totals. Most state-to-state moves are regulated by the FMCSA and include basic valuation coverage.
Long-distance pricing commonly works out to $0.50–$1.00 per pound per mile, meaning $1,200–$3,500 for 500–1,000 miles for smaller households. Costs rise with longer distances, higher fuel prices, and exclusive-use trucks. Consolidated shipments can reduce rates but extend delivery times. These pricing structures are standard for moves handled by an interstate moving service.
Moving a 2,000 sq ft home long distance usually costs $4,000–$8,500, based on 7,000–10,000 pounds of household goods. Larger furniture, specialty items, packing labor, and access challenges increase costs. Delivery typically takes 5–14 days, depending on distance and routing. Most homeowners use a licensed long distance moving service to meet federal transport and insurance requirements.
Movers charge by weight or cubic footage because long-distance moves involve fuel, multi-day driving, and regulated driver hours rather than local labor time. Hourly rates apply mainly to short local moves. Weight-based pricing ensures fair truck space allocation and consistent interstate billing. FMCSA regulations require documented shipment weights and written estimates for all state-to-state household moves.
Yes. Skipping professional packing can reduce costs by $500–$2,000, depending on home size. Packing fees cover materials, labor, and fragile-item protection. However, self-packed boxes may receive limited liability coverage. Many customers choose partial packing, where movers handle fragile or high-value items while homeowners pack standard boxes themselves.
Accurate estimates require a virtual or in-home survey, not mileage alone. Movers evaluate shipment weight, packing needs, access conditions, and delivery windows. Online tools give rough ranges but miss factors like stairs, elevators, and HOA restrictions. For realistic planning, use a professional moving cost estimator and confirm whether the quote is binding or non-binding.
