The Cheapest Ways to Move Cross-Country
Quick answer: The cheapest way to move cross-country is to take the DIY approach. However, using your own vehicle or renting a moving truck and doing all the packing, loading, and driving yourself can be challenging, especially when relocating across the country.
Fortunately, there are still several ways that you can save money and ensure that moving cross-country won’t break the bank, even when using other moving methods.
| Moving Option | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Moving container | $2,843 – $5,136 |
| DIY (truck rental) | $1,785 – $3,493 |
| Full-service mover | $5,032 – $7,803 |
| Freight trailer | $2,393 – $3,986 |
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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
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Full DIY move
The absolute cheapest way to move cross-country is to do a full DIY move. This means using your own vehicle to transport all of your belongings, rather than renting a moving truck. With this type of move, you would only pay for any gas, food, and lodging you might need along the way to your new home.
Of course, a full DIY move is only really doable if you can fit all your possessions inside your vehicle. This option may work if you are moving to a studio apartment or have a large van or pickup truck at your disposal. It isn’t really an option for a larger home, especially if you plan on bringing your furniture with you.
DIY move with a rental truck
If packing everything into your own car isn’t an option, then the next-cheapest option is to do a DIY move with a rental truck. Rental moving trucks are available in several sizes, making them well-suited for small apartments all the way to houses with four or more bedrooms.
With a rental truck, you are responsible for driving the truck cross-country and handling all the packing and loading the moving truck. The rental company only provides the truck and usually some loading equipment like dollies.
This type of move works well if you feel confident in your ability to pack everything and drive cross-country, but could be challenging if you have a lot of heavy or fragile items. If desired, you can also hire third-party labor like HireAHelper to help with the heavy lifting.
Based on our research and analysis, we think these are the best truck rentals for cross-country moves:
- Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
- Round-trip and one-way moves available
- User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
- Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
- Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
- Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
- More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
- Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
- Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
- U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
Moving container
If you want to save money but aren’t exactly thrilled by the idea of driving a truck, moving container companies offer a good middle ground. With a moving container, you are still responsible for packing and loading but you don’t have to drive — your container will be dropped off at your current home and, once loaded, picked up and delivered to your new location.
Moving containers like PODS come in multiple sizes (and you can rent multiple containers) to accommodate different moves. Moving container rentals typically allow for three to 30 days to load and another three to 30 to unload, depending on the company. For example, all PODS containers come with 30 days onsite storage for free, giving you that time to keep your container on your property and load items at your own pace. With U-Pack, you only get 72 hours each for loading and unloading.
Whatever company you choose, you’ll need to make sure you have permission to keep a moving container in your driveway or on the street in front of your house.
If containers are the cost-efficient route you want to take for your cross-country move, start by getting quotes from three of these top-rated moving container companies.
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
- Combines affordability of DIY moving with convenience of a truck and driver
- Only pay for the truck space you use
- Offers vehicle shipping
- Barn-style container doors make packing easier
- Available for both local and long distance moves
- $10k insurance included with option to purchase more
- Free lock provided for container door
Freight trailer
Think of a freight moving trailer as a container for larger moves. Like with moving containers, a freight moving company will drop off a trailer at your property, after which you’ll typically have three days to load it. With companies like U-Pack (which offers containers and trailers), you only pay for the space you actually use inside the freight trailer, and the remaining space may be filled with other shipments.
A freight trailer is a good option for large moves where you don’t want to drive a moving truck yourself. However, loading up the contents of a large house can be very time-consuming and physically exhausting. In some cases, you could have difficulty getting everything loaded in time unless you hire third-party labor or get friends and family to help.
Here’s our pick for freight trailers:
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
Standard shipping
Shipping moving boxes isn’t a viable option for most people, but it’s worth considering if you are making a very small move and don’t have room for extra boxes in your vehicle. Essentially, you can ship your boxes via UPS, FedEx, or even the U.S. Postal Service directly to your new home.
You will need to carefully pack your items to avoid damage during shipping. You should also check shipping prices and limitations, since trying to mail a box that is too large or heavy could result in additional fees. Costs can add up quickly if you mail several boxes, as well, so only use this option if you just have a couple packages to send.
How to cut cross-country moving costs
Regardless of the type of move you have in mind for your cross-country move, there are several strategies you can use to cut your moving costs. Incorporate these general tips as you prepare for your cross-country move to squeeze as much savings in as you can.
Use free or cheap packing supplies
Many full-service movers, moving container companies, and even rental moving trucks sell boxes and other moving supplies directly, as do big-box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s Home Improvement, and e-commerce retailers like Amazon. However, it is usually cheaper to get cheap moving boxes elsewhere.
You can actually get completely free moving boxes by asking neighbors on social media or Nextdoor, taking them off the hands of someone who very recently moved, or checking in at local businesses.
Check for discounts
While full-service movers aren’t the cheapest option, many offer moving discounts that can help lower your costs. For example, Safeway Moving and NAVL offer deals for military members, teachers, senior citizens, and students, as well as for anyone making an early reservation.
Moving container discounts are also readily available for special groups. And some, like PODS, offer various seasonal promotions throughout the year. Whenever you get a quote, it never hurts to ask if you quality for any discounts.
Downsize and declutter
The amount of stuff you have is one of the biggest factors influencing the cost of your cross-country move. Downsizing before you pack, therefore, can be a great way to clean up the clutter and save big. By getting rid of items you no longer want or need, you’ll be able to rent a smaller moving truck or use fewer containers, which will directly lower your total costs.
And although full-service moving companies are pricier than a DIY-style approach, the less your belongings weigh, the less you’ll ultimately pay.
To declutter effectively, consider room by room to sort items based on whether you will keep or get rid of them. Organize items you don’t want into separate piles for selling, donating, or tossing.
Generally speaking, anything that’s broken or damaged should go in the trash, while gently used clothing, furniture, and other household items can be sold or donated. Selling unwanted items at a yard sale can help you raise some extra money to cover your moving expenses.
Enlist the help of friends and family
Moving labor is one of the main reasons full-service movers are so expensive. On the other hand, friends, family, and neighbors are often willing to help for free… or at least for the promise of some free food!
Be courteous when enlisting the help of friends and family. Ask for their help well in advance, and try to schedule a time that will be convenient for everyone. Have your items packed and ready to go when they arrive. Provide water and snacks (and maybe even a pizza and a six-pack) for when the work is done.
Follow a moving cost checklist
A moving cost checklist can help you set and stick to a budget. Use our moving cost checklist guide to create your own breakdown of potential expenses, including hidden fees like fuel for your moving truck, food, utilities set-up, new furniture or home goods, etc.
Once you’ve created your checklist, you can then pick the moving services that fit your budget and track expenses so that you can keep your finances on track.
Prep and pack like a pro mover
Even after you’ve downsized, efficient packing can help lower your moving costs. For example, properly packing clothes and boxing up shoes will help you save space and protect items during transportation. Fragile items should always be covered with sufficient padding to prevent scratches and other damage.
Thinking like a pro mover here can help you save money because your stuff will take up less space on a moving truck or in a moving container. Prepping and arranging items in a thoughtful way will also help ensure you won’t wind up having to replace damaged items when you arrive at your new home.
Shop around for moving services
No matter what type of move you have in mind, you should always get quotes from at least three comparable companies. Moving quotes can vary quite a bit when comparing apples to apples (different rental trucks, for example) or apples to oranges (like truck rentals vs. moving containers). Shopping around will help you find the lowest prices and potentially get price-match offers from your preferred company.
It may also be helpful to use our moving cost calculator as you begin shopping around so you have a general idea of how much your cross-country move would cost with full-service movers, a rental truck, a moving container, or freight services.
When should you hire a full-service mover?
Full-service moves are by far the most expensive option for cross-country moves – but there are still situations when they may be the best choice for you. You may benefit from hiring full-service movers if your health makes physical labor difficult or unsafe or you want the kind of extra care (like customized crates) that professional movers can give to your belongings.
However, you can still save money when using a full-service mover for a cross-country move. For example, instead of comprehensive packing services, opt for fragile-only or take care of the packing yourself. You can also save by booking a move during the middle of the week, instead of on the weekend and outside of the peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September). Be sure to get multiple quotes so you can take advantage of price matching.
We think these moving companies are the most budget-friendly for cross-country relocations, thanks to their transparent pricing and customer satisfaction:
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FAQ
How do I start planning a cross-country move?
To start planning a cross-country move, begin budgeting and planning several months in advance. This will give you time to put together a moving checklist and take care of essential tasks like setting a budget, comparing and booking moving services, and organizing and downsizing your belongings.
How much money do I need to save for a cross-country move?
The amount of money you’ll need to save for a cross-country move will depend on factors like the type of moving option you choose and the size and distance of your move. Generally speaking, budget at least $2,000 for a DIY move with a rental truck and $10,000 or more for a full-service move.
How can I move cross-country with only a little money?
To move cross-country with only a little money, you’ll need to take a DIY approach. This means packing everything yourself into your own vehicle or a rental truck. Just remember you’ll still need to pay for gas, food, and lodging.
What is the cheapest time of year to move cross-country?
The cheapest time of year to move cross-country is usually some time during the non-peak season (October through April) when demand is lower. November and December are typically the cheapest, since many avoid moving around the holidays.
Is a moving truck rental or a moving container better for moving cross-country?
Picking between a moving truck rental or a moving container for a cross-country move will depend on your budget and individual preferences. If you are trying to save as much money as possible, a moving truck rental will usually be the cheapest option. If saving money is important but you aren’t comfortable with driving a truck, a container will be the best option, since it is still cheaper than using full-service long-distance movers.
Our rating methodology
At moveBuddha, we understand that all moving companies aren’t created equal. We undertake a rigorous review and rating process to ensure we provide accurate recommendations.
Here’s a breakdown of the methodology we use to rate movers:
- Customer satisfaction: In addition to looking at reviews with the BBB, Google, and other third-party sites, we rely heavily on interviews with Better Moves Project participants to understand the pros and cons of each mover.
- Standard services: We look at what services are included as part of a company’s standard offerings, and which ones you can only get for an additional fee.
- Reputation: We evaluate a company’s industry ratings, including aspects like carrying sufficient insurance coverage and compliance with applicable regulations.
- Add-on services: We look at any add-on services that can simplify a move, such as custom crating or storage options — services that aren’t offered by all moving companies.
- Availability: The areas a company serves — as well as whether they offer local, long-distance, or international services — is another important consideration. Widespread availability is most useful.
- Type of mover: A moving company’s capability (such as full-service vs. DIY) will directly impact its service offerings.
- Payment: Ease of making a payment (including submitting a deposit) with multiple options (credit card, check, cash, etc.) can also make moving easier.
- Scheduling: How easy is it to book a move? What kind of lead time is needed? Readily available booking services and streamlined scheduling will help get your move underway.
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