10 Cheapest Ways to Move Out of State in 2026

Why moveBuddha?

• On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
• When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
• If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.

Jump to the cheap moving option you’re looking for:

1. Rent a moving truck: Best for budget-friendly large moves ($700–$2,000)
2. Rent moving containers: Best if you need storage ($900–$4,500)
3. Rent a freight trailer: Best for larger moves ($1,500–$3,000)
4. Hire a full-service mover: Best for convenience ($1,941–$4,224)
5. Use an online marketplace: Best for getting a deal (Cost varies)
6. Hire moving labor: Best for DIY hybrid moves ($1,175–$3,090)
7. Rent a cargo van: Best for studio apartments ($800–$3,000)
8. Use a tow-behind trailer: Best for shorter-distance moves (Cost varies)
9. Move by car: Best for dorms and other small moves (Cost varies)
10. Ship via LTL freight carrier: Best for flexible small moves ($1,021–$1,708)

• Price match: Penske, Budget, and U-Haul will price match each other, so get quotes from all three even if you have a preference.
• Fuel costs: Account for fuel when budgeting. Diesel trucks get better mileage than gas-powered vehicles, so ask which type you’re renting.
• Request the newest truck: Ask for the newest available truck in the size you need to reduce the chance of maintenance issues on the road.
• Confirm your reservation: Call the day before your move to confirm and have a backup plan ready in case the truck isn’t available.

• Compare container types: Companies like PODS and U-Pack offer different container sizes and service levels, so check which best fits your needs.
• Best rates near you: The cheapest moving container rates for out-of-state moves typically come from companies with locations close to both your origin and destination.
• Short-term vs. long-term storage: Moving container companies work well for short-term storage, but costs can exceed those of a standard storage unit over longer periods.

“U-Pack made my move stress-free and was the lowest quote of four container companies. My delivery even arrived early.”
— Read Gillian’s full story

• Labor needs: This option doesn’t include movers, so plan for additional help if you have a large load.
• Best use cases: Freight trailers work well for rural moves or when you need quick delivery, but limited parking can make them tricky in cities.
• Vehicle transport option: Some freight companies will let you put a car in the trailer, which can be a cost-effective way to move both at once.
• Pack fragile items carefully: Trailers have spring suspension, so use extra padding around anything breakable.

• Higher cost: Full-service movers cost significantly more than DIY options. Moving containers and rental trucks run about 30% less on average, so weigh convenience against your budget.
• Compare multiple quotes: Quotes can vary by thousands of dollars, so get at least three before committing. Many movers will price match. You can explore movers in your area here.
• Verify licensing: Always confirm that an interstate mover is properly licensed by the FMCSA before booking.
• Deposits: Some full-service movers require an upfront deposit of up to 50% of your total moving costs.

• Vet every deal: If a price sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Check reviews carefully: Look at the transporter’s profile for past reviews and any red flags before agreeing to use their services.
• List of services: Keep in mind that service providers on these platforms typically don’t drive for you.

• Vetting is handled: Platforms like HireAHelper vet moving labor for you.
• Transportation is on you: Moving labor can help with packing, loading, and unloading, but you’ll need to arrange your own transportation.
• Book for both locations: You’ll need separate crews at your origin and destination.

• DIY loading: You’re responsible for all the lifting and loading, so factor that into your planning if you have heavy furniture.
• Packing supplies: Buy packing materials on your own to keep costs down.
• Check your space needs: For anything larger than a studio apartment, a cargo van likely won’t have enough room. A moving truck is the better fit for one-bedroom homes and larger.

• Safety first: Trailers can be dangerous if you don’t have experience hitching and towing. Research trailer safety before your move day and never exceed your vehicle’s towing capacity.
• Budget for packing supplies: Factor in the cost of bubble wrap and packing tape.
• Drive cautiously: Go slowly, take wide turns, and leave extra stopping distance. Towing adds significantly to your braking time.

• Limited space: Pack carefully and bring only what you’ll need right away.
• Maintain visibility: Don’t block your rearview mirror or blind spots, or you could create safety and legal issues on the road.
• Overnight security: If the drive takes more than a day, park in well-lit, secure areas at night.

• Space-based pricing: You pay for what you use, and the final cost adjusts after the move based on actual space. Get an upfront quote and understand how overages are billed.
• Pack tight: Pack as efficiently as possible to reduce how much space you take up in the truck.
• Damage risk: Multiple people handle the trailer during transit, which increases the chance of damage. Use extra padding and consider purchasing additional coverage.
• Palletizing: Some LTL carriers require items to be palletized. Package efficiently to avoid using extra pallets, which adds cost.

• Declutter: You can declutter before your move by selling things you no longer need at a garage sale or donating them. Downsizing enough can let you rent a smaller truck or container, which directly lowers your total cost.
• Move at off-peak times: Moving on weekdays between September and April comes with lower rates and more flexible delivery windows. Peak season runs May through August, when demand and prices are highest.
• Cheap moving boxes: Look for cheap or free moving boxes. Grocery stores, liquor stores, neighborhood Facebook groups, and Craigslist are all good sources.
• Ask for help: Friends and family can take a significant amount of labor off your plate on both ends of the move.
• Moving insurance: Check whether your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers moving. If it does, you can skip the mover’s optional coverage and potentially save hundreds.
• Moving discounts: Look for moving discounts for seniors, military service members, and others. Many movers also offer seasonal discounts.
• Parcel carriers: If you’re only moving a few items, consider shipping them via USPS or Amtrak Express.

• How much you move: Fewer belongings mean lower costs across the board. Downsizing before your move can cut hundreds or even thousands from your total.
• How much you do yourself: Handling packing, loading, and driving is almost always the cheapest route. Hybrid moves, where you hire labor-only help for the heavy lifting, keep costs down while saving your back.
• Your moving date: Peak season, weekends, and month-ends are the busiest and most expensive times to move. Weekdays between September and April typically deliver better rates and more flexible delivery windows.

Pro tip: Booking your move during fall or winter can save you hundreds on both rental trucks and full-service movers. See our full breakdown of peak moving season to find the best booking windows.

• Ship selectively: One mover shipped clothing and books via Amtrak Express for under $200 and drove only essentials in their car, cutting both time and rental costs.
• Get an accurate estimate: Laurel moved from California to Texas and found that an in-person or video survey prevents surprises, as her initial self-inventory underestimated the size of her load.
• Pay for protection where it counts: Jana paid $2,900 for a Connecticut-to-Ohio move and found it worth paying extra for professional packing on her artwork.