The Most Affordable Ways to Move Cross-Country

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Are you looking for the cheapest way to move across the country? There are five main ways to move out of state: selling/giving away items and moving in your own vehicle, moving with a trailer rental, renting a moving truck, renting a portable storage container, or hiring a full-service moving company.

Moving cross-country can be cheaper than you may realize. By using the right strategies when choosing your moving method, you can get to your new home for less.

What is the Average Cost to Move Out of State?

When moving out of state, various factors impact the cost of long-distance moving, but the key factor is this: The more you do yourself in the moving process, the cheaper it will be. Moving boxes, packing supplies, and equipment rentals are all nearly unavoidable costs.

Below are estimated average costs for moving, between doing it all yourself, renting a moving truck, renting a portable storage container, or using a full-service moving company.

Moving Method

Moving Using Your Own Vehicle and Trailer

Renting a Moving Truck

Portable Storage Container Rental

Full Service Moving Company

0-500 miles

$146

$232

$1,090

$1,787-$4,064

501-1000 miles

$190

$995

$1,397

$2,237-$4,999

1001-1500 miles

$598

$1,657

$1,737

$2,736-$5,713

1501-2000 miles

$797

$2,190

$1,948

$3,269-$6,250

2001+ miles

$1,560

$2,694-$3,517

$2,340-$4,868

$3,705-$6,540

 

Selling/Giving Away Belongings

This can be the absolute cheapest way to move out of state and cross-country. This involves donating your items to charity, setting up yard sales for your items, giving them to friends and family, or selling them on an online marketplace.

The downside is that many people end up spending more money replacing those items later than they would have spent on a trailer or moving truck rental. This option can also be challenging if you are moving with a family or have a larger household.

Learn more about How Much a DIY Move Costs.

Cross Country Moving with a Trailer Rental

The next most affordable option is renting a trailer. Even if your vehicle doesn’t currently have a trailer hitch, installing one and renting a cargo or utility trailer can still be one of the cheapest ways to move, aside from selling or giving away most of your belongings.

Learn more about How to Choose the Right Size Trailer Rental.

The best part about moving with a trailer rental is that there is no odometer and no mileage fees, keeping costs down.

 

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Get an affordable, reliable and accessible rental trailer for your move. Unlimited miles are included on all trailer rentals, always.

What is the Average Cost of a Trailer Hitch Installation?

The average cost of a trailer hitch installation can range from about $180 to $550. This price typically includes:

  • The reciever hitch
  • Trailer wiring (required by law)
  • Ball mount
  • Hitch ball
  • Professional installation labor

One of the biggest benefits of installing a trailer hitch is that you can continue using it after your move. A hitch allows you to tow trailers, attach bike racks, install cargo carriers, and add more versatility to your vehicle.

Learn more about The Complete Guide to Selecting a Trailer Hitch

Cross Country Moving with a Truck Rental

This is the most common way to move cross-country, and for good reason. Renting a moving truck keeps your moving timeline completely in your control, allowing you to travel at a pace that works best for you.

While driving a moving truck is easier than many people expect, there are a few important things to remember when operating a vehicle that may be two to three times larger than the one you’re used to driving. For example, avoid parking garages and drive-through lanes, because most moving trucks will not fit.

Learn more about 11 Tips For Driving a Moving Truck.

 

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Get an affordable, reliable and accessible rental truck for your move.

To keep your one-way move with a truck rental affordable while also reducing the load you have to carry, go with a labor-only moving company. Labor-only moving companies will complete a portion of your move, whether it's packing, loading, unloading, or unpacking. Even hiring all these services remains cheaper than booking with a full-service moving company.

 

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Get help with your move - find reliable moving labor near you.

Cross Country Moving with a Portable Storage Container

This option is another affordable and convenient way to move long-distance. The biggest difference with portable containers is that you don’t have to transport the equipment yourself. While this adds flexibility to your moving schedule, it costs more than renting a trailer or moving truck yourself.

Get a Quote Today! Tell Us When and Where You Need Your Portable Storage Containers
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Why You Shouldn’t Go with a Full-Service Mover

Full-service movers are far and away the most expensive option when moving. While for some people, convenience outweighs cost, often it doesn’t. Full-service moving companies are also not as flexible as truck rental companies and moving companies for hire.

Most long-distance moving companies will come to your house to get an active look at all of the items that are going to be transported, and the price that is quoted may not stay consistent with the final price you pay.

Learn more about DIY vs. Full-Service Moving: Which Option Fits Your Move?

Using U-Haul as a Moving Calculator

The best part about U-Haul is that you can add items and services that you plan to use for your move to the shopping cart, allowing you to look at your final moving cost in its entirety. Here's how you do it:

Once you have your final price, evaluate which items you can sacrifice vs. the ones you can’t. If you get rid of more belongings before the moving date, you can get a smaller moving truck and fewer moving boxes and packing supplies. This is one of the best and easiest ways to save money while moving long-distance.

Get started using U-Haul as your personal moving quote calculator today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Cross Country Moving

What is the cheapest way to move across the country?
The cheapest way to move across the country is usually by selling or giving away most of your belongings and traveling in your own vehicle. However, many people find that renting a trailer or moving truck offers a better balance of affordability and convenience, especially if you want to keep your furniture and household items.

How much does it cost to move cross-country?
The cost to move cross-country varies depending on distance, how much you’re moving, and the method you choose. DIY options, like towing a trailer or renting a moving truck, typically cost much less than hiring a full-service mover. For moves over 2,000 miles, costs can range from around $1,500 for DIY options to more than $6,000 with full-service moving companies.

Is it cheaper to rent a moving truck or hire movers for a long-distance move?
Renting a moving truck is usually cheaper than hiring a full-service moving company. With a truck rental, you handle the packing, loading, and driving yourself. Hiring professional movers adds convenience but significantly increases the total cost of your move.

Are portable storage containers cheaper than moving trucks?
Portable storage containers can cost more than renting a moving truck, but they offer added convenience because you don’t have to drive the equipment yourself. They are a good option if you want flexibility in your moving schedule or prefer not to drive long distances.

What factors affect cross-country moving costs?
Several factors affect long-distance moving costs, including the distance of the move, the size of your home, the number of belongings you have, the time of year you move, and the services you choose. Packing supplies, fuel, insurance coverage, and optional labor services can also influence the final cost.

 

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