Buzz
Reduce expenses on labor, packing materials, and more with our wallet-friendly moving guide
Relocating to a new state can feel overwhelming, especially if you're concerned about the costs involved. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to minimize moving expenses and make your transition smoother. In this article, we'll share the most affordable strategies for moving out of state, from cutting costs during preparation to selecting the best transportation or moving service, and even picking the ideal time for your move.
Top Tips to Save Money on Your Out-of-State Move
- Set a moving budget and include all expenses to help you understand how much you need to allocate.
- Shop around and compare prices for moving trucks, trailers, vans, or containers to find the most affordable option for your belongings.
- Consider downsizing your possessions to reduce labor costs, and if possible, handle the packing, loading, and driving of your rental vehicle yourself to save even more.
Key Steps
Choosing Budget-Friendly Moving Transportation
Rent a moving truck to save money and handle everything on your own. A simple way to reduce your moving costs is by taking on the physical work yourself. Renting a moving truck, such as a U-Haul, is often one of the most cost-effective solutions for transporting your belongings. You'll be in charge of loading, driving, and unloading the truck upon arrival.
- Cost estimate: Rental prices can range from $700 to $2000 for long-distance moves, depending on the truck size, company, and distance. Additional costs include mileage, gas, and fees. Don't forget to factor in lodging and meal costs along the way.
- For one-way moves, many companies offer unlimited mileage, so it’s wise to compare different options before making your reservation.
- Bear in mind that you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting and driving. If this isn't something you're up for, it may be worth considering another option.
Hire a full-service moving company for ease and convenience. Although full-service moving companies tend to be more expensive than renting a truck and doing it all yourself, they offer significant convenience. These companies will handle the entire process—loading, driving, and unloading your items—and some will even pack your belongings for you. If managing everything yourself seems too challenging, the extra cost may be worth the peace of mind.
- Cost estimate: Full-service moving quotes can vary greatly, ranging up to $12,000 or more depending on the distance and the work involved. Get quotes from multiple companies to find the best price, as some offer price matching.
- Ensure that interstate moving companies have the proper licenses for out-of-state moves.
- Note that many full-service movers require a 50% deposit upfront.
Hire local movers to load and unload your truck for a budget-friendly alternative. If you're comfortable driving the truck yourself but need assistance with loading and unloading, hiring moving labor can save you money compared to full-service movers. Platforms like HireAHelper allow you to hire movers by the hour, with a $1000 money-back guarantee. This ensures your belongings are handled with care.
- Cost estimate: Typically $40-$80 per hour. Prices vary based on local rates, the number of movers you need, and the volume of items you're moving.
- While you can also find movers on sites like Craigslist or Facebook, be sure to thoroughly vet the workers before hiring.
- Coordinate with both your current and future homes to ensure you have help at both ends of the move.
- In addition to paying for labor, you’ll likely need to rent a moving truck depending on your load size.
Rent a cargo van or use a tow-behind trailer for smaller moves. For smaller moves, such as a studio apartment, consider renting a cargo van instead of a large moving truck. Cargo vans are easier to drive, more fuel-efficient, and perfect for shorter trips. Alternatively, you can drive your own vehicle and rent a tow-behind trailer to carry your belongings.
- Cost estimate for cargo vans: Typically $20-$100 per day, plus mileage. Prices depend on your location and the distance you’re traveling.
- Cost estimate for trailers: Around $150-$300 per day. Some companies also offer hourly rates ranging from $25 to $50. Pricing depends on trailer size and travel distance.
- Not all moving companies allow cargo van rentals for interstate moves, so double-check with the provider before booking. Penske often allows long-distance rentals, while U-Haul limits cargo van rentals to local moves.
- If you opt for a trailer, make sure your vehicle meets towing requirements, and be cautious when towing as it can be tricky. Ensure you have prior experience before using one.
- For anything larger than a studio apartment, these options may not be large enough, so consider renting a moving truck instead.
Drive your car and ship your boxes if you have a small amount to move. If you're already driving your own vehicle to your new home, you can save money by packing as many boxes as possible. For the remaining items, consider shipping them through a standard service like USPS, UPS, or FedEx, or opt for an LTL (less-than-truckload) freight carrier. LTL carriers only charge for the space your items take up, so you don't have to pay for unused capacity.
- Cost estimate: Shipping via freight or a moving company generally costs $1.50 to $2.50 per mile. For USPS, UPS, or FedEx, expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $100 per box, depending on size and contents.
- Efficient packing can reduce the number of boxes you need to ship, further cutting costs.
- LTL delivery may take longer than renting a freight trailer, as the carrier is also transporting other people's goods.
- Items may be at risk of damage during shipping, so be sure to pack them securely.
- If you don't have a car, you could use public transportation. Greyhound allows up to 150 pounds of luggage, and Amtrak lets you ship up to 500 pounds. Bus or train tickets typically cost a few hundred dollars.
Rent a moving container for extra storage needs. Moving containers provide a middle ground between doing everything yourself and hiring a full-service moving company. The company delivers a container to your home (typically 8-16 ft or 2.4-4.8 m), you pack it, and they either store it temporarily or transport it to your new location. This is an ideal option if you need more space or don't want to drive a moving truck.
- Cost estimate: Moving containers generally cost about $5000 for a cross-country move, though the price depends on container size and distance.
- If you only need temporary storage, be aware that renting a container could be more expensive than renting a storage unit, especially for extended periods.
Ways to Save During Prep & Packing
Set a budget and pay with cash whenever possible. Review your household expenses to determine how much you can allocate for your move. When creating your budget, include costs like housing deposits, packing supplies, and personal travel expenses (hotels, meals, gas, etc.) in addition to the moving company charges. While it might not always be feasible, try to pay for most of your moving costs in cash or with your debit card to avoid going into credit card debt.
Declutter and downsize before you move. Chances are you have a lot of items that are no longer useful or needed. During the early stages of planning your move, sort through your belongings and decide what you can part with. You could host a garage sale, donate items to friends and family, or sell them on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Donating to local thrift stores is another option.
- Professional movers often charge based on the number of boxes they need to move. Even if you're doing most of the work yourself, decluttering will free up space and might allow you to rent a smaller, cheaper truck or trailer.
- If you have broken or outdated furniture, now is the time to get rid of it. Or, if you have exercise equipment collecting dust, you could sell it for some extra cash.
- Even cleaning out your closet can help reduce the number of items to move.
Find free moving boxes and packing materials. The cost of packing supplies like boxes and bubble wrap can add up quickly, but there are many ways to pack without spending much money. Ask your friends and family if they have spare boxes, or visit local grocery and retail stores to see if you can take some of their used boxes. Instead of buying bubble wrap or packing peanuts, you can use blankets, clothes, and towels to protect your fragile items.
Recruit friends to help with packing. A large portion of your moving expenses will go towards paying for labor. Instead of hiring professionals to pack, load, and unload, gather a team of friends and family to pitch in. With everyone working together, it should only take a few hours, and you can thank them by treating them to pizza afterward. Most friends will be happy to help out, making it a fun, memorable experience before you embark on your move.
Get quotes from at least 3 moving companies. While all companies may be heading to the same destination, the prices they charge can vary widely. Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Shop around to compare rates. Many moving companies will match their competitors' prices, allowing you to book with your preferred service at a lower rate.
Look for special moving discounts. Many moving companies offer discounts to certain groups, such as seniors or military members. They also often provide seasonal promotions. Even if you don’t spot a discount on the company’s website, it’s worth calling and asking. You might find a deal that wasn’t advertised or something you overlooked.
Ask your employer about a relocation package. If your move is job-related, inquire whether your employer offers a relocation package. These packages can cover all or part of your moving expenses, though they typically come in the form of reimbursement, meaning you'll need to pay upfront. A relocation package might include costs like house hunting trips, expenses for buying or selling a home, shipping your belongings, travel for your final move, and temporary housing.
Check if your home and auto insurance covers your move. While researching moving companies and shipping options, you'll probably encounter offers for moving insurance. This insurance typically covers theft or damage to your belongings and rented equipment, but it might be redundant if your home or auto insurance already includes moving coverage. Be sure to review your policies before purchasing extra insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Moving Out of State
What is the cost of moving out of state? The total cost varies based on several factors, such as the distance, the volume of belongings, and whether or not you hire professional movers. Generally, moving out of state can range from $2700 to $7000.
What is the most affordable way to move out of state? The least expensive method depends on the size of your move and the distance you're traveling, but doing more of the work yourself will save you money. For a small move, you can fit your items into your car and drive to your new location. If you have more belongings, consider renting a truck like a U-Haul, where you load, drive, and unload yourself.
What’s the best time of year to move? Plan your move during the off-peak season to save money. Typically, January is the most affordable month to move, but you can also save between September and April since fewer people relocate during those months. Avoid weekends and holidays if possible to keep costs down.
How do I begin the relocation process? Start by establishing your budget and timeline, and figure out how much stuff you'll need to move. This will help determine the best moving method for you and whether you'll need to rent transportation. After that, begin reaching out to moving companies to gather quotes for an estimated cost.
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When renting a moving truck, opt for the newest model available to minimize the chance of any mechanical issues during your move.
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If you're hiring moving laborers through online platforms, remember that you often get what you pay for. A deal that seems too good to be true usually is.
