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Last Updated: Sep 10, 2023
Are you planning a long-distance move but worried about the cost? Our ultimate guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of long distance moving costs, including factors that influence the cost, how to estimate it, average costs, and tips.
If you’re planning a long-distance move, one of the biggest questions on your mind is probably, “How much is this going to cost me?” While the cost of a long-distance move can vary depending on a range of factors, from the distance between your origin and destination to the amount of stuff you’re moving, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you can expect to spend.
In this article, we’ll cover all the key factors that can influence the cost of a long-distance move, as well as provide you with some tips and tricks for reducing your expenses.
Whether you’re moving across the state or across the country, our ultimate guide to long-distance moving costs will help you estimate your budget and make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.
The average cost of a long-distance moving company is between $1,000 and $12,000 or more. Keep in mind that your actual moving costs may vary depending on factors such as the distance of your move, the weight of your items, and the services you require.
| Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2 – 3 Bedroom | 4 – 5 Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 miles | $1000 – $1500 | $1250 – $1700 | $1500 – $3400 |
| 250 miles | $1200 – $2000 | $1500 – $3500 | $2,000 – $4800 |
| 1000 miles | $1400 – $2900 | $2100 – $6900 | $5500 – $7900 |
| 2500 miles | $1800 – $3700 | $3900 – $7500 | $8000 – $12000 |
Several factors can influence the cost of a long-distance move. Understanding these factors can help you estimate your moving budget and make informed decisions when choosing a moving company.
Here are the main factors to consider:
The distance between your current home and your new home is one of the most significant factors that influence the cost of a long-distance move. The further you’re moving, the more you can expect to pay. The cost of fuel, labor, and transportation will all increase as the distance between your origin and destination grows.
The more stuff you’re moving, the more it will cost. Most long-distance moving companies charge by weight, so the heavier your belongings, the more you can expect to pay. Additionally, if you have particularly fragile or valuable items that require special packing or handling, this will also increase the cost.
The time of year and day of the week you choose to move can also impact the cost. Peak moving season, which typically runs from May through September, can be more expensive due to higher demand. Similarly, weekends and holidays tend to be busier and more expensive than weekdays.
The type of move you choose can also impact the cost. Full-service moving companies handle all aspects of the move, from packing and loading to transportation and unloading.
Self-service moving companies, on the other hand, only provide transportation, leaving you responsible for packing and loading. Full-service moves are typically more expensive but can save you time and hassle.
Finally, additional services like packing, storage, and insurance can also increase the cost of your move. Packing services can be particularly helpful if you’re short on time or have a lot of fragile items that require special handling. Similarly, storage can be useful if you need to store your belongings for a period of time before or after your move.
Estimating your long distance moving costs requires a bit of research and planning, but it’s essential to avoid unexpected expenses and ensure you stay within your budget.
Here are the steps you can take to estimate your long distance moving costs:
The first step in estimating your moving costs is to research and compare the best moving companies in your area. Be sure to look for companies that specialize in long-distance moves and have a good reputation.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential companies, request quotes from each of them. Most moving companies will provide a free quote based on the weight of your belongings and the distance of your move.
To get an accurate moving quote, you’ll need to know the weight of your belongings. You can either do this yourself by weighing your items or ask the moving company to come and do an in-home estimate. Be sure to take into account any items you plan to leave behind or donate, as these will not factor into your moving costs.
When you’re getting quotes from moving companies, it’s important to understand the different types of moving estimates. A binding estimate means that the moving company guarantees the cost of your move based on the weight of your items. A non-binding estimate, on the other hand, is an approximation of the cost and can fluctuate based on the final weight of your belongings.
When you receive quotes from moving companies, be sure to ask for a breakdown of costs. This will help you understand exactly what you’re paying for and can help you compare quotes more effectively. Make sure to ask about any additional fees or charges that may be added to your final bill.
Moving can be expensive, but there are some steps you can take to reduce your costs.
Here are some tips for reducing long distance moving costs:
The more stuff you have to move, the more it will cost. Before your move, take the time to go through your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer need or want. This can help you save money on packing supplies and can also reduce the weight of your move.
If you have the time and energy, consider packing your own belongings. This can save you money on packing services and can also help you ensure that your items are packed the way you want them to be.
As we mentioned earlier, peak moving season (May through September) can be more expensive due to higher demand. If possible, try to move during the off-season to save money.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate with moving companies to get the best possible price. Be sure to shop around and compare quotes, and don’t hesitate to ask for discounts or price matching.
If you’re comfortable packing and loading your own belongings, consider a self-service move. These moves can be less expensive than full-service moves but require more work on your part.
The average cost for a long-distance move from a 2-bedroom apartment is between $1,500 and $3,500.
To save money on your long distance move, consider purging unnecessary belongings, packing your own belongings, moving during the off-season, negotiating with moving companies, and considering a self-service move.
The factors that can cause the cost of a long-distance move to increase include the distance between the origin and destination, the amount and weight of belongings being moved, the time of year and day of the week, the type of move, and additional services like packing, storage, and insurance.
To choose the right moving company for your long distance move, be sure to research and compare companies, look for companies that specialize in long-distance moves and have a good reputation, and ask for quotes and a breakdown of costs.
A binding estimate means that the moving company guarantees the cost of your move based on the weight of your items, while a non-binding estimate is an approximation of the cost that can fluctuate based on the final weight of your belongings.
Moving can be a stressful and expensive process, but with the right planning and research, you can estimate your moving costs and reduce your expenses. By understanding the factors that influence long-distance moving costs, how to estimate your costs, and tips for reducing your expenses, you can make your long-distance move as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Remember to take your time, research your options, and ask questions to ensure that you’re getting the best possible deal. With a little bit of effort, you can move to your new home without breaking the bank.
Meet Harrison, a writer with a real passion for real estate and moving. For the past three years, he's been putting his writing skills to use for companies in these industries, but his experience with moving extends far beyond his keyboard. In fact, he's moved over a dozen times himself, sometimes with the help of professionals, and other times by taking on the move all on his own. Through these experiences, he's learned some valuable lessons about what can make a move a breeze, and what can turn it into a stressful nightmare. And when he's not busy writing, you can find him researching ways to make his next move as smooth and easy as possible.