You might have recently accepted a job in a different state or decided it’s time to move closer to your family. You’re prepared to relocate west—or east—or north—or south for whatever cause. Moving across the country is a significant decision that will have an influence on your finances as well as your social network and environment.
Although long-distance moving is expensive, don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. To determine the most affordable way to relocate across the country, we gathered quotes from local and interstate shipping companies.
Price overview of Moving Services
There are several possibilities for moving services, and the least expensive one will rely on your individual requirements. Look at the following tables where we’ve estimated the cost to move in the spring for a fast overview of the average costs of various moving services.
Just keep in mind that costs vary based on factors including distance, location, season, and the number of items.
Choosing the Right Moving Service is Important
Every movement is unique. You might require more assistance than the least expensive moving service provides, depending on your scheduling, physical capabilities, access to help, and other variables. Let’s examine each sort of moving service in more detail so that you may better understand your alternatives and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
A full-service Moving Company
A full-service moving company is the best option for you if your schedule is hectic or you simply don’t enjoy packing and heavy lifting. You can get assistance from a full-service moving company with all aspects of your move, including planning, packing, loading, transportation, and unpacking.
The cost of a full-service move will be much higher than the cost of simply moving your belongings from point A to point B.
However, keep in mind that professional movers are included in a full-service relocation, which would normally cost between $80 and $100 per hour if you hired labor individually. Additionally, you’ll work with the same company throughout the entire process, which will consolidate expenses and simplify logistics.
Pros
- one-stop moving shop
- Costs are all included
- Stress-free
Cons
- higher price
- No available storage
- less ability to control your actions
Cargo trailer Rental
Consider renting a cargo trailer if you have a big truck or van with adequate towing capacity. Cargo trailers can be rented for a few days and can be either covered or uncovered. If you keep the trailers in the same spot after moving, they are substantially less expensive. There is normally no additional charge for per-mile usage, even for one-way travel.
Even if your car is capable of doing the task, you should be aware that pulling a big trailer alters the way you drive. Before you start driving, familiarize yourself with the recommended methods for towing a trailer.
Pros
- Rent on a daily basis
- No mileage fees
- Move your car and your possessions together
- less expensive than renting a vehicle or van
Cons
- deterioration of your vehicle
- Packing using open trailers is challenging
- You can end up spending more than you should for time or space.
Rental trucks and Vans
Similar to trailers, rental trucks and vans require you to load, unload, and pack your own belongings. You are responsible for paying the mileage and gas costs because you are utilizing the company’s vehicle.
Additionally, if you rent a truck, you must be confident behind the wheel of a big vehicle. Because moving trucks are so heavy, collisions with them often result in significant property damage. You may need to pay an additional fee of $15 to $30 per day for supplementary insurance for the duration of your move because many motor insurance policies do not cover accidents involving rental trucks.
You might also have to pay additional costs, depending on your driving status. For instance, most companies will charge you more to drive their truck if you are a licensed driver under the age of 25. Additionally, you might have to pay a daily fee for the additional driver if you want to split the burden of operating the truck across long distances.
Last but not least, if you utilize a rented truck or van, you could have to pay to transport your own car to avoid making the trip again. An average midsize car costs $1,105 to ship across the country.
Pros
- No need for a personal vehicle
- You can load and unload as needed.
- There are several different vehicle sizes available.
- Dollies and moving blankets are typically available to rent from rental firms as well.
Cons
- It may be necessary to send your car.
- Mileage costs can mount up.
- Responsibility for mishaps and damage (dependent on your insurance)
Moving Containers
Long-distance migrations now frequently use the relatively new and common option of moving containers. The moving company arrives, packs the containers onto a truck, and transports them to your new address after you pack the container at your current location.
The largest benefit of using moving containers is the ability to leave them at the new location for an extended period of time, which eliminates the need for interim storage if there is a time between moving out of your old home and into your new one. The biggest drawback is the small variety of container sizes that moving companies offer. You can therefore end up paying for container space you don’t need if you’re in between sizes.
Be aware that when parking your container, you can encounter a few problems. There may be limitations on where and how long you can leave the container. Verify that you or the company has a secure and legal area to leave the container because they can range in length from 7 to 16 feet. You might be able to leave your container in a local storage facility for a fee if you work with a certain company, like Pods. The issue can get challenging if you move into an apartment building or neighborhood with congested streets and minimal parking.
Additionally, keep in mind that these containers lack temperature control. Items susceptible to high heat or cold, such as electronics, priceless art, personal care items, and perishable food, should be removed or insulated.
Pros
- No additional space is required.
- Effortless shipping process
- As long as you need, unload
Cons
- Pay for the entire container rather than just the utilized space
- Possible parking problems
- No temperature regulation
Freight trailer Shipping
Renting space on a freight trailer is the final choice to be made. You can buy space on a trailer for moving freight by linear foot. Similar to storage pods, the company delivers the trailer to your house and lets you load it yourself. The company will pick up the trailer and transport it to your new residence once you have completed loading it, marking off the quantity of space you used. Contrary to storage containers, you cannot leave your belongings in a trailer until you are ready; you must unload them when the trailer comes.
Be mindful that you are transporting your possessions inside a semi-truck with a full trailer, which means that significant movement may take place while traveling. Although companies typically offer a sizable barrier to protect your cargo from others, it’s still crucial to make sure everything is secured to prevent anything from being harmed during the journey.
Pros
- often less expensive per mile than containers
- Pay just for the space you utilize
- There is no need for a vehicle or a long-term parking spot.
Cons
- arguing while shipment
- Time limits for loading and unloading
- Lifting bulky furniture into the trailer could be challenging.
For the Best Price, Negotiate with Moving Companies
Online or telephone quotes are offered by the majority of the companies mentioned above. An estimate, however, does not represent a fixed cost. You might be able to convince a company to match another moving service’s price.
