The Cheapest Way to Move a One-Bedroom Apartment Cross-Country
Quick answer: Based on our research, the cost to move a one-bedroom apartment cross country typically ranges from $100 with a cargo trailer to $4,500 with a full-service mover, based on the distance, moving method, and the amount of belongings you’re bringing. Longer distances and larger loads cost more.
Here are the best ways to move a one-bedroom apartment cross-country:
- Rental truck (DIY): Cheapest option but requires driving and heavy lifting.
- Portable storage container: Flexible, mid-priced option where you load at your own pace.
- Full-service movers: Most expensive, but includes packing, loading, and transport.
To get a more accurate moving quote, be sure to compare quotes, estimate the weight of your move accurately, and calculate the distance of your move.
| Moving option | Average pricing | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Moving company | $1,500-$4,500 | Very convenient but costly (especially in the peak summer season) |
| Moving container | $1,500-$3,780 | Great for moves with storage |
| Rental truck | $1,900-$3,917 | Generally more expensive and requires a lot of work |
| Cargo trailer | $100-$700 | Requires a car with tow power and towing experience |
| Pallet shipper | $900-$2,100 | Convenient and affordable for small one-bedroom moves |
| Freight trailer | $1,000-$3,900 | Affordable for larger one-bedroom |
Cost to move a one-bedroom apartment cross-country
The moving method you choose is the single most crucial factor in the cost of your move. Here’s a snapshot of the average price of a one-bedroom cross-country move based on firsthand accounts from our Better Moves participants.
Through our Better Moves Project, we’ve tracked the costs real people paid to move their one-bedroom apartments across the country. Here’s what we learned:
- Average costs: Most Better Moves participants with one-bedroom apartments paid between $2,500 and $5,000 for long-distance moves. Costs were lower for DIY truck rentals (often around $1,000 to $2,500) but higher for full-service movers.
- Container moves: Customers who used moving containers typically spent $2,500 to $4,000, with the final price heavily influenced by their storage needs and moving distance.
- Full-service movers: Participants hiring full-service movers saw costs between $3,500 and $7,000, with the higher end often including packing services, long carry fees, or extra-large furniture like sleeper sofas or specialty items.
- DIY moves: Several Better Moves participants opted for rental trucks, with total costs ranging from $1,200 to $3,000 after factoring in truck rental, fuel, insurance, and equipment rental. While the price was lower, participants noted the added stress of driving and handling loading and unloading.
- Cost variables: Many participants highlighted unexpected costs like last-minute labor fees (for loading/unloading help), elevator or parking permits in cities, and extended storage fees when plans changed. Around 45% of Better Moves participants with one-bedroom apartments encountered some type of unexpected expense during their moves.
- Specialty item impact: For one-bedroom movers with large items — like pianos, large artwork, or aquariums — costs were often $500 to $1,000 higher due to the need for custom handling or crating.
What is the typical size of a one-bedroom home?
According to industry pros, a standard 1-bedroom house falls between 400 and 1,000 square feet. That usually includes one bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a small living room area.
While that’s a big range, your home could be larger or smaller than the industry standards. When in doubt, use our moving estimate calculator to get instant moving quotes based on your type of move.
Regardless of which moving option you choose, most will charge you by the space you take up, measured in square feet. Here’s a quick breakdown of how many square feet you can expect to take up based on the size of your home.
| Home type | Square footage |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | 400 – 600 square feet |
| Small one bedroom | 600 – 800 square feet |
| Large one bedroom | 800 – 1,000 square feet |
| Two bedroom | 1,000 – 1,500 square feet |
| Three bedroom | 1,500 – 2,000 square feet |
| Four bedroom | 2,000 – 3,000 square feet |
| Five bedrooms or more | 3,500+ square feet |
Factors that affect the cost of moving a one-bedroom apartment cross-country
Here are some of the most significant factors that can affect the cost of your move. Gather this information before your moving date to get the most accurate quote possible:
- Distance: The distance between your current location and destination is the most significant factor affecting the cost of your move. Professional moving providers typically charge per mile, so the further you move, the higher the price.
- Moving company rates: Some cross-country moving companies charge a flat rate, while others use an hourly rate or a combination of both. Get free quotes from multiple companies to compare their rates and services.
- Weight and volume of belongings: Most professional movers use the weight of your household goods to determine the overall cost. The more items you have, the more it will cost to transport everything. Consider decluttering before your move to lower your long-distance moving costs.
- Add-ons: Some moves may require additional services, such as disassembling and reassembling furniture, storage, packing, unpacking, or special handling for fragile or valuable items. You may also have to pay extra for packing supplies like bubble wrap and boxes.
- Insurance: Professional moving companies typically offer basic coverage, but if you purchase additional insurance to ensure your items are fully protected, it will come at an extra cost.
- Seasonality: Moving companies are more expensive during the summer peak season from April to September. Moving companies are busy then, so they charge more for small moves. In the slower winter off-season (October to March), moving companies offer better deals on small moves, making it the best time to move.
Ways to make a one-bedroom long-distance move
You have several options to choose from if you’re planning to move your one-bedroom apartment across the country. Take a look at the types of moving services below to get an idea of how much each one might cost.
Professional movers: Best for hassle-free moving
If you aren’t in the mood to handle the heavy lifting yourself, full-service cross-country movers are the way to go. While moving a one-bedroom apartment cross country with professional movers can be expensive, the convenience and peace of mind they provide are often worth the investment.
We’ve found that the average cost of moving a one-bedroom apartment cross country with professional movers ranges from $1,500 to $4,500. This is a rough estimate, and your individual circumstances will ultimately determine the cost of your move.
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Moving containers: Best for delayed moves
If you have a gap in your lease or want time to find a new place to live, portable storage containers could be the best option for your cross-country move. On average, moveBuddha readers spend $1,500 to $3,700 to transport the contents of a one-bedroom home cross-country in a moving container.
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The container company typically transports them from their depot to your home and then to your new location cross-country. The downside is that parking the containers can be an issue. Some cities have ordinances against moving containers or require a permit first, so check local regulations before booking a moving container.
Often, this option can be less costly than renting a local storage unit when you factor in the savings of not having to make multiple moves in and out of storage.
Learn More: Check out our top picks for the cheapest moving containers in the industry.
Renting a truck: Best for DIY moves
Renting a truck might seem like a budget-friendly option compared to renting a moving container or hiring movers, but the costs add up. While the rental truck itself might seem affordable, food, gas, and hotel costs add up quickly for long-distance moves.
Rental trucks can be affordable for in-town moves, but it isn’t the cheapest option for all moves, so it’s always best to evaluate your options. Plus, you’re on the hook for loading, driving, and unloading with this option, which adds a lot of time and hassle to the moving process.
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Cargo trailer: Best for a tight budget
Cargo trailers are the cheapest option for shipping a one-bedroom home cross-country, with a few caveats. Cargo trailers make a lot of sense if you’re already planning on moving a car along with your apartment. The only catch is that you’ll need a vehicle or moving truck with towing power to make this work.
U-Haul is the only national moving company that rents tow-behind trailers in addition to their normal truck rental services. Rates range from $100 to $700 (not including fuel costs).
rating
4.15 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Few companies rent cargo trailers because of the dangers of driving with a trailer. Learning on a cross-country drive is probably not a good idea if you’ve never driven a trailer.
Cargo trailers also have the same issues as renting a moving truck: you’re on the hook for loading, transportation, and unloading. However, this is the cheapest way to move a one-bedroom home coast-to-coast for the trailer-driving pro who doesn’t mind a DIY move.
Pallet shipping: Best for smaller one-bedrooms
If you’re only shipping a few pieces of furniture and 20-30 moving boxes, consider a pallet shipping service instead of long-distance movers. Pallet shipping services allow you to take advantage of commercial shipping rates by shipping everything on pallets.
If your move is small enough, this can be a very affordable and convenient way to ship a one-bedroom house or studio apartment in a cross-country move.
ShipSmart, 866-33-8018, is one of the best options for pallet shipping. If you contact the company for a quote, mention moveBuddha to get a 10% discount from them.
Freight trailers: Best for large one-bedrooms
Is there a lot of stuff in your one bedroom house? You might want to look into a freight trailer. Booking a freight trailer allows you to pack everything in one large freight container.
The freight company will drop off a 28-foot-long trailer, and then you load the truck and only pay for the space you use. From there, the freight company drives your belongings cross-country.
Freight trailers are especially affordable if you’re moving to a less populated area. The only issue with this option is that parking can be tricky. You’ll want to ensure enough space to park the trailer at your new home.
Tips to lower the cost of your cross-country move
Moving cross-country can be daunting and expensive, even with a one-bedroom apartment. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to lower the cost of your move. Here are a few pointers.
- Plan ahead and book early: Booking your movers in advance can lead to big savings. Whether it’s a moving company or a rental truck, locking in your plans early can help you avoid last-minute price increases.
- Declutter: Take stock of all your belongings and get rid of the items you don’t use. You can sell your stuff online or at a yard sale. Not only will you reduce the amount you have to move, but you’ll also earn extra cash.
- Compare moving companies: Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Get estimates from multiple moving companies. Compare services and prices, then read customer reviews and moving experiences to ensure you work with a reputable moving company
- Choose the right moving date: Weekends and holidays are peak times for movers, and so is the summer. Opt for a mid-week or off-season move to save money. Being flexible with timing can lead to better rates and more availability.
- Use free packing supplies: Check out local grocery stores and online community groups, or ask friends who have recently moved for free boxes and packing supplies.
- Drive your own vehicle: While this is a big task for long-distance moves, driving your car instead of shipping it can save you money and be a useful way to move fragile or important items yourself.
- Pack efficiently: Make the most of your space by packing smart. Use clothing to wrap fragile items rather than buying bubble wrap, and organize your stuff carefully to avoid multiple trips.
FAQ
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