7 Ways to Cut Cross‑Country Move Costs

Thinking about packing up and moving across the country? You're not alone. My husband and I braved three big moves in three years. In August 2020, we said goodbye to Missouri and headed to Alabama. The next year, Indiana became our new home. Then, in 2022, we took a leap all the way to California. Each time, we rolled up our sleeves and did it ourselves. We rented the truck, packed boxes, loaded up, and hit the road with our car in tow. If you're getting ready for a cross-country move, I've been in your shoes—and know how much there is to consider.

Would we do anything differently? Absolutely. First on the list: learning more about the California neighborhood we were moving to. We arrived sight unseen, and as lifelong Midwesterners, we were not ready for the hills. The moving truck didn't fit into the apartment complex driveway. So we had to park on the street and haul everything up a hill—and then up a flight of steps. What should have been a straightforward unloading turned into a four‑day marathon.

I realize now, I should have asked the apartment manager ahead of time whether there was space for a moving truck. And, in that particular instance, hiring movers could have saved us time, stress, and a few "character‑building" moments in our marriage. So, in my experience, a big move can bring stress and a hefty price tag, but it can also be a fun adventure. Let me share a few stories from my moves that could help make yours smoother.

Moving from one state to another could cost between $2,200 to $16,000 or more—depending on the distance, how much stuff you're moving, whether you hire a moving company, or go DIY like we did. Costs are typically affected by the distance you travel, the size of the truck, and the weight of your belongings—even the time of year you move. On top of the obvious cost of renting a truck or hiring movers, there are other expenses like insurance, deposits, tolls, storage, meals, gas, and lodging along the way. It all adds up.

Real-life tip: If you're driving cross-country, book ahead to manage hotel costs. We were traveling with our two dogs, so I looked for a hotel chain that allowed pets and signed up for their loyalty program. During our four-day move we stayed in four different hotels in the same chain and ended up earning three free nights that we used last year on a Christmas trip!

Bonus tip: Look for hotels that offer a free breakfast. It's one less meal to pay for.

It could be easy to underestimate the costs of a move. Create a list and start with the big costs of the physical move, but don't stop there. Include categories like:

• Moving company or truck rental
• Packing supplies
• Travel, including meals, lodging, gas, and tolls
• Vehicle shipping
• Temporary housing
• Insurance and storage

On top of this, consider adding a contingency fund of 10-15% for unexpected expenses.

Real-life tip: Packing materials are more expensive than you might think. Compare prices for moving boxes. If you are on a budget, start collecting free boxes several months in advance and save them for the big move.

A move isn't just about getting to your new home. It's also about moving into your new place. To get ready for set-up costs, make sure you've budgeted for:

• Security deposits, first/last month's rent, or closing costs if you're buying
• Utility setup fees
• Temporary housing (if needed)

Real-life tip: Some states require a credit check and deposit for utilities. In Alabama, we had to pay a $500 deposit to get our utilities turned on. That was an unexpected expense to say the least. If you are watching your budget closely, find out in advance if utilities are included in your rent or if deposits are required by your new utility companies.

Movers charge by weight, truck size, and distance. Often, moving pods have weight limits too. Downsizing before your move could save you a lot. If something wasn't expensive or doesn't have sentimental value, consider selling it and using the proceeds from the sale to offset your moving costs. If you can't sell it, donate or recycle it. You could use the money you save on moving costs to replace an item later.

Real-life tip: If you think you'll be moving, be intentional about the furniture you buy and beware of bulky items. We knew a DIY move was coming, so when we got new furniture, we bought a modular couch that came apart into several pieces. It made our last move so much easier.

You've got options: full service, DIY, or a hybrid/container move. Compare the pros and cons of each. One type will cost more money, another more time. Moving company costs can vary a lot. For a full-service, long-distance move, which is generally defined as 400 miles or more, you could pay anywhere from $4,400 to $17,000 depending on the moving company, number of items, services included, and time of year. Even the day you move can make a difference. Do you want them to help you unpack? That's usually extra.

Even if you're doing it yourself, you still need to compare costs. Truck rental companies not only have different prices, but different types of trucks and ride features. Plus, some companies offer discounts for students, military, and other organizations. It pays to shop around.

Real-life tip: A lot of good truck rental companies are competitive and will price match—if you ask. I got a truck with cruise control from one company for the same price I was quoted by another company that didn't offer it— just by asking if they'd match it!

Whether you're driving or flying, travel costs add up. See if your employer offers relocation benefits, look for hotel rewards, or consider taking advantage of credit card offers. If you know you're going to spend a lot of money on the move, consider exploring credit card offers that come with a generous welcome bonus or rewards for spending a certain amount in the first few months.

Real-life tip: Looking back, if I had signed up for a new credit card at the start of a move, I could have easily covered the required spend to get a sign-up bonus with my moving costs.

There could be risks that can occur during a cross-country move including lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings. You may want insurance just in case.

• Start by checking the type of insurance your moving company carries. Many will include basic coverage in the estimate or full-value coverage for an extra fee. Get the details. If you have a lot of valuable items, consider third-party moving insurance. Also check your current homeowners or renters' insurance. Some policies offer limited coverage for personal property during a move.
• Watch out for scams. Make sure the moving company is registered with the Department of Transportation as required by law. Low-ball offers or large deposits are red flags. Work with a reputable company and always get a written, binding estimate.
• Having your own emergency fund is always a good idea.

Real-life tip: Because we were renting, I discovered that renters insurance could be useful at your new destination—even if you're staying with a friend. Right after we moved to Alabama, Hurricane Sally hit. We were staying with a friend and weren't covered by their insurance. In the hurricane, we lost everything that was touching the floor and spent thousands of dollars replacing books, clothes, and furniture we had just moved. That was a hard lesson. Consider the major risks in your new location and explore appropriate insurance coverage.

Moving can be stressful, but there's plenty of room to make it a fun adventure too. If you can carve out time to visit friends, family, or those can't‑miss spots along your route, go for it. When we drove to California, we stretched the trip to four days and visited both the Petrified Forest and the Grand Canyon along the way, and honestly, it ended up being one of the best trips of my life. My final take‑away from all these moves? Next time, I'm letting the professionals handle the heavy lifting.