Key points
Moving cross-country on a budget is possible if you can do some or all of it yourself.
Hiring movers for specific tasks can save money compared to hiring full-service movers.
Cut costs by decluttering, finding free moving supplies and getting help from friends.
Whether relocating for a new job, moving closer to family or searching for a change of scenery, packing up your life and transporting it thousands of miles can be daunting and expensive. However, if you’re willing to roll up your sleeves, do some of the work and research affordable options, you won’t need to break the bank to make a successful move.
Meet the expert
Phinnie Zahareas has been a project manager and professional organizer for five years. She’s managed hundreds of local and long-distance moving jobs.
It’s crucial to plan ahead. This means making a moving checklist, budgeting expenses and looking for deals on moving services and supplies well in advance. When deciding where to allocate funds, consider every expense — no matter how small — to ensure you don’t exceed your budget.
“Financial investments involved in a cross-country move include packing materials, movers and moving vehicles, travel and accommodations, moving insurance, storage, and often forgotten expenses like pet transportation [and] tipping,” said Trent Brock, moving and storage solutions expert at PODS.
Also, explore various moving options. Renting a moving truck or container, or even driving your vehicle, will be much cheaper than hiring full-service movers. Packing all your belongings and driving the truck but hiring movers to load and unload them can also be a more affordable option. It’s all about finding the balance that works for your budget and needs.
Is it possible to move across the country on a tight budget?
Moving cross-country on a budget might sound impossible, but it’s achievable with the right strategies. Ideally, you’ll want to save enough money to cover essential costs, such as moving services or a truck rental, packing supplies, fuel, lodging, food and initial living expenses upon arrival.
Several cost-saving measures can help those without significant savings. Downsize your belongings to reduce moving costs and sell, donate or discard unnecessary items. Utilizing low-cost moving options, such as renting a truck or driving your car with a rented trailer, will also reduce expenses.
Look for community resources that can help, such as free moving supplies or assistance with moving tasks. Planning your move during off-peak times — October through April — can also lead to significant savings on moving services and accommodations. By taking these steps, you can make your cross-country move a reality, even with limited financial resources.
What are the cheapest ways to move cross-country?
The cheapest way to move cross-country is to do most or all of the legwork yourself. Here are some options for keeping your move within budget.
Drive your own vehicle
Driving your vehicle is one of the most cost-effective ways to move cross-country. It eliminates the need for expensive moving services and rentals and allows you to transport your belongings.
This method works best if you have a large vehicle, such as a van or SUV, don’t have many items or large furniture pieces to move, and pack your car efficiently. Maximize space by using cargo accessories, such as roof racks and tow hitches. If this option works for you, be sure to account for fuel costs, hotel stays and meals on your journey.
If this option isn’t accessible with your existing inventory, remember you can always sell large furniture items and buy new ones when you move.
Rent a trailer
Renting a trailer is a budget-friendly option, especially if you already own a vehicle capable of towing. Unlike moving trucks, trailers don’t require fuel and often come with unlimited mileage options. I got the following quotes from U-Haul for a cross-country move:
- 4’ x 8’ Cargo Trailer: $352
- 5’ x 8’ Cargo Trailer: $470
- 6’ x 12’ Cargo Trailer: $822
All trailer and towing rates include up to 10 days of use and unlimited miles.
This method is particularly beneficial for those with fewer belongings. However, packing and securing your items carefully is crucial to avoid any damage during transit. Also, ensure your vehicle is equipped with the right hitch and has enough towing capacity.
Rent a moving van
Renting a moving van is ideal for those who need more space than a personal vehicle or small trailer can provide. Van rentals are more affordable than full-service movers, and they come in various sizes to accommodate different needs.
For example, Penske’s High Roof Cargo Van costs $1,558.57 for a 6-day rental with unlimited mileage, which can accommodate most cross-country moves. By contrast, we called for a three-bedroom, 2,900-mile moving quote from Allied Van Lines and received an estimate of $12,175.
Renting a van allows you to control your move’s timing and logistics, but it also means you’ll be responsible for driving a larger vehicle, which can be challenging for some. Additionally, you’ll need to factor in fuel costs, which can be significant depending on the distance.
Use a moving container or freight container
Renting a portable moving container or freight trailer is a convenient and cost-effective solution for cross-country moves. Moving container companies, such as PODS and U-Pack, offer containers you can fill at your own pace. After, the company will transport the container to your new location.
This method combines the benefits of DIY moving with professional transportation. The average cost of renting a moving container varies based on the container size and the distance of the move.
Rent a moving truck
Renting an affordable moving truck is one of the most popular and economical ways to move cross-country. Companies such as U-Haul, Budget and Penske offer a variety of truck sizes to suit different moving needs.
This option gives you full control over your move and can accommodate many belongings. To save money, Brock recommends booking your rental well in advance and moving during off-peak times when rates are lower.
Before you book your rental, remember that driving a large truck can be daunting, especially on long trips or narrow city streets.
Hire movers or day laborers for specific tasks
Hiring full-service cross-country movers can be convenient, but it’s generally the most expensive option for a cross-country move. Full-service moving companies handle everything from packing and unpacking to transportation and unloading.
To balance costs, consider a hybrid approach: Hire movers for specific tasks, such as loading and unloading, and manage packing and transportation yourself. This can help you reap the benefits of professional assistance without bearing the full cost.
I always recommend that clients do as much moving labor as they can. Getting boxes onto a dolly and wheeling them onto the moving truck is relatively easy once you get the hang of it. In this case, you can hire movers only to move heavy or awkwardly shaped items.
How can you cut down on cross-country moving costs?
Moving cross-country can be exciting but often comes with a hefty price tag. Here are some strategies for keeping your moving expenses in check.
Purge your belongings
One of the most effective ways to reduce moving costs is to purge your belongings before the move. Decluttering reduces the volume of items you have to transport, allowing you to opt for a smaller, cheaper moving option. It also helps you start fresh in your new home without unnecessary clutter.
I tell clients to go through their items and decide what they truly need and what they can sell, donate or discard. I recommend letting go of clothes that no longer fit, items they haven’t used in six months to a year and anything broken that they never got around to fixing.
Brock recommends holding a yard sale or selling items on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, which can generate extra cash to offset moving expenses.
Book in advance
Booking your travel arrangements well in advance can lead to significant savings. I always advise clients that it’s never too early to start planning their relocation, but two months is a reasonable time frame for a big move.
Whether renting a moving truck, contracting professional movers for specific moving tasks, booking a flight or reserving a hotel room, prices tend to be lower when booked ahead of time.
Early reservations also give you a more comprehensive selection of options and dates, allowing you to choose the most cost-effective option. Additionally, moving during off-peak times, such as midweek or midmonth, can result in lower rates for moving services and travel accommodations.
Find free supplies
Another way to reduce moving costs is to find free moving supplies. The cost of cardboard boxes, packing tape, and other supplies can add up quickly if purchased new. For example, Uline’s “small home moving kit” for a two- to four-bedroom home is $316.
Instead, Brock recommends getting free moving boxes from local grocery stores, restaurants, liquor stores or big-box retailers. These stores often have excess boxes they’re willing to give away.
Brock also recommends making the most of what you already have. He advises using your existing items, such as towels, clothing and blankets, to double as protective padding for fragile items, reducing the need for additional packing materials.
Ask friends and family for help
Enlisting the help of friends and family can save you a substantial amount of money compared to hiring professional movers. They can assist with packing, loading, unloading and even driving if you rent a moving truck or trailer.
Offering to cover meals, provide refreshments or reciprocate the favor in the future can make the request more appealing. Moreover, friends and family might have valuable resources, such as packing supplies, that can reduce your moving expenses further.
Is it worth it to hire movers for a cross-country move?
Whether hiring movers for a cross-country move is worthwhile depends on your specific circ*mstances, including your budget, your move’s complexity, and the value you place on convenience and time.
Hiring professional movers is a significant expense. While reviewing long-distance moving companies, we secret shopped for moving quotes for three-bedroom, 2,900-mile moves and found that you can expect to pay around $12,000 for a move of this distance and size without any add-ons. The exact cost will depend on your home size, the time of year, the exact move distance, your inventory and other factors.
You may justify the cost by the benefits movers provide. They bring expertise in packing and transporting your belongings safely, reducing the risk of damage to your items. They also handle the heavy lifting and logistics, saving you time, physical strain and stress. Professional movers can make the moving process much smoother and more manageable for those with busy schedules, health concerns or limited help.
How to choose a reputable mover
When choosing a mover, the importance of careful research cannot be overstated. Here are some invaluable tips to help you find a reliable, professional moving company:
- Ask for references: Request references from past customers and contact them to inquire about their experiences.
- Be wary of low estimates: Be cautious of quotes significantly lower than others. This could be a red flag for potential scams or subpar service.
- Check reviews and ratings: Read online reviews on Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau. Look for companies with consistently high ratings and positive feedback regarding their reliability, professionalism and pricing.
- Get multiple quotes: Obtain quotes from at least three moving companies to compare prices and services. Reviewing each quote can help you identify the most cost-effective option and ensure you get a fair deal.
- Inquire about additional fees: Ask about extra costs not included in the initial estimate, such as stairs or long-carry charges. A reputable mover should provide a transparent breakdown of all potential costs.
- Understand the contract: Carefully review the contract and ensure you understand the terms and conditions, including the liability coverage for your belongings. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or request clarifications before signing.
- Verify licensing and insurance: Reputable movers should have a USDOT number issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation. You can check a company’s credentials on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website.
What’s next?
Once you’ve decided on your moving method, make a plan to tackle the following logistics.
Forward your mail through the United States Postal Service, ensuring you don’t miss important correspondence. Notify relevant parties of your new address, including banks, insurance companies and subscription services. Set up utilities such as electricity, water, internet and gas before your arrival.
If you have children or pets, make arrangements for their transition, such as transferring school records or finding a new veterinarian. By handling these tasks in advance, you can minimize stress and focus on the journey ahead.
