How to Find the Cheapest Moving Services for Out-Of-State Relocation?
Moving cross-country shouldn’t break the bank or your trust. Avoid “lowball” quotes and bait-and-switch scams by securing binding estimates, decluttering early, and moving during the off-season. Learn how to identify licensed carriers and find the best value for your budget.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize Binding Estimates: Avoid verbal or non-binding quotes; always get at least three written “binding” or “binding not-to-exceed” estimates to lock in your price
- Timing and Volume Matter: Reduce costs significantly by moving during the off-season (October–April) and decluttering your home to lower the total shipment volume
- Verify Before You Hire: Ensure your mover has a valid USDOT/FMCSA number and avoid companies demanding large upfront cash deposits to prevent falling victim to moving scams
If you are thinking of finding the cheapest moving services, you cannot simply go for the one that gets you the lowest quote! Lower quotes can sometimes reflect subpar service quality. You need to get at least 3 binding quotes from different moving companies, decide on an optimal moving time, and declutter before you move.
Moving service costs usually differ according to the company that you are hiring, but there is an average range that you will need to know. This blog will walk you through the easiest way to move across the country.
What Does an Out-of-State Move Actually Cost?
Firstly, you will need to know how much it costs to hire the services before you narrow down the list of inexpensive cross-country movers. The following table will present an average range of prices based on the miles covered between two states in the USA.
| Home Size | 200–500 Miles* | 500–1,000 Miles* | 1,000+ Miles* |
| Studio / 1-Bedroom | $1,400–$2,500 | $2,000–$3,500 | $2,500–$4,500 |
| 2-Bedroom | $2,300–$4,000 | $3,500–$5,200 | $4,500–$6,500 |
| 3-Bedroom | $3,500–$5,500 | $4,500–$7,000 | $6,000–$9,000 |
| 4+ Bedroom | $5,000–$7,500 | $6,500–$9,500 | $8,000–$12,500+ |
*Actual costs vary by company, timing, and services included in a moving package
Table 1: Average Out-of-State Moving Costs by Home Size & Distance
Proven Ways to Find the Cheapest Cross-Country Moving Options
For those who want to know the best way to move cross-country, at the most affordable price, without compromising service quality, you can consider following the tips below.
Tip 1: Get At Least Three Binding Quotes
- Non-binding estimates are meaningless because the price can change after your belongings are loaded
- Always request a binding or a binding not-to-exceed estimate in writing
- Compare the quotes from direct carriers and broker networks that operate licensed carriers
Tip 2: Move in the Off-Season
- Peak moving season in the USA is May to September, and the prices spike due to high demand. So, plan your move between October and April, especially January or February, to get cheaper quotes.
- Try booking the moving company 4 to 6 weeks in advance during off-peak months to get the lowest available rates.
Tip 3: Declutter Before You Get Quotes
- Most interstate movers determine prices according to the volume of your furniture items, appliances, and other goods to be relocated.
- Consider selling, donating, or discarding items that are no longer needed before hiring a mover to reduce your quote, especially if you are moving across long distances.
Tip 4: Leverage the Broker vs. Carrier Advantage
- A carrier owns trucks and employs movers directly. A broker is a licensed intermediary that connects you to carriers and often offers negotiated rates lower than direct movers.
- Choose the one that meets your budget and service quality requirements, including the specific customizations you need for your move
Tip 5: Choose the Right Service Level
- Full-service movers handle everything (packing, loading, transport, unloading). It can be expensive, but you will get to avoid the moving stress.
- However, you can also opt out of the services that you will not need (like packing or assembling). This is the mid-range hybrid, which can cut costs as well.
- DIY truck rental is cheapest upfront, but adds costs of fuel and lodging to the total expense, making it less cost-effective than it initially appears.
Tip 6: Ask About Discounts
- Many companies offer military, senior, AAA, or student discounts that are typically 10–20% off the total cost.
- Always ask the moving company because they rarely advertise it up front.
Factors that can Turn Your “Cheap” Move into an Expensive Nightmare
Watch out for these red flags before signing anything with your choice of moving company.
- No written estimate — Verbal quotes do not have any legal standing, and prices can triple on moving day.
- Lowball quotes 40–60% below competitors — If the company you chose offers prices well below the competitors, that’s a hallmark of bait-and-switch pricing. They might be a fraudulent company.
- Large upfront cash deposits — Typically, legitimate interstate moving companies require a small deposit, which is around 20% or less, and you should never pay in full.
- No USDOT or FMCSA number — any interstate mover without a verifiable DOT number is operating illegally; verify at FMCSA.
We would suggest that you look up the USDOT number of the company you are choosing while also checking their reviews on Google, Trustpilot, or BBB. Look for recurring patterns in reviews rather than just the star rating. Also, confirm that the company has a physical address and ask for proof of cargo insurance and liability coverage before signing.
Cheapest Doesn’t Mean Lowest Price. It Means Best Value Per Dollar!
If you are looking for the easiest way to move across the country, you cannot just choose the mover that offers the lowest price! Find a verified and licensed company that does not end up costing you more than you intend to. All you need to do is make a plan so that your move meets the value that you pay for.
Post Comment