How Much Does It Cost To Move Out of State? (2024 Guide)

How much does it cost to move out of state? Here are all the expenses and hidden costs to consider as you budget your big move.

Moving is equal parts fun and stressful. Shopping for decor and researching your new neighborhood build up the excitement of your next chapter, especially if you’re ready to move somewhere new. But a long list of logistical planning can sour the fun — especially when it comes to budgeting. 

The cost of moving adds up quickly. And if you’re moving out of state, extra mileage and moving insurance can stress your wallet. Understanding every potential cost will help you settle into your new home without sacrificing your financial well-being, from packing peanuts to the moving company. 

If you need to know how much it costs to move out of state, here’s your guide.

Budgeting Moving Costs for a Cross-Country Move

How much does it cost to hire a moving company to move out of state? The average cost of moving to another state is between $2,500 to $5,000, and hiring movers or packers can double that number, according to a 2023 article in U.S. News & World Report. 

Tallying up the costs is complicated. Obviously, an interstate move from Delaware to New Jersey should be cheaper than Florida to Washington. But dozens of factors impact the final amount — not just distance. Those include moving insurance, the size of the moving container, and packing supplies, to name a few. 

Whether your company provides a relocation stipend or you’re covering the cost of an interstate move on your own, knowing every single moving expense will keep your budget in line. Do location-specific research and use a spreadsheet to compare different moving quotes and other costs. If you’re looking for the cheapest way to move out of state, the more detailed you are, the more you avoid hidden fees. 

5 Things To Consider for an Interstate Relocation

You could research how much movers are per hour near you or use a moving cost calculator, but neither will give you an exact figure. Every move is different, so figure out what you need to pay for and how.

Here’s what to consider when budgeting:

1. Distance

Local moves typically charge truck rentals by the hour and cover up to about 100 miles. But long-distance hauls tend to build moving quotes by the mile to account for fixed travel expenses, like maintenance and gas. The longer the move, the more you pay.

2. Home Size

Moving a three-bedroom home costs more than moving a one-bedroom apartment. A larger space increases the size of the moving container you need and the time it takes to load and unload. Be prepared to provide your home’s square footage or even allow a walk-through of your home to get the most accurate moving quote. 

3. Time of Year

Professional movers work with basic supply and demand principles. Leaving a college town as soon as the spring semester ends will boost your final moving quote. If you need to move on a budget, consider doing so during the low season — usually between October and March. 

4. Rental Truck Usage

The longer you use a rental truck, the more you have to pay. Consider moving on the weekend or requesting time off to expedite the loading and unloading process. 

5. Full-Service Movers Versus DIY

Hiring a full-service moving company to do everything, from packing your things into boxes to cleaning up empty boxes and stray tape, sounds like a dream come true. While it’s definitely one way to cut out the stress of a long haul, the extra work comes with a considerable cost. If you need to save money, DIY as much as possible.

A Guide to 7 Moving Costs

Before calling around to consult different moving company prices, here are some common costs and calculations to add to your moving checklist.

General Moving Costs

Whether you’re moving 200 or 2,000 miles, here are the basic moving costs to budget for:

1. Packing Supplies

Don’t underestimate the cost of tape, boxes, and packing peanuts. The cost varies depending on the amount of supplies, but expect to spend somewhere between $100 to $200. To save more money, purchase packing supplies on your own rather than the moving company, as they likely mark up the prices from standard retail ones. 

2. Moving Insurance

Even local moves involve the risk of property damage, regardless of whether you employ experienced full-service movers or do it yourself. Dropping a box is the most likely mishap, but robberies, car accidents, or even a natural disaster (like unexpected flooding or earthquakes) can cause serious damage or lost belongings. 

Moving insurance won’t mitigate the risk, but it can pay for damage if it happens. If you’re transporting valuable items, like artwork, fragile dishware, or furniture, it’s worth considering coverage. 

Carefully consider the potential risks you want to cover, including:

• Belongings damaged during packing or unpacking
• Belongings damaged during loading or unloading
• Loss, theft, or damage that occurs in transit
• Damage that occurs during any other service provided by the mover
• Coverage to repair or replace an item or provide a cash payment equal to the item’s value

The moving company will likely offer its own insurance package. You can also shop around with third-party providers to find the best price.

3. Travel costs

If you’re moving across the country by car, factor in expenses like gasoline, food, and tolls. Account for accommodations to get a good night’s rest for the long drive. Remember, the cost of gas changes regionally. Consider researching the least expensive spots along your route to stop and fill up. 

Hidden Moving Costs

It’s no fun learning that moving your grandma’s piano costs extra when the bill arrives. Here are potential hidden costs to prepare for:

4. Temporary Storage

Unfortunately, the end of one lease doesn’t always align with the beginning of another. You might need to store items if there are a few weeks or months between leases. Plus, delayed repairs or maintenance may force you to temporarily store belongings. Research the options in your area and budget for possible storage costs, just in case.

5. Elevators and Stairs

Moving companies typically charge extra rates for bringing boxes upstairs or in elevators. Typically, flat rates are based on the floor, meaning unloading to the second floor is less expensive than the 15th. If you’re moving to a high-rise, decide whether you want the moving company to bring everything up and if it’s worth the price.

6. Installations

Many professional movers can install your appliances, like an air conditioner or water heater, at an additional fee. Check those prices and compare them to third-party professionals to find the cheapest option. 

7. Heavy or Unusual Items

Large or heavy items like pianos, exercise machines, or pool tables may incur special moving service charges. Double-check and make a list of all the larger items in your home and make sure the moving company knows what they’re in for. Otherwise, the extra fees could come as a surprise.

6 Tips to Save Money 

If you have to move on a budget, here are six ways to cut costs:

1. Get rid of unused items: Your belongings’ weight and volume ultimately determine the size — and cost — of the moving truck. Moving is a great excuse to donate or sell items you don’t use anymore, like a sewing machine gathering dust or one too many winter coats. Likewise, consider whether all your furniture can fit neatly into your new space. It might not be worth putting bulky items in storage.
2. Collect boxes from local shops: Plenty of stores are happy to give away discarded boxes because it lowers their trash load. Furniture shops, grocery stores, and big box outlets are just a few places where you can collect free moving boxes. To save time, call ahead and have them set aside what you need. 
3. Look for discounts: Be on the lookout for sales on packaging supplies, like bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and tape. Every smart purchase can drive down the average cost. Friends or neighbors who recently moved might have leftover moving supplies they need to get rid of, so ask around. 
4. Read contracts: The moving company should provide you with a clear statement of work or contract. Read it carefully to avoid hidden fees. If the contract isn’t itemized, ask for a clear list so you can compare costs and make sound budget decisions.
5. Get a tax deduction: You might be able to claim relocation costs as a tax deduction depending on your employment status, which can lower your final cost. 
6. Plan the right time: If you can’t time your move around the low season, you can still find varied prices throughout the month. Most people move at the beginning of the month when their lease starts, and weekends are also busy because most people are off work. Moving prices are typically lower during the middle of the week and month since demand is lower. 

Move Across the Country With Landing

You don’t have to hire a full-service moving company to get the assistance you need. Landing offers fully furnished apartments with flexible contracts and exclusive offers to members to reduce the costs of moving and storage. Become a member today.