We understand how stressful a move can be, whether it's around the block or across the country, but it doesn't have to be. That's why we've devised this easy-to-use long-distance moving cost calculatorto help you factor in all of the variables that go into pricing this type of move.
What is the average long-distance moving cost? We’ll break down the typical cost range you can expect for different types of moves, based on distances. Here’s everything you need to know:
There are three different types of moves: local, long-distance, and cross-country. The price you pay for the different relocations will depend on distance, number of items, and the moving services required for your relocation. Other factors, such as the time of year and the day of the move, may cause the price to fluctuate. Here are the average moving costs for the three most popular moving types:
| Type of Move | Average Cost | Cost Range | Factors Affecting Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Move | $1,400 | $800 - $2,500 | Distance (<50 miles), number of items, time of year, moving day |
| Long-Distance Move | $3,500 | $2,200 - $10,500 | Distance (50 to 400 miles), moving company, number of items, additional moving services, time of year, moving day |
| Cross-Country Move | $7,780 | $4,400 - $17,000 | Distance (>400 miles), number of items, additional moving services, time of year, moving day |
The cost of moving a household full of belongings can vary widely. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, the average cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home within the same city is about $2,300. Moving the same household more than 1,000 miles averages around $4,300. Both estimates are based on a moving weight of 7,400 pounds. Because actual costs can differ significantly depending on your situation, we recommend using our moving calculator to get an estimate tailored to the size and specific needs of your household.
Just a few of the things that can affect the cost of your move include:
Weekdays are usually less expensive than weekends, and moving mid-month is generally cheaper than the beginning or end of the month. You'll usually pay a premium for moving in the middle of the summer, the most popular time for people to move.
Local moving companies usually charge by the hour and base the total cost of the move on how many people it will take to complete your move. This rate can vary between $50 and $200 per hour. Cross-country movers base their rates on time and distance.
Additional costs to factor in with both local and long-distance moves include packing materials, labor and time to assemble your furniture when it arrives at your new home (if desired) and special packaging, such as dish boxes, wardrobes, and mattress bags.
Shipping vehicles as a part of your move will also add to the cost. You can expect to pay between $150 and $600 to ship a car 200-300 miles. Shipping a vehicle coast-to-coast will double or even triple that amount. The larger (and heavier) the vehicle, the more it will cost to ship.
To get a more exact long-distance moving estimate, we suggest you use our long-distance moving calculator above.
A long-distance moving cost calculator uses an algorithm to estimate the cost of your upcoming move based on the key details you provide. The primary factors include home size, distance, and the estimated weight of your belongings. To get started, you’ll enter your current address and your new destination. From there, you’ll select your preferred move-out date, home type, and number of bedrooms.
Using this information, the calculator generates a local or long-distance moving estimate. In some cases, based on the details entered, a relocation specialist may follow up to gather additional information before providing a more precise, customized estimate.
As we discussed above, the approximate cost of moving a two-to three-bedroom household 1,000 miles or more is around $6,300. The approximate cost of moving a smaller household, such as a one-bedroom apartment, 1,000 miles or more is around $3,500.
Professional long-distance moving companies can help make your move easy. With a professional move, you get the services of a personal moving coordinator who will make sure that all parts of your move are well coordinated. Your moving team will load, transport and unload your possessions. They will even pack up your belongings (for an extra cost) if you desire. Once at your new home, your moving team will place your furniture in the rooms and will even reassemble things like bed frames and tables, if desired. Do you want your boxes unpacked and everything put in its new home? Your moving team can take care of that, too. They will even return in 30 days to pick up and recycle your unpacked boxes and packing materials for a modest additional cost.
Again, we invite you to use our long-distance moving calculator to get an estimate that more closely reflects your household's situation.
When using this calculator to calculate your local or long-distance moving costs, it’s always best to be honest and transparent about your situation. The more information you provide about the size of your home and the number of items you need help moving, the more accurate the quote will be.
At Allied Van Lines, we understand that no two moves are ever the same. That's why we create personalized moving plans for each of our customers. We also develop tailored estimates that depend on the unique needs of your move. If you have questions or concerns about the calculator or the estimate provided, reach out to a relocation specialist for more information.
Typically, the further you move and the more you bring with you, the higher the long-distance moving estimate will be. Here’s a breakdown of the average price by distance and number of bedrooms.
| # of Miles | 1 Bedroom APT | 2 - 3 Bedroom House | 4 - 5 Bedroom House |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 | $1,800 - $3,000 | $5,500 - $7,500 | $10,500 - $13,900 |
| Over 400 | $2,200 - $3,500 | $6,700 - $9,250 | $12,900 - $16,900 |
"Do-it-yourself" moves are not always the most cost-effective or easiest option. For example, you need to rent a moving truck, which can run up to $100 a day. You'll also have to pay a substantial one-way fee, usually several hundred dollars, if you don't return the truck to the same location, which can be difficult to do if you're moving across the country. Keep in mind that things like furniture dollies and furniture pads come at an extra expense.
Before you decide on a DIY move, we suggest you get an estimate for a full-service move using our long-distance moving cost calculator. You might be surprised at how little cost difference there really is between doing it yourself and having a professional moving company handle your move. Plus, with a professional moving company, you benefit from convenient door-to-door service that handles the logistics for you, saving time, effort, and unnecessary stress.
In most cases, you can negotiate the moving companies' long-distance moving costs to some degree. Most moving companies offer periodic discounts and specials. In addition, most companies will match a written quote from a competitor. It's a good idea to ask your sales consultant how you can save money on your move. Sometimes small changes, like switching the day of your move by a few days or leaving a bulky item like a pool table behind, can yield big savings.
There are a few items that you'll need to move yourself or leave behind, even when you have a commercial moving company handle your move. These include perishable food; live plants; hazardous and flammable materials like paint and propane; explosives like fireworks; and extremely valuable items like cash, fine jewelry, and financial documents.
Having a good idea of what your final moving bill is going to look like before you leave your home can go a long way towards reducing the stress of a move. Get a close estimate for your next move by using our moving cost calculator. And, don't forget to figure in the add-ons like packing materials and boxes.
Are you worried your long-distance moving costs will be too high? Here are five simple ways you can save on your expenses with long-distance moving companies.
Most long-distance moving companies charge by the total weight of your possessions. The best way to cut costs and save on your move is to downsize before you relocate. Consider going through your belongings and deciding what to keep, throw away, and donate.
The off-season is from October to April. Planning your move during these months is the best way to cut costs and save on the overall cost of your move. Relocating on a weekday rather than the weekend can also help you cut costs.
Hiring packers might seem like a perfect way to save time during your move, but it doesn't come cheap. If you're not the trusting sort, you might want to pack delicate or personal items yourself anyway! If you decide to do your own packing, make sure you set aside enough time to do it properly. A rushed job could lead to breakages later, offsetting your cost savings.
If they are available, getting friends and family to help with moving your heavy furniture can save on the costs of hiring moving people. However, you need to remember that, should anything get broken, professional movers are covered by insurance, whereas your friends and family might not want to pay for breakages. This could lead to stress and unnecessary drama that can spoil friendships.
Plan ahead as much as possible before your move and keep any boxes you might receive to use in packing your belongings. You can also ask friends and family to donate unused boxes, or maybe your employer will allow you to take used packaging; remember to ask first, though!
Should you decide that you need professionals for every step of your move, don't just go with the first quote you receive. Getting quotes from multiple long-distance moving companies could save you significant amounts of money.
Hopefully, you've gotten some valuable ideas from this article, and it might even have given you a few ideas of your own. Good luck with your move!
Use our long-distance moving cost calculator above to get an instant cost estimate today!
Are you planning a long-distance move? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about moving, including the average moving costs, so you can start budgeting for your upcoming expenses.
A long-distance move is any relocation over 400 miles but less than 2,000. Anything over 2,000 miles is typically considered a cross-country relocation.
The cost of your long-distance move will depend on the distance, house size, and the total weight of your possessions. Using a long-distance moving cost calculator is the best way to determine the unique costs associated with your move.
The average cost of a long-distance move is between $4,500 and $16,900.
At Allied Van Lines, the price we quote you is what you can expect to pay for your long-distance relocation. You don't need to worry about extra fees or unnecessary charges. All tools, supplies, and equipment necessary for your move will be included in the estimate.
Tipping your cross-country movers is highly encouraged. For a long-distance relocation, you should consider tipping your movers anywhere from $10 to $40 a day.
You should gather quotes from different long-distance moving companies at least two months before your move date. This gives you enough time to compare pricing and fine-tune your moving strategy with the company you decide to work with.
Yes, moving during the off-season is usually considered more affordable than during the peak season. Off-season is anytime between October and April, and peak season is April to September.
Allied Van Lines offers Basic Liability Coverage, covering up to $0.60 per pound per article. If you need more protection for your belongings, you can add Full Value Protection to your moving plan for an additional fee.
Yes, with our full-service moving services, everything is taken care of for you. We can also provide self-packing assistance and can help you unpack if that's all you need. Let us know how we can help, and we'll customize a moving plan for you.
Yes, short-term and long-term storage units are available in most major cities in the United States. We also have 24/7 surveillance systems and offer insurance protection if needed.
For over 95 years, Allied Van Lines has been helping individuals, families, and corporations relocate. Over the last 15 years, we have successfully completed over 750,000 moves in the USA. With our team's skills and expertise on your side, you can look forward to a stress-free relocation anywhere in the country.
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