What is the Average Cost of Long Distance Moving Companies?

Figuring out average long-distance moving costs isn't exactly easy. You need to consider many things, from the travel range to your chosen services. While your move might not hit the average, having an idea of what to expect can help you budget.

Different websites disagree on the average expenditure of long-distance haulers. Thumbtack, for example, has an average range from $1,750 to $3,000, while HomeAdvisor puts the average cost to move out of state at $2,546 to $6,383. Thumbtack does state the range for a long-distance move can go from about $2,000 to more than $8,000. But here is a guide to help you determine the average moving price for your specific move.

What is a Long Distance Move?

Most haulers consider any move over 100 miles from your current location a long-distance move. This means the length of your move can vary quite a bit, as 101 miles will be considered a high-range move, and so will 3,297 miles.

However, if you move across state lines and it's still below 100 miles, it won't be considered a local move but a long-reach move. This is because the mover will execute such moves under the FMCSA's regulation.

The range you have to travel will directly impact the cost of your long-distance journey. The further you have to go, the more expensive it will be to hire a long-distance moving company.

Factors to Consider When Calculating Moving Costs

To calculate moving costs when carrying cross-country, you must consider several factors, including the distance, size of your home, time and season of your move, and whether you require additional service from the professional agency you are engaging.

Moving Range

The length of your move is an important factor in expenses. The larger the area, the more expensive it will be. Companies determine the total price according to the moving rates per mile when it comes to long moves. When hiring professional movers, you can talk to them about the possibility of choosing shorter routes and areas with less congestion to save time and cost.

House Size

Along with the distance impacting the average cost of your moving company, the number of things they have to move for you will also change the price. Some relocators charge by weight, while others charge by the space your things occupy.

The average cost of a one-bedroom home for a long-distance relocator will range from $700 to $3,000. If you have a two-bedroom house, the price jumps from $2,000 to $7,000. Those with three or more bedrooms can expect to pay at least $4,000, more than $10,000 for your shift.

Weight

According to My Moving Reviews, household items in a studio apartment weigh between 1,800 - 2,000 pounds, 1-bedroom, 2,500 - 3,500 pounds, 2-bedroom, and 5,000 - 6,000 pounds: the more the size, the more the pounds, and the more the price of your move. For a distance of 1000 miles, you can expect to spend 1.33 dollars per pound of load for a studio apartment and $1.43 to move a pound of load for a two-bedroom over the same space. That's apart from additional services you might need during the process.

Moving Season and Time

One of the best ways to save cost on your hauling when hiring shifters is to plan your move for the off-peak seasons of the year and off-peak days of the week. Long-distance moves are best between late September and April. It's common sense that most people fix their moves on weekends. Therefore, movers are busier during weekends than on weekdays. To save cost, plan to move between Monday and Thursday.

Volume

The amount of your household goods will determine the number of relocators you will need. More boxes and furniture might require more than two movers to handle. You can reduce your loads by discarding or dumping things you no longer need.

Additional Moving Services

Additional services such as packing and unpacking, temporary storage, and debris removal determine your expenses.

Choosing Full-Service Movers vs. Truck Rental vs. Shipping Container

You have multiple options when you move across the country or out of state. You can choose full-service haulers who will pack, unpack, load the truck, transport your things, and more.

You also have the option to rent a truck or use a shipping container. With both options, you will handle the loading and unloading yourself. With a moving truck, you have to do the driving, too.

The average fee of full-service movers for a long-distance move ranges from $4,000 to more than $10,000. If that's outside your budget, you can choose a shipping container, which will run anywhere from $700 to about $5,000.

The lowest-cost option for any shifting will likely be renting a truck, which costs between $1,200 and $2,100. However, this price doesn't factor in paying for fuel or any overnight stays you might need during your move.

There are many variables to consider when determining the average cost of haulers. If you want a better idea of what your specific long-distance move will command, it's best to get an online quote.

FAQs About Long Distance Moving Cost

What's the Cheapest Way to Reposition Long Distance?

Renting a moving truck is the cheapest way to move your truck long distance. It will cost between $1,200 and $2,100. But you must fuel the car and handle packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking yourself.

What's the Best Time of the Year For Long Distance Moves?

In terms of price, the best time of the year for a long-distance move is between late September and the end of April. It is also important to plan your move for weekdays (Mondays—Thursdays), as movers are usually busy on weekdays, which can make prices pretty high.

How Can I Reduce Expense On My Shipment?

The average costs of moves are determined by the distance of the new destination, home size, weight and volume of household belongings, time of move, and additional services required. While you may not have control over things like the range and size of your home, you do have control over the volume of what you are moving. You can reduce the size and weight of your goods by donating items to friends and families, donating some to charity, or selling off some things for cash.