How to Plan for Long-Distance Moving

Every moving timeline will look different, but planning a long-distance move often requires a lot of extra organization. Try to create your moving plan at least three to four months (about 12 weeks) in advance to ensure you have both the supplies (moving boxes, tape) and transportation (rental truck, trailer) needed.

A solid timeline helps reduce stress in the long term and helps you stay organized when moving across the state or across the country. With the right plan, you’ll spend less time worrying and more time looking forward to your new home.

Long-distance moving includes more than just supplies and transportation, though, whether you’re moving across the state or across the country. It’s essential to plan before a long-distance move, but what are all the steps involved, and what does the planning process entail? Here’s everything you’ll need to stay on track for your long-distance move.

Key Takeaways Moving long-distance takes more than just a night to plan. Ensure you schedule specific times to focus on and research the most effective moving methods. Long-distance moving can be done with a moving truck, a portable storage container, or a full-service mover. Save on a long-distance move by selling belongings, getting free moving boxes, and using U-Haul coupons or discounts.

How Much Does a Long-Distance Move Cost?

Many factors influence the cost of a long-distance move, including distance, the amount of belongings, and the number of people moving. Depending on what method of moving you use will be the biggest cost factor when it comes to long-distance moving.

There are three options for a long-distance move: driving a rental truck, using a portable storage container, or hiring a full-service mover.

Rental trucks are typically the most cost-effective because you do most of the work, including driving and loading/unloading the moving truck. A key benefit of using a moving truck is that you can tow your vehicle or trailer behind it, saving both time and the cost of an extra trip. With all one-way reservations at U-Haul, you get a free month of storage at a local U-Haul moving and storage center.

A portable moving and storage container is the next most affordable option because someone is driving your items for you. These large, weather-resistant units are ready to be packed with your belongings, then transported by the company that rented them to you. A full-service move costs the most because your items are loaded, driven, and unloaded for you.

Learn more about the Costs for Cross-Country.

Types of Moves	Rental Truck	Portable Storage Container	Full Service Movers
0-500 Mile Average Price	$323	$1,090	$1,532-$3,841
501-1000 Mile Average Price	$995	$1,397	$2,340-$5,445
1001-1500 Mile Average Price	$1,657	$1,737	$3,181-$6,561
1501-2000 Mile Average Price	$2,190	$1,948	$6,539-$9,206
2001-2500 Mile Average Price	$2,694	$2,112	$8,018-$11,353
2501+ Mile Average  Price	$3,517	$2,340-$4,868	$8,605-$12,193

How Far in Advance Should You Plan a Long-Distance Move?

Here are some questions that can help determine the timeline of your move. Your answers to these questions may affect your moving timeline

• How many people are moving?
  • Moving by yourself may involve more physical labor, but less time for packing and moving. Learn more about How to Move by Yourself
  • Moving with children can often pose unique challenges — learn more about Moving with Kids
• What do you want to bring with you?
  • Consider leaving behind large, old, and damaged furniture. Only bring along must-haves for long-distance moves.
  • Learn more about How to Declutter Your Home.
• Is this your first time moving out?
  • Get all the moving tips you can get when it comes to a first-time move. It is easy to forget the essentials when moving for the first time.
  • Learn more about What to Do When Moving Out for the First Time.
• Do you want to fly or drive?
  • Does the cost of driving (gas, tolls, hotels) equal or exceed the cost of flying (flights, luggage, shipping items)? If yes, is the convenience of moving at your own pace worth the extra expense?
  • A rental truck gives you full control over timing and lets you move at your own pace. Learn more about How to Estimate the Mileage Fees for Your Move.
• When should you start packing your items?
  • The more stuff you have, the more time you’ll need to pack. This is why decluttering is so important! The size of your space will impact how long everything will take to pack.
  • Learn more about packing tips for you home.
• Will you move in right away, or is there a gap between move-out and move-in?
  • If you can’t move into your new home right away, you’ll need a safe space to store your belongings in the meantime.
  • Portable storage containers are a great way to have your items shipped and stored while you wait for your new home. Learn more: What is a Portable Moving and Storage Container.
• Will you need to tow your car?
  • Taking one trip with a moving truck and a car carrier is a fantastic way to stay on budget when planning a long-distance move. Learn more about How to Tow Your Car.

How Many People Are Moving?

The number of people moving can help determine the mode of transportation for your move, as well as how much time it’ll take for you to complete your move. 

Moving alone means that you have more flexibility and resources at your disposal.

However, if you have a larger family, options are a little more limited. For example, a family of 5 won’t all fit in the cab of a moving truck. At U-Haul, all moving trucks 15 feet and larger have 3 seats. In this case, it may be easier to drive separately or fly and have your belongings shipped to your new home.

When and How to Pack Your House for Moving

Start sorting your belongings as soon as possible, dividing them into “keep,” “sell,” and “give away,” boxes or piles. Consider what will be most important to you in your new location, especially if there is a climate difference in your new city.

You may decide to buy some things when you arrive instead of moving them, depending on the cost of the move or if you have limited space. These include common items like:

• Kitchen appliances – refrigerators, microwaves, etc.
• Books, TVs, tables, entertainment consoles
• Large furniture that has wear and tear
• Outdoor furniture/toys and décor

Remember to think about the current square footage of your living space and your future square footage — is there a substantial difference that may influence how much you need to get rid of or put away in storage for some extra space?

Get the floor plan of your new place as soon as possible. This will also help you decide what will fit and what to leave behind.

It's also important to make sure you take extra care while packing so your items aren't damaged during the trip. Find the right moving boxes near you to help with your organizing and packing -- you can also purchase moving supplies like furniture pads and packing paper that provide additional cushioning and padding.

REMEMBER: Safety first. Don’t push yourself too hard on moving day — rest, stay hydrated, and drive alert. Learn more about 15 Safety Tips for Your Next Move.

How to Budget for a Long-Distance Move

Having a sound moving budget will also make planning a long-distance move much less stressful. Find ways to reduce costs in any way you can, without sacrificing your items or safety in the process. Trying to source moving boxes near you for free or at a low price can be one of the biggest cost savers. Learn more about moving on a budget.

Try your local grocery store for free moving boxes from the dairy or grocery department. These are large, sturdy boxes, most of which have handles. Go around 5-7 a.m. for the night stock boxes and around noon for the day stock boxes. Always ask the store director or department manager for permission. These boxes will be flattened, so you will need to tape them up. Learn more about how to tape up a moving box.

Saving money on rental trucks by going for the lowest price and driving efficiently will also let you put more money into your new place! Learn more about How to Save Money on Truck Rentals and How to Choose the Right Size Moving Truck Rental.

 

Going with the lowest cost of portable storage containers is also one of the best ways to save the most on a flexible long-distance move.

Deciding How to Travel

Choosing how you’ll travel to your new home can dictate how many extra days you’ll tack onto your move. Traveling by plane can cut your moving time significantly, especially for cross-country moves. If you do decide to travel by plane, you will have to ship your items before departure.

Looking for the best way to move your furniture across state lines? A U-Box container shipped to your new home is a helpful solution for keeping all the contents of your entire household together and safe. Recommendations are given on the number of containers based on square footage/rooms to ensure you have the right amount of space for your items.

Hiring Long-Distance Movers

 A traditional full-service move with a long-distance moving company can be a costly and less flexible choice. Most quotes that come with a traditional full-service mover are inaccurate, and getting one involves video calls, personal home visits, and more. With U-Haul rental trucks, trailers, and U-Box® by U-Haul, you have the option of adding Moving Help® for loading and unloading your belongings.

Plus, with U-Box by U-Haul paired with Moving Help, you get a full-service move for a fraction of the cost! Learn more about How to Have a Full-Service Move With U-Haul.

 

 

Movers near you do all the heavy lifting for you in each separate location. This allows for variations in schedule and possible storage time you may need. With more than 7,500 Moving Help Service Providers across the United States and Canada, you’ll always have help moving.

Flexible Moving Dates

If there are gaps between move out and move-in dates, or if you’re unsure of your future address/permanent living situation, you may not know what to do with your things.

A helpful feature of a U-Box container is that it can be held in one of U-Haul's storage centers until you need it, you can access it any time or even schedule a date for delivery to your new home.

Movers near you do all the heavy lifting for you in each separate location. This allows for variations in schedule and possible storage time you may need. With more than 7,500 Moving Help Service Providers across the United States and Canada, you’ll always have help moving.

Deciding How to Travel

How you choose to travel to your new home will determine how much extra time your move might take. Traveling by plane can cut your moving time significantly, especially for cross-country moves. If you do decide to travel by plane, you will have to ship your items before departure. If your move is immediate, a moving truck is the best option. If you can be more flexible with your move, your best bet is to rent a portable storage container.

Final Takeaways

Planning for a long-distance move takes time, energy, and lots of research, but with the right resources and effective planning, your move can go silky smooth. By going with the most affordable, reliable moving trucks and trailers at U-Haul, you can get the lowest loading deck in the DIY moving industry at more than 25,000 locations in the United States and Canada!

U-Box containers are also a fantastic way to move. Forget driving a moving truck and pack at your own pace. Your items will then be shipped and stored until you need them at your new home. Don’t forget to pair Moving Help with a U-Box container or a U-Haul truck to ease the stress of doing the entire move on your own.