One of the most common concerns people have when moving across the country is how long it will take for movers to move cross-country. It’s important to understand the timeline for a major move with professional moving services so you can start planning early and lower the stress that usually comes with relocation.
Factors Affecting Moving Time
Several factors can influence how long your cross-country move will take. Once you understand these factors, you can get a better idea of how much time you should set aside for the moving process.
Distance
One of the most obvious factors is the distance between your current location and the new one. Driving from one state to another takes much less time than moving all the way across the country. You’ll also need to consider how driving on highways differs from taking back roads. Understanding the distance and speed limits helps you figure out the overall timeline for your move.
Volume of Belongings
The amount of stuff you need to pack plays a big role in figuring out how long it takes to move across the country. If you have lots of fragile or small items that need extra care, packing will take more time. Heavy things that need to go in smaller boxes also add extra work when loading everything up.
Mode of Transportation
Another thing to think about is how the long-distance movers will transport your personal belongings. If your items are being shipped, you’ll need to allow some extra time for pickup. If the movers are driving your belongings to your new home in a moving truck, you’ll also have to include time for breaks and stops along the way.
Season and Weather
Seasonal conditions can have a big effect on your timeline when working with cross-country movers. A winter storm could delay the moving truck for a day or two, while flooding in some areas might force drivers to take a longer alternate route.
Busy seasons with heavier traffic can also affect your move, depending on where you’re going. For example, moving to Florida might take longer during spring break since more people are traveling for vacations which can cause traffic delays.
Weather can also influence your packing and make the process take longer. On some days, it might be too rainy to work outside while loading a shipping container.
Logistics and Route Planning
Planning your route is one of the best ways to avoid problems and know how long it takes to move across the country before you or your belongings start the trip. Traffic maps and apps give real-time updates about work zones that can delay household movers. They also show if road construction is happening during the day which can cause heavy traffic. If the construction happens at night, it might not affect your move. Choosing a different route may mean taking two-lane roads instead of a major highway, which could take more time.
Distance and Time Correlation
The distance of your move directly affects your timeline. Whether you are moving across the state or across the country, you need to consider different factors to figure out how long it will take for the movers to reach your destination. This step is an important part of your cross-country moving checklist.
Short vs. Long Distances
A short move within the same state or to a nearby state can often be finished in a day or two. Usually, the moving truck reaches the new place just a few hours after leaving the old one. A long-distance move takes several days, especially when you’re going across the country. It might take a week or more for your belongings to arrive in the moving truck.
Average Time Estimates
While you might not know the exact amount of time it will take for movers to travel from Point A to Point B, you can still get an idea of how long a cross-country move usually takes. Take a look at the following routes and estimated timelines:
- Taking I-90 from Boston to Seattle takes about 45 hours
- Traveling from New Jersey to San Francisco on I-80 takes around 43 hours
- Driving from Jacksonville, FL, to San Diego on I-10 takes about 32 hours
- Going from Boston to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, takes around 18 hours
- It takes roughly 16 hours to drive from Seattle to Los Angeles
Coast-to-coast moves usually take about a week or more, while moving from one region to another can take around two or three days of driving.
Impact of Stops and Detours
When you include stops for refueling, meal breaks and detours caused by road construction, the timeline for a cross-country move increases. Some detours can add extra miles to your route or take you from four-lane highways to slower two-lane roads. Even if you stay on the main highway through construction zones, lower speed limits will still make the trip take longer. Heavy city traffic during morning or evening rush hours can also add more time when passing through busy areas.
When planning a cross-country move, take time to create a timeline, as it will greatly help reduce your stress. Getting ready in advance for a cross-country move makes the whole process smoother and helps you stay worry-free when the movers arrive. Contact STI Moving & Storage for a personalized moving estimate and other moving services.
FAQs
How much does it cost to move across the country?
The cost of moving across the country depends on your specific situation since every move is different. Once we know the details of your move, STI will give you a personalized estimate.
How far in advance should I plan a cross-country move?
It’s best to start planning at least two to three months before your move date. This gives you enough time to organize everything, compare quotes and hire a mover.
What’s the best time of year to move cross-country?
The best time to move cross-country is during the fall or winter which is the off-season for moving. During this time, you may be able to save money on your move.
What should I pack for a cross-country move?
Pack enough clothes, personal items, medications and other essentials to last until the movers arrive with your belongings. This could take about a week or longer after you reach your new home.
