Planning a cross-country move? It can seem like a big task, especially when you think about all the costs and planning involved. Moving from one side of the country to the other is very different from a local move. The journey is longer, the timing more important and let’s be honest—you might not have a group of friends at your new place ready to help you unload and unpack!

In this article, we’ll break down the average costs and give you an idea of what to expect when it comes to how much it will cost to move cross-country. But the good news is you don’t have to handle it on your own.

STI Moving & Storage’s long-distance moving services can take care of the heavy lifting and make sure your belongings move from Point A to Point B safely and on time. With years of experience providing quality moving services, we’re experts offering a full range of household moving services to make your big move as smooth as possible.

Factors That Affect Cross-Country Moving Costs

Before estimating the cost of moving across the country, it’s important to understand which factors influence these costs. Here are some of the main things that can affect your moving costs:

  • Distance: Moving across the country takes more time than moving within the same state or region. It can take a week or even longer for cross-country movers to reach the destination. You also need to consider the cost of fuel for the longer trip.
  • Volume and Weight of Belongings: Another factor affecting the cost is how much your belongings weigh and how much space they occupy. A 3–4 room house will require a larger truck than a 2-room apartment but smaller than a 6–7 room house. The extra weight will also reduce fuel efficiency.
  • Type of Service: There are different types of moving services, starting with full service. You can also choose partial service or do-it-yourself (DIY) moves. The more help and services the moving company provides, the higher the cost will be.
  • Timing: Prices are usually lower if you move during the off-season which is typically in winter. Moving during the busy season is often more expensive, especially if you have a short deadline.
  • Additional Services: Besides the cost of hiring professional movers, you also have other expenses to think about. These costs are related to packing, moving supplies and storage. You may also have to pay extra for movers to handle antiques or large items like a piano.

Cost Breakdown

Knowing the cost of moving across the country can really help you plan your move better and avoid any surprises. A clear breakdown of costs gives you a better idea of what to expect, helping you prepare and make your move as smooth as possible.

The Base Price

The base price to hire a full-service moving company for a cross-country move from New York to California can range from about $4,000 to nearly $9,000. This price covers loading, unloading and transportation but it doesn’t cover fuel costs, which can vary greatly from state to state along the route.

Packing Services

If you decide to have professional movers pack your belongings, this service will add to the cost of moving across the country. The price depends on how much you have to pack and whether any of it is fragile or hard to handle. Even if you pack on your own, you’ll still need to buy materials like boxes, bubble wrap, furniture blankets and other supplies. For a 2–3 bedroom home, these materials can cost around $300 or more.

Insurance

You can purchase moving insurance to protect your belongings for replacement or repair value if they are damaged during the move. The cost will depend on how much your items are worth and the amount of coverage you choose.

Specialty Items

You may be charged extra if you’re moving items that require special handling. These can be bulky or hard to move, like fitness equipment or delicate pieces such as antique hutch or desk.

Temporary Storage

Sometimes, you might have to move out of your current home before your new one is ready. In such cases, you might need to pay for temporary storage until your belongings can be moved into your new home. Portable storage containers can be helpful in these situations or you may choose to use a storage facility.

Miscellaneous Fees

Sometimes, you might face extra charges during your move. These can include fuel surcharges or additional costs for using stairs or elevators when loading the truck. Such fees usually cover extra work that goes beyond the usual moving tasks. It’s best to ask about these fees upfront so you can be ready for the final cost.

Tips to Save Money on Your Move

You can lower the cost of moving across the country by planning ahead. The first step is to declutter and sell, donate or throw away anything you don’t want to take with you. By reducing the volume of items you’re taking, you can get a smaller truck and spend less on physical labor for loading and unloading.

Schedule your move during the off-season to save money. If your moving dates are flexible, you can plan it for a time when movers aren’t as busy. Before hiring a moving company, ask for quotes. Compare moving services provided to make sure you’re getting equal value when calculating the cost of moving across the country.

Pack your belongings yourself to save money on professional packing fees. When making your cross-country moving checklist, you can plan to start packing earlier. You can also rent a portable storage container so you can pack at your own pace.

Why Choose STI Moving & Storage

STI has more than 21 years of experience helping people and families move across the country. We also have one of the largest moving networks in the U.S, allowing you to save both time and money. We offer a full range of moving services that can be customized to match your budget and needs. STI provides complete insurance options and uses advanced tracking technology to stay updated on every step of your move.

Our goal is to provide a stress-free moving experience with personalized service for each customer!

Get a Free Quote

Although you can expect to pay between $4,000 and $9,000 for a full-service move across the country, it’s best to get your own quote for an accurate estimate. Be sure to include all expenses related to your cross-country move, and look for ways to cut costs, such as decluttering and packing on your own.

Contact us today to get your free, personalized cross-country moving quote or for more information!