If your immediate plans include changing your state, you need to prepare both mentally and financially. To calculate the cost of moving out of state, consider several critical factors, such as distance, hiring professional movers, renting a moving truck, etc.
In our guide, you can find cheap ways to move out of state and explore the average cost of this process. Keep reading to get the answers to all the most important questions about moving expenses.
How Much Does It Cost to Move Out of State?
The costs of moving out of state can significantly range, so its calculation may be challenging. However, you should expect to pay from $1,000 to $4,000 for close distance. A long-distance move is more expensive, as you need to pay more to move companies. For a longer distance, you can expect to pay around $7,000. To calculate your moving costs, you should consider the following factors:
Hiring a Professional Moving Company
To move out of state, people often use the assistance of professional moving companies. The best way to find reputable movers is by using platforms like the Better Business Bureau. There, you can see reviews about different companies. After analyzing all the offers, you can hire self-service or full-service movers, depending on your preferences and opportunities.
Full-Service Movers
Hiring a full-service mover is an excellent option for large moving projects or for people who don’t have the time to engage in the moving process independently. The full-service moving companies will control the whole procedure without your participation. They will pack and transfer all your belongings to your new place and provide temporary housing assistance, so you don’t need to worry about anything.
Self-Service Movers
Hiring a self-service moving company means that you need to pack and load and unload your belongings on your own to the moving truck. Then, a professional moving company will transfer your goods to your new home or apartment. Thus, hiring movers working on self-service can relieve transportation issues but keep you responsible for other tasks. If you compare the prices of these two moving company
services, you will see that the second option is less expensive because of the less responsibility.
Cooperation with a Truck Rental Company
Are cars your passion, or at least does driving large moving trucks not sound scary to you? In such a case, you can significantly reduce moving costs by cooperating with truck rental companies instead of professional moving services. Truck rentals are a more affordable option than hiring reputable moving companies. Although you will need to do a lot of the heavy lifting, you can save money. It does not make
sense to hire movers if rental trucks suit you. The cost of a rental truck depends on the day and time, so it is essential to compare prices before choosing a day for interstate moves. For example, it is not recommended to change your place in the peak moving season (between May and August). Furthermore, factors like the truck's size, the length of rent, fees, and other expenses impact the final moving cost.
Using Moving Containers
One of the ways to reduce the costs of your interstate moving is to rent a moving container. Moving containers are a great way to store and move your belongings. Many reputable companies in the U.S. offer such services, so if you need a moving container, you can cooperate with PODS, U-Haul or with another popular company.
Temporary Storage
When planning your interstate move, it is important to include the storage costs. You can choose between short-term or long-term storage solutions. Furthermore, several long-distance moving companies offer storage-in-transit options, which can be more convenient for you.
Insurance Coverage
Every self or full-service moving company must provide free insurance for their clients. Customers can also pay for full-value protection to make their moving as safe as possible. If, after researching moving companies, you have not found anything suitable, you can purchase third-party insurance. It will provide you with additional protection and let you avoid any risks of losing or damaging your belongings.
Extra Charges
To get an accurate estimate of the moving costs, it is important to pay attention to the several hidden fees that include the following:
Car Shipping
If you don’t plan to drive your auto to your new place, you will need to pay a professional who will ship it. There are many services for sending a car out of state, so everyone can find a suitable one for themselves!
Packing Supplies
Before hiring a reputable moving company, you need to purchase packing supplies, such as packing tape, packing paper, labels, boxes, etc. Therefore, include these costs in your budget.
New Furniture
Moving your old furniture is not always a good idea. It may be better to sell it and start a new
page of your life with a new sofa or bed. Although these purchases create additional costs,
they can simplify your moving and save on transportation.
Flat Fees
Do you have your apartment on the high floor? Be prepared that many professional movers charge flat fees for delivering your belongings by stairs or elevators.
Huge Items
Moving huge items can be considered as additional services by many movers. The belongings that can increase your cost of moving are items like pianos, tubs, or exercise equipment.
Seasonal Rates
If you are moving in the period from May to August, be prepared that rental trucks, packing materials, and other additional services will be more expensive. Therefore, choosing the right moving date can help you save money for your long-distance move.
How to Move with No Money?
Moving to another state is an excellent way to change your life, find new friends, and get an entirely unique experience. However, high prices of labor costs and other expenses stop people from it. You can borrow the missing amount if you are in a difficult financial situation. It can be in the form of an installment or a personal loan of $2,000-$4,000. You can even apply for a $4,000 loan online and get an approval decision within 24 hours. With quick access to the loan amount and no hard credit check, you will get the funds as soon as the next business day.
Additionally, there are several ways that can help save you money on moving and help start
a new page of your life with minimum expenses. For example, you can ask local grocery stores if they are going to remove discarded packing supplies. The workers will be willing to give the materials to you, which allows you to save funds on buying bubble wrap, boxes, etc.
Before you move, analyze the housing market, salaries, the state average cost of living, and the job market of the city you are moving to. If you can afford to pay for rent and other expenses in the chosen destination, pay attention to several cheapest American cities. They have a high quality of life quality, average house and apartment prices, and a generally safe environment.
What Are the Sample Costs of Moving Out of State?
It is difficult to calculate the state's average cost of moving because of the variety of factors that impact your budget. Furthermore, various companies have different service prices, so hiring a moving company can cost you from $500 to $15,000. Additionally, your moving cost depends on your move size and the distance you are moving. Therefore, you can pay for a truck from $800 to more than $2,200. This cost includes hiring a professional driver, gas, and tolls.
If you are an auto owner, be prepared for additional costs, as the price of your car insurance can change. For example, the most expensive auto insurances are in Florida, Louisiana, and Delaware (up to $7,910), while the cheapest options are in Ohio, Maine, and Idaho (up to $2,542).
How to Prepare for Long-Distance Moves?
Preparation for moving for a long distance can take time, but it can make the entire process quicker and cheaper.
Sell Unwanted Items
A garage sale is an excellent solution to get rid of your unwanted belongings. Why throw things away if you can give them a second life? Furthermore, selling your items can bring you a little income.
Visit Your New Place of Living Before Moving
People are often fascinated by a specific city or neighborhood, but after moving, they are dissatisfied. Therefore, we suggest you visit your new city to ensure you want to live there.
Research Schools
If you move with your family, it is important to ensure there are good schools in your chosen neighborhood. Do careful research or ask the city’s inhabitants about the schools around. Additionally, remember to take into account other important elements, such as defining your moving budget, finding a healthcare service, and securing a place to live.
FAQ
What is the Cheapest Way to Move Out of State?
Renting a moving truck is an affordable and cheap way for a cross-country move. While moving companies may cost up to $10,000, you will pay an average of $1,500 for a rental truck.
Which Option Should I Choose: a Moving Container or a Truck Rental?
If you want to save money, truck rentals are a cheaper option. However, moving containers will be a better alternative for those valuing their comfort. You don’t need to drive a truck on your own and can move in a more convenient way.
How Long Does Moving to Another State Generally Take?
When you are moving to another state, be prepared to spend up to 6 months on this process. There are several factors that can impact the time, such as the size of your household and the distance between your previous and new city.
How Much Money Do I Need to Move Out of State?
On average, the cost of moving out of state can reach up to $7,000. However, the final amount is influenced by several factors, such as rental trucks, moving companies, or container expenses, as well as the moving distance and the season.