What is the Cheapest Way to Move Long Distance?

Co-authored by Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO® and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: August 27, 2021 References

Moving away from your home can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! By cutting costs and saving money, you can focus on making your new place feel like home. Read through some common questions to figure out how you can pack up and move far away without breaking the bank.

Question 1 of 6:

How much does it cost to move long distance?

Usually between $700 and $10,000 depending on the size of your home. The more stuff you have to move, the more expensive it will be. Typically, a 1-bedroom home costs $700 to $3,000 to move, a 2-bedroom home costs $2,000 to $7,000 to move, and a 3-bedroom + home costs $3,000 to $10,000 to move. Renting a truck or a shipping container will keep you on the low end of the range, while hiring a full-service moving company can push you up toward the higher end of the range.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- If you plan to move more than 400 miles away, the cost of a full-service moving company is usually between $4,000 and $10,000. A truck rental is usually $1,200 to $2,100, and a shipping container can cost between $500 and $5,000.

Question 2 of 6:

What’s the cheapest way to move out of state?

1
Renting a truck is usually the cheapest. Hiring a full-service moving team might save you time, but it can really drive up the cost of your move. If you’re looking to cut costs, rent a truck and load it up yourself. You can often find rental trucks for as cheap as $30 to $50 per day. Keep in mind that you will most likely have to fill up your gas tank when you turn the truck back in, and you may have to pay a fee per mile as well.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- If you’re moving out of state, rent a truck from a national company so you can return it when you get to your destination. Local trucks might be cheaper, but they’re probably harder to return when you’re done with them.
- An official moving company can provide insurance in case any of your belongings break while they're being moved.^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
  Certified Professional Organizer & Senior Move Manager
  Expert Interview. 14 January 2020.}
2
Getting rid of clutter can also help. As you pack up, try to let go of things you don’t need, like old papers, worn-out clothing, and large furniture. The more you can either sell or donate now, the less you’ll have to pack up in a moving truck to take with you.^{[4]
X
Research source}

Question 3 of 6:

What should you not move long distance?

1
Hazardous items. Chemicals and pesticides don’t need to be moved from your old home to your new one. If you’re cleaning out your garage or your tools and you find opened bottles of chemicals, contact your county to figure out how to get rid of them. Traveling with open chemical containers can be dangerous, so you should try to get rid of them before you set out on your move.^{[5]
X
Research source}
2
Anything perishable. Frozen food, plants, and produce won’t fare well in a hot moving truck. Get rid of anything that might rot after a few days in the car, especially if it might start to smell. If you have some food you want to take with you, get a small cooler and keep it in the cab of the truck so it’s easily accessible.^{[6]
X
Research source}
3
Bulky items if you can avoid them. Boxes of books, CDs, DVDs, picture frames, and anything that’s hard to pack neatly is going to take up a lot of space. If you can, try to get rid of some of your bulky items by either donating them or having a garage sale to make some quick cash.^{[7]
X
Research source}

Question 4 of 6:

Is it cheaper to buy new furniture or move it?

It depends on the type of furniture and how far you’re moving. For instance, a couch costs around $300 to $500 to ship, while buying a brand new couch can cost upwards of $1,000. On the other hand, shipping a kitchen table might cost between $400 and $500, and you can get one brand new for about $300. If you think you can find pieces cheaper in your new area, it’s probably easier to get rid of them before you move; if you can’t, though, then it’s going to be better to take them with you.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- When you get to your new home, check out Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace to find cheap furniture that’s still in good condition.

Question 5 of 6:

Are PODS cheaper than a U-Haul?

In general, PODS are more expensive than renting a U-Haul. To move a 1-bedroom home cross-country, a container company usually costs between $1,200 and $4,000, while a truck rental is only $800 to $1,900 plus fuel costs. A 2 to 3-bedroom home costs $2,400 to $4,900 with a container company and $1,200 to $2,850 plus fuel costs with a truck rental.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- U-Haul also has a shipping container program called U-Box, which is typically cheaper than renting a PODS container.

Question 6 of 6:

What are the best long distance moving companies?

Mayflower Transit, Allied Van Lines, and U-Pack are typically the best. They’re rated the highest in customer satisfaction, and they all have nationwide availability. You can call or reach out on their websites to get a quote for your specific move.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Other good options include United Van Lines and International Van Lines.