Moving Out of State: What It Will Cost and How to Prepare

How much will it cost to move to another state? Unfortunately, the cost of moving isn’t entirely predictable. While moving companies provide customers with estimates, the final amount won’t be determined until the end of the move. Similarly, while customers can estimate the cost of renting a moving truck, they may not be able to predict all of the hidden fees.

To make things easier for you, we’ve summarized the average cost of moving when either hiring a professional moving company, renting a moving container or using a truck rental. Obviously, it’s going to cost a considerable amount more to hire professionals than to simply rent and drive a moving truck yourself. However, for many, the benefits of hiring others to do the heavy lifting is well worth the high price tag. Those looking for a happy medium between hiring professionals and doing everything themselves should consider renting a moving container. This hybrid DIY option is often less expensive than hiring full-service movers but more expensive than renting a moving truck. For a look at average out-of-state moving costs and tips on how to prepare for the move, keep reading.

The cost of moving out of state if:

Using a professional moving company

Hiring a full-service professional moving company to load, transport and unload your belongings to a new home won’t be cheap. However, it will make the interstate moving experience much easier than doing it all yourself. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, the average cost of a long distance move is $4,300, based on an average weight of 7,400 pounds and an average distance of 1,225 miles. This average also takes into account included moving services such as supplies and packing assistance. For reference, 1,225 miles is roughly the same distance between Fort Lauderdale, FL and Princeton, NJ.

Of course, this is only an average. Your interstate move will be affected by the weight of the shipment, the mileage traveled, labor costs, insurance costs and moving service add-ons. Rates also vary from moving company to moving company. We recommend obtaining estimates from at least three or four moving companies before hiring professional movers. It’s also a good idea to choose a mover who gives you a binding not-to-exceed estimate as opposed to a binding or non-binding estimate. A binding not-to-exceed estimate prevents a moving company from giving you a too-good-to-be-true quote, only to surprise you with a much higher bill later. Instead, a binding not-to-exceed type of estimate ensures that even if the weight of your shipment exceeds the original estimate, you’ll only be charged the amount you were originally quoted. If the shipment weighs less than originally estimated, then you’ll pay less than originally quoted. For advice on how to find and hire a reputable moving company, check here.

Using a moving container

Those looking for a cost-efficient, semi-DIY solution to an out-of-state move should consider renting a moving container. These portable containers also provide temporary storage before, during and after a move, making them especially convenient for those embarking on a complicated out-of-state move. Fortunately, there are a number of moving containers to choose from when moving out of state. Several popular shipping container companies that specialize in long distance moves includes U-Pack, PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT. According to HireAHelper’s price comparison, renting a U-Pack ReloCube costs on average $2,231 for an interstate move. For a look at other moving container company prices, check here.

Of course, the cost of renting a moving container largely depends on how far you’re moving, how long you choose to keep the container for storage purposes, the size of the containers and the number of containers needed. If you decide to store your container inside a climate-controlled storage facility, this will also add to the overall rental cost. For a look at the best moving and storage containers, check here.

Using a truck rental

Prefer not to spend thousands upon thousands of dollars on movers or a moving container? Try renting a moving truck instead. Truck rentals provide a particularly affordable way to move to a new state. Though you’ll have to do much of the heavy lifting and driving yourself, you’ll likely save a bundle on moving expenses in the long run. Rental rates for moving trucks vary depending on the day and time. According to a recent U-Haul quote, the cost of renting a 10 ft. moving truck in Miami, FL and driving it to New York, NY costs around $1,700. Other truck rental companies, such as Penske and Budget, tend to cost less than U-Haul.

The cost of renting a truck from a truck rental company depends on the size of the truck rented, the length of time rented, fuel charges, equipment rentals, the date of the move and whether the move is a one-way trip or a return trip. For a look at the best one-way truck rentals for your next move, check here.

Don’t forget about additional costs

Several hidden costs of moving include:

  • Moving supplies – Besides paying for one of the above moving methods, you’ll also need to pay for moving and packing supplies. These supplies include cardboard boxes, foam pouches, packing tape, labels, packing paper and more.
  • Closing costs on a home –If you’re buying a home in a new state, you’ll likely have to pay closing costs on the property. These costs often include Realtor fees, appraisal fees and title insurance – just to name a few.
  • Household furniture – Perhaps your old bed doesn’t fit in the new bedroom space or perhaps you’re simply ready for a clean slate. Whatever the reason, you’ll likely have to buy at least one or two pieces of furniture to furnish your new home.
  • Automobile shipping –Not planning to drive your car to the new state? You’ll need to pay for a professional to ship it across state lines. For a look at the best ways to move a car to a new city, check here.

How to prepare

Preparing for an out-of-state move takes time, energy and (of course) money. Here are a few items to include on your moving checklist:

  • Determine a moving budget.
  • Decide how you’re going to move (i.e. moving company, moving container or truck rental).
  • Visit the new city and state where you’ll be living.
  • Find a place to live.
  • Start the purging and packing process early.
  • Find new schools for your children.
  • Reach out to family and friends (and friends of friends) in the new state to tell them that you’re moving.
  • Make travel arrangements, if necessary.
  • Change your address and forward mail.
  • Transfer utilities.
  • Find a new doctor and research healthcare services in the area.
  • Take care of pet needs (i.e. registering a pet, finding a vet, gathering vaccination records, etc).

For a customizable moving checklist, personal tasks list, email reminders and coupons to help you stay organized during a move, check out our move planner tool.

Moving soon?

Need help moving to a new state? For help finding a reliable moving company, check Moving.com’s extensive network of movers. Our website makes it easy to find and book the best moving company for the job. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands. Best of luck and happy moving!