Various factors determine the price of your relocation, including the distance, size, date, and services required. The good news is that we can assist you in acquiring a moving quotation over the phone or online once we know the answers to those questions.
However, if you're simply trying to get an idea of how much a long-distance move would cost in the future, looking at typical expenses and real-life cross-country moving instances will help you.
What Affects the Cost of Moving Cross-Country?
The entire cost of a cross-country transfer consists of several different elements, including:
- The gas you’ll use
- The cost of the moving truck
- The price of hotels and accommodations
- The cost of moving supplies
The Gas You’ll Use
To get an idea of fuel costs throughout the country, you'll need to use national averages. For example, there are 2,800 miles between New York and Los Angeles.
Even if you're in a hybrid, you'll need to stop at many gas stations on the way there. If you're driving a Toyota Camry, which gets approximately 35mpg on the interstate and 25mpg in the city, you may presume that you're driving a Toyota Camry.
This is a road journey; therefore, you can expect 35 miles per gallon. You’ll need 80 gallons of petrol for this journey.
The Cost of the Moving Truck
According to the MoveBuddha Cost Calculator, a fairly equipped two- to three-bedroom household relocating from New York City to Los Angeles (or the other way around) may expect to pay
- $2,665 for a rental truck
- $3,650 for PODS portable storage containers
- $5,200 for full-service movers
Generally, these prices reflect a middle ground between two extremes. Of course, trying a DIY move with a truck rental and free boxes may be the cheapest way, but professional movers or moving services can help make the moving process safer and easier.
The Price of Hotels and Accommodations?
While moving, you’ll most likely have to spend a few nights on the road, and you’ll have to stay in a hotel.
As of May 2021, the average cost of an overnight hotel was $115.57, depending on the area and time of year.
Depending on your food selections, you may anticipate paying anything from $5 to $30 per person for each dinner.
The Cost of Moving Supplies
The number of moving goods you need to pack and carry your things securely is one of the not-so-hidden moving expenditures that rapidly mount up.
If you're transporting delicate items like china or glassware, you'll also need to stock up on packing supplies like:
- Boxes
- Tape
- Bubble wrap
- Other wrapping materials
For transferring between dorms in college, it's normal just to throw everything in the trunk, but this isn't an option when transporting furniture over large distances.
Long-distance moving companies can help here, especially if they offer full-service moves. This is where the moving expenses translate into more than hassle reduction, as the additional services include packaging services and pick-up by the long-distance movers.
How To Save Money on a Cross-Country Move
One of the most popular strategies for cutting relocation expenses is to move closer to one's current location for a lower price.
Budgeting is crucial during a relocation since expenses may rapidly mount, and local moves are nowhere near the total cost of interstate moves.
However, moving is not only about estimated costs. If you’re set on a long-distance move, here are some ways to save costs:
- Create a moving budget
- Ship your car
- Choose cheaper lodging options
- Reuse old moving boxes
- Borrow a trailer from a friend
1. Create a Moving Budget
Moving may be difficult and costly if you don't prepare before the moving date. Making a moving budget and estimating the cost of your relocation include several considerations.
On average, renters should expect to spend between $1,000 and $3,000 on relocation. It may be considerably higher for homeowners, ranging from $8,000 to $11,000.
Moving may be stressful, but if you plan and pay attention to the little things, you can make the process go more smoothly.
2. Ship Your Car
Transferring a car is surprisingly simple, even if you're moving it across the nation. Most businesses provide coast-to-coast delivery services using numerous means, including trucking and even rail in certain instances. It all comes down to how far you're delivering, how fast your delivery method has to be, and the time of year you're shipping.
3. Choose Cheaper Lodging Options
One of your most significant travel expenditures is your lodging, so understanding how to get a good deal on a place to stay can allow you to save money for other things you want to do.
The price of hotels and apartments will almost always be lower if you stay outside of the city center rather than in the center.
4. Reuse Old Moving Boxes
If you can't afford to buy moving boxes, look for them at your local recycling centers. Neighbors are likely to throw out a lot of cardboard boxes, so you could also check for that.
The vast majority of small appliances and electrical devices ship in cardboard boxes, including anything from TVs to blenders. We suggest repurposing these boxes for your next relocation if you still have them.
Additionally, you will save money since you won't have to buy boxes because your stuff will fit properly.
5. Borrow a Trailer From a Friend
You’ll need a strong vehicle that can withstand rough terrains and harsh weather to travel across the country. Moreover, your car should be big enough to accommodate all the stuff.
But, if you don’t have such a vehicle, you could always consider borrowing a trailer from your friend that can help you!
What To Do Next
Moving to another state isn't easy, but if you're patient, tick one item off your moving-to-another-state checklist at a time, and keep everything in one place, you'll be able to settle into your new home with the pleasure of knowing you're beginning over.
Furthermore, it is critical to make critical choices ahead of time, such as whether you do it yourself or use a professional moving company. Is it best to send your automobile open-air or enclosed? You must decide on these details in plenty of time to prepare for relocation.
Carvaygo understands how stressful moving may be, so we aim to make the vehicle shipping process as straightforward as possible. Carvaygo may transfer your vehicle from your former location to your new residence regardless of where you opt to migrate.
Sources: Moving Cost Calculator - How Much Do Movers Cost? (2022)
Hotels: average daily rate US 2020 | Statista
How Much You Should Save Before You Move Out | Capital One
