How Much Does It Cost to Move Across Country?

When you want to figure out how much it costs to move across the country, there are many factors to consider. The type of moving company you use, the amount of things you need to move, and how far you plan to move will make a big difference when it comes to the cost to move across the country. Let's look at the factors and the best way to figure out the estimated cost.

Type of Moving Company or Option You Choose

The cost of your move across the country will be determined by the type of cross-country moving company you choose. There are four main options:

Full-service moving companies - Offer packing, unpacking, furniture disassembly and reassembly, storage, and other services.
Regular moving companies - Provide loading, transportation, and unloading services only.
Moving container companies - Drop off a storage container for you to load with your things and you will also do the unloading at your new location.
Renting a moving truck - You do all the work for your move across the country.

The average cost to move across the country will range from about $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the option you choose for your moving company.

The Distance You Will Travel

Another big factor in the cost of your move across the country is the distance you will travel. Any move over 100 miles is considered a long-distance move. The further the distance of the move, the more it will cost you to move your things across the country.

A move from Florida to Indiana will cost less than moving from Maine to Southern California, due to the shorter distance.

The Weight or Size of Your Things

Moving a larger home costs more than moving a small apartment. Some moving companies charge based on the weight, while others charge based on the amount of space your things take up. One of the ways you can save money on a move across the country is by selling or eliminating any heavy or large items.

Time of Year You Decide to Move

The moving industry has a peak season from about May to September. Moving during this time of year will provide the highest average cost for any type of move, especially a move across the country.

Booking your move during the winter months will provide the lowest cost as it's the off-season for moving companies. However, you can often save money by booking during any off-peak time from October through April.

Additional Moving Services

While they are optional, the cost of your move across the country will go up if you choose additional moving services, such as:

Packing and unpacking
Storage
Moving for heavy, fragile, or very large items
Furniture disassembly and assembly

Any additional services will come with an additional cost.

All of these factors will go into figuring out how much it costs to move across the country. The average movers cost can range anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 depending on the option you choose, the distance you must go, and the things you plan to move.

The Best Way to Figure Out the Cost of a Move Across the Country

The best way to get an accurate estimate of the cost to move across the country is with an online moving quote or an in-home estimate. Figure out the type of moving company you want to hire and ask for an in-home estimate or use their online quote form to figure out a more accurate cost for your move across the country.