What is the Average Cost of Long Distance Moving Companies?

Figuring out average long distance moving costs isn't exactly easy. There are many things to factor in from the distance you will be traveling to the services you choose. While your long distance move might not hit the average, it can help you budget to have an idea of what to expect.

Even different websites disagree on the average cost of long distance moving companies. 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 figure out what might be the average moving cost for your specific move.

What is a Long Distance Move?

Anytime you are moving over 100 miles from your current location, it's considered a long-distance move by most moving companies. This means, the distance you move can vary quite a bit as 101 miles will be considered a long-distance move and so will 3,297 miles (the distance from Seattle, WA to Miami, FL).

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

The distance you have to move will have a direct impact on the cost of your long-distance move. The further you have to go, the more it will cost when you hire a long-distance moving company.

Factors to Consider When Calculating Moving Costs

To calculate moving costs when moving cross country, you have to look at a number of factors including the moving distance, size of your home, time and season of your move, and if you are requiring additional service from the professional moving company you are engaging for the move.

Moving Distance

The distance of your move is an important factor for costs. The more the distance, the more the cost. Companies determine the total cost 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 long distance moving company, the number of things they have to move for you will also change the cost. Some moving companies charge by weight, while others charge by the space your things take up.

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

Weight

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

Moving Season and Time

One of the best ways to save cost on your long distance move when hiring movers 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 (in terms of cost) between late September to late April. It's common sense that most people fix their moves for weekends, therefore movers are busier during weekends than weekdays. To save cost, plan to move between Monday and Thursday.

Volume

The amount of your household goods will determine the number of movers you will need. More boxes and furniture might require more than 2 movers to handle. You can reduce your loads by diving out things you no longer need or discarding them.

Additional Moving Services

Other things that determines your moving costs are additional services such as packing and unpacking, temporary storage, and debris remover.

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

When you move across the country or out-of-state, you have multiple options. You can choose full-service movers and they will take care of things, such as packing, unpacking, loading the truck, transporting your things, and more.

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

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

The lowest cost option for any long-distance move is likely going to be renting a moving truck, which ranges from $1,200 to $2,100. However, this cost doesn't factor in paying for fuel or any overnight stays you might need during your move.

There are many variables to consider when trying to determine the average cost of long-distance moving companies. It's best to get an online quote if you want a better idea of what your specific long-distance move will cost.

FAQs About Long Distance Moving Cost

What's the Cheapest Way to Move Your Stuff 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 will have to fuel the truck and handle packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking all by yourself.

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

In terms of cost, the best time of the year for long distance move is between late September and 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 Cost On My Long Distance Move?

The average costs of long distance moves are determined by 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 distance 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 giving out items to friends and families, donating some to charity, or selling off some things for cash.

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