The total cost of a cross-country move can be as low as $2,000 or as high as $7,000, but these numbers don’t offer a lot of information. To truly calculate your moving costs, you have to consider how far you’re moving, the size of the load, and whether you’re hiring movers.
How to Quickly Estimate Your Moving Costs
While this list does give you an idea of what cost factors are included in the move, it can’t give you a personal moving total. To do that, you’d have to speak to the moving company directly or come up with a rough estimation, which wouldn’t help you make an accurate moving budget.
Alternatively, you could try 9kilo’s free calculator. This moving cost calculator generates quotes based on your current zip code and destination state. Keep in mind that you’ll still need to contact your preferred moving company to inquire about hidden fees or additional add-on costs.
7 Long-Distance Moving Cost Factors
Several factors can affect your out-of-state moving costs. For example, the different types of services offered by residential moving companies can significantly raise your final bill.
1. Size of Home
It’s cheaper to move out of an apartment than a 3-bedroom home. In a large home, movers have to walk up more stairs, remove larger pieces of furniture, and maneuver around corners. On average, the size of your house or apartment will add $700 to $10,000 to your total.
2. Time and Distance
If you want to rent a local truck, it’ll cost $30 to $50 per day, but you’ll probably have to take a day off work to finish the job. The cost of hiring out-of-state movers is less clear, as they charge based on item weight. They typically expect a deposit of $100 to $200 to hold your spot.
3. Truck Size
Out-of-state movers will either place your things in a 10, 15, 20, or 26-foot truck or a storage container with similar capacities. A 10 to 15-foot truck costs $1,200 to $1,500 and is used for a 1 or 2-bedroom home. A 20 to 26-foot truck is $1,600 to $1,800 and is meant for 3 to 4 bedrooms.
4. Moving Supplies
Packing paper, packing tape, boxes, and dolly rentals can add up, even if they seem small when compared to the truck rental. You can save money by taking a few free boxes from the grocery store, but specialty boxes and large containers should be purchased from a moving company.
5. Insurance
The cost of moving insurance is usually 1% or 2% of your property’s value. In most cases, your regular homeowners’ insurance should cover your belongings during the move. But if you need extra coverage, just to be safe, speak to a moving company or third party to purchase more.
6. Gas Prices
Gas prices are higher than they’ve ever been, so you better believe this cost is going to make up a chunk of your budget. If you’re driving a rental, you’ll pay for gas out of pocket, whereas a moving company will add this cost somewhere in the total, usually as a one-time, flat fee.
7. Closing Costs
If you’re buying a house, you’ll have to settle up your closing costs and pay for a downpayment. If you’re renting, you should have enough money to pay a security deposit. You’ll also need a new driver’s license, vehicle registration, and some savings for utilities, meals, and insurance.
