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Moving to another state or moving across the country can be a puzzling endeavor. One primary concern that you must focus on while planning a move is the average cost of a long-distance move. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the cost of a long-distance move so you can make informed decisions and avoid unexpected surprises.
old items as if they were our own.
The average cost of a long-distance move depends on certain distinct services. The additional services that you choose, the weight of your belongings, and the distance, along with a few other fees, all play a major role in shaping an overall moving fee. On average, these expenses range anywhere from $2,500 to upwards of $7,500, but certain requirements can escalate the price even higher.
Long-distance movements are sometimes considered to be those that go beyond a distance of 100 miles or involve crossing state boundaries. Even relocating within the same state can be termed a long-distance move as long as the mileage threshold is met. Unlike nearby relocations, long-distance moves are not charged hourly; instead, they are billed based on distance and weight.
The distance you cover while moving has a huge impact on the budget. That is the reason why moving companies take into account the mileage, fuel, and time spent travelling in their cost estimates. If you cover a distance of 500 miles, the estimated costs can be around $2,500 and $5,000, and shifting over a flight to the other part of the country, approximately 1,000 miles, can cost between $4,800 and $10,000 depending on some other factors.
Understanding what influences the average cost of a long-distance move can help you budget better and possibly save money.
For every item you pack, it incurs additional moving expenses. Many long-distance moving companies operate under a cost-per-weight fee, so regardless of volume or weight, their fee stays the same. Box trucks can carry around 5,000 pounds, and if moved across the country, the estimated fee is between $3,000 and $5,000.
The choice of service has a significant impact on the cost incurred during movement.
Your moving date and the time of year in which you move impact the cost of the long-distance move considerably. Moving during the summer months from May to September is usually the most expensive due to high demand. If you can, try to move during the offseason in fall and winter to save some money.
There are other expenses to keep in mind, such as:
Relocation is usually expensive, but these pointers can ensure you save money without sacrificing essential factors.
You can reduce the expenses of hiring moving companies by throwing away the items that you no longer need since most moving companies charge by weight. You can sell or donate the things you do not need to minimize your burden.
Make sure you don’t just settle on the first moving company you find. We recommend checking out at least three and comparing their prices and services to find the best deal. Some companies who only service that specific area and route will offer you a meet-or-beat policy, or a price matching policy as long as the competitors quote is apples to apples.
During the off-season, moving peaks or winter months can help you relocate at a lower rate. If you have some flexibility in your schedule, try to avoid the high mid-March to mid-August - mid-September, as it is peak moving times. You will see that moving during the winter can help you cut down your expenses significantly when compared to the summer.
If you have the time and energy, packing everything yourself can save you hundreds or sometimes even thousands of dollars in add-on packing services.
Using PODS or U-Haul. U-Box allows you to store your belongings without hiring full-service movers since this can be a bit more cost-effective as well as give you more freedom on when to do the move. The only downside of portable shipping containers is they only service mostly main cities, and suburban areas of the coastal regions, and some of the Midwest states are serviced — however the farther inland you go, the lower the chance of service or the higher cost of service.
A cross-country trip comes with expenses when moving, and they are determined by a variety of elements. However, if done correctly, you should be able to remain within budget. If you are planning to hire movers or go the DIY route, knowing the costs first will help you make better choices. Remember to check for quotes, reduce items whenever possible, and strategically schedule your move for the best pricing.
Welcome to Budget Moving’s comprehensive Moving Cost Calculator! We’re here to help you understand and estimate the costs associated with your upcoming long-distance move. Our calculator and detailed explanations will guide you through different scenarios based on your specific needs, providing transparent and accurate pricing.
At Budget Moving, our pricing is carefully calculated based on the quantity of your belongings and the distance of your move. We offer detailed estimates through virtual-estimates, in-home walk-throughs, or going room by room with a moving consultant over-the-phone to ensure precision. Your move with Budget will be price locked meaning, you will be given one price for your move and that cannot change, and will not change.
Long-distance moves are priced based on the amount of household goods (volume - cubic feet) and the distance traveled, and the regions of pickup and delivery do have a factor into the cost as well. West coast moves will always be a little bit higher than an east coast moves along I-95N from West Palm Beach, Florida to Ediso, New Jersey. You will be provided a price per cubic foot however the price wont change based on how our trucks are stacked like with the other guys. You wont have to also wait on getting our trucks weighed to get your final price like the old school moving companies.
For example, if you plan on moving from Dallas, Texas over to Miami, Florida and you are moving to a 2-bedroom apartment and you want to pack your own boxes, and have us take care of the furniture—which is just a standard move since you’re packing the boxes and everything in your own. After assessing your inventory we estimated you to have 800 cubic feet, you would likely be paying anywhere from $3400 to $4600 to move long distance to South Florida near Miami / Ft. Lauderdale —multiple variables are factored into both prices.
Naturally what is included in a move with Budget Moving Services is all of the labor to disassemble your standard furniture, pad wrapping and protecting the furniture from damage. Bar code scanning all inventoried items, labor to load the truck, transportation, unloading, assembly of all items that were disassembled by your budget moving crew and staging (common courtesy and kindness is always included in every move).
Pricing with Budget is easy to understand. If you however need any additional services then there are several factors to consider, below are additional services that we do offer and some services that need to be added in case of time constraints, limitations on the road etc.
Getting an accurate moving quote starts with knowing exactly what needs to be moved, as well as the quantity of your household furniture, Moving Boxes, and Plastic Bins so that we’re able to estimates the proper amount of volume required to complete your move.
At Budget Moving, we make the process simple and transparent by starting with your household goods inventory list. This detailed list gives our team the information we need to provide you with a customized quote based on the size, weight, and volume of your items.
Here’s how it works:
Whether you’re moving a studio or a six-bedroom home, this inventory list ensures your quote reflects your actual needs, not just a rough estimate, but it will be an accurate quote closer to 99%
Household Goods Inventory List (xlsx)
DownloadDisclaimer: BUDGET MOVING SERVICES® will generate a quote for you based on the details of your intended move as well as the availability of licensed motor carriers within Budget's network. After you submit your information to Budget through our website, you will receive a rough estimate by phone and email. However, PLEASE BE PREPARED to go over a detailed inventory of your household goods needing to be moved, as a detailed inventory is necessary to receive an accurate moving quote and written estimate.
DISCLAIMER: This is a free referral service for CONSUMERS LOOKING TO USE long-distance moving COMPANIES. IN THIS INDUSTRY IT'S BROKEN DOWN TO THREE ENTITY TYPES: interstate motor CARRIERS, interstate moving brokerages, and licensed interstate carrierS with broker authority - national companies that operate in all 50 states are classified as carriers/brokers (e.g., Mayflower, United Van Lines, NORTHAMERICAN, ALLIED, AND BEKINS VAN LINES). Our Company rankings are based on a point system which is unbiased and we get our resources through government resources for consumer complaint data on PROTECT YOUR MOVE, Their BBB Rating/Resolutions. Yelp. Google Reviews & More. Company ratings are based on a non-biased scoring system, and we see how each company handles consumer complaints and if they’re handled, and if they’re resolved. Budget Moving Services doesn’t get compensation for company advertiding, or having them rated towards the top vs. bottom. All results provide are unbiased insights, but we do recommended that all consumers looking to reserve with a company other than us, and our network that they should verify the moving company on their own prior to completing verbal/physical/digital agreements, signing any contract, and making any payments.
Our scoring system evaluates reviews, complaint resolution, and consistency. Our top-ranked companies are updated on a per weekly basis. We do not accept payments or incentives for boosted rankings; this is a free resource to help individuals, families, businesses, and active-duty military personnel receiving PCS-orders in vetting company and find professional, legitimate services that deliver, and affordable logistic company.
We ”Budget Moving Services” have our own vetted network of about 150 different interstate or intrastate independent carriers for residential, and household relocations and corporate, business, and commercial moving and storage companies, cargo and freight companies, auto transport haulers, etc. if requested we will provide you with a list of carriers in our network along your routes that we would connect you with upon booking your move.
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