April 17, 2025
A Comprehensive Guide to Cross Country Moving Costs
How Much Does It Cost to Move Cross Country?
Planning a cross country move is no small feat. Whether you’re relocating for a new job, school, or simply a change of scenery, it’s important to understand what goes into the moving costs and how to save money along the way. This guide will help break down the cost to move an apartment cross country, explain the services offered by long distance moving companies, and provide tips to make your cross country move as smooth and cost effective as possible.
How Much to Move Cross Country?
The total cost of a long distance move can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size of your home, the distance, the additional services you choose, and the time of year. On average, the cost to move a 1-bedroom apartment cross country can range from $2,000 to $5,000. The cost of moving across Canada can be higher if you’re crossing provincial borders, with average prices between $3,000 and $7,000 for a full-service move.
Some people wonder: how much does it cost to move across Canada using a portable storage container or a moving truck? These options can be more cost effective for smaller moves or those who prefer to move at their own pace.
Choosing Between Long Distance Moving Services
There are several options when it comes to long distance moving services:
- Full Service Moving Company: A full service mover handles everything from professional packing services, loading, transportation, and even unpacking services. This is the most convenient but also the most expensive option.
- Portable Storage Container: A great option for those who want flexibility, moving containers offer built-in storage and allow you to pack and move at your own pace. This method may involve more than one container depending on the size of your move.
- DIY with a Moving Truck: Renting a moving truck is one of the cheapest ways to move across the country, especially for smaller homes. However, it requires more physical effort and careful planning.
- Cross Border Moves: If you’re moving from Canada to the US, working with moving companies Canada to US or cross border moves specialists ensures proper documentation and customs clearance.
What Affects Your Cross Country Moving Costs?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much to move cross country, but here are the several factors that influence pricing:
Distance and Route (e.g., across Canada or across the country)
The total mileage between your current home and your future destination plays a huge role in shaping your expenses. The farther the move, the higher your costs will likely be; this is because fuel, driver time, and wear-and-tear on moving vehicles all increase during a cross-country move.
For example:
- The cost of moving across Canada, from Toronto to Vancouver, will differ significantly from moving between Toronto and Montreal.
- Similarly, a move across multiple states in the U.S., like Florida to California, will cost much more than a shorter, regional move.
Size of Your Home and Weight of Your Household Goods
The size of your home or apartment (and the weight of everything in it) will also influence your moving costs. Movers typically charge based on the weight of your household items combined with the distance of the move.
Average Costs by Home Size:
- Cost to move 1-bedroom apartment cross country: $1,500–$3,500
- Cost to move a 2-bedroom apartment cross country: $3,000–$6,500
- Cost to move a house cross country (3–4 bedrooms): $6,500–$12,000
Packing fewer items or purging what you no longer need can lead to significant savings on your move! Maybe it’s time to ask yourself, “Do I really need that old couch I haven’t used in years?”
Professional Packing, Fragile Items Handling
Hiring professional packing services can save you time and reduce stress during your move, especially when dealing with delicate or high-value belongings. Professional packers are trained to handle fragile items such as glassware, artwork, electronics, and antiques with care, using high-quality packing supplies like bubble wrap, foam, and custom boxes to ensure everything arrives safely.
However, this level of service comes with an additional cost. The price for professional packing typically depends on the volume of items, the complexity of the packing required, and the materials used. Handling fragile items may incur extra fees due to the specialized techniques and extra time involved.
If you’re considering this service, it’s a good idea to request an itemized quote from your moving company to understand how professional packing and fragile item handling will impact your final bill. While it may increase your moving costs, the peace of mind and reduced risk of damage often make it a worthwhile investment.
Type Of Moving Services Or Professional Moving Services Selected
One of the biggest decisions to make is choosing the type of moving service. The cost depends on whether you’re going for a full-service moving company, renting a moving truck, or opting for a hybrid service like container moving. Let’s break it down:
Full-Service Cross-Country Movers:
These companies handle everything from packing to loading and unloading. While they’re the most convenient, they also tend to be the most expensive. Expect to pay $4,000–$10,000+ depending on your home’s size and the distance.
DIY Moving Truck Rentals:
For budget-conscious moves, renting and driving your own truck is a cheaper option. Costs start at around $1,500 but keep in mind you’ll need to factor in fuel prices, tolls, and any extra insurance coverage.
Portable Moving Containers:
Companies like PODS or U-Pack will drop off a portable container for you to load yourself. They’ll transport it cross-country for a price that generally falls between $2,000–$5,000.
Use Of Storage Facilities
When planning a long distance or cross country move, there may be times when your new home isn’t ready for immediate move-in. In such cases, storage facilities offer a convenient solution by keeping your belongings safe and secure until you’re ready to receive them. Whether you’re facing delays in closing, renovating your new space, or simply need extra time between locations, storage can provide much-needed flexibility.
However, it’s important to note that storage fees will be added to your overall moving costs. These fees can vary depending on the amount of space needed, duration of storage, and whether you choose climate-controlled or standard facilities. Some long distance moving companies offer integrated storage options as part of their full service packages, while others may use third-party providers.
If you’re considering storage as part of your move, be sure to factor it into your budget and ask your moving company for a detailed quote that includes all related charges.
Additional Moving Services Like Furniture Disassembly/Reassembly
Don’t forget about services that could increase your moving costs, such as:
- Disassembly/Reassembly of Furniture: Not all movers include this in standard costs, so ask in advance.
- Insurance: Protecting your belongings with full-value protection is an upfront cost but could save you money if anything is damaged.
Seasonality (Summer Tends To Be More Expensive)
The timing of your move can drastically impact your costs. Moving during summer (peak moving season), weekends, or public holidays may mean higher demand and higher prices.
Pro Tip:
If your schedule is flexible, consider moving day to be mid-week or during off-peak months (fall or winter) to lower your costs!
Getting an Accurate Quote: Understanding Cross Country Moving Costs
To avoid surprises on your final bill, always request a free quote from professional moving companies. Using a moving calculator can help you estimate your costs, cost difference but a visit from a long distance moving expert or virtual assessment gives you the most accurate quote.
If you’re in British Columbia, Alberta, or Ontario and planning a long distance move or a move to a new province, be sure to ask about storage, unpacking services, and additional costs that may come up.
Tips to Save Money When Moving Cross Country
- Declutter before you start packing to reduce the load
- Book your long distance movers early to secure lower rates
- Consider a hybrid move—hire professional movers for heavy lifting and do the packing yourself. Read more about long distance packing tips.
- Use second-hand or free packing supplies
- Compare quotes from multiple cross country moving companies
Hiring Cross-Country Movers vs. DIY Moving
Which route is right for you when moving long distance?
Professional Movers:
- Best for: People who prefer convenience and have a larger budget.
- Perks: Professional moving team handle the heavy lifting, saving you time and stress.
- Drawbacks: Higher costs compared to DIY options.
Do-It-Yourself Moving:
- Best for: Cost-conscious movers with a smaller load.
- Perks: Big savings compared to full-service movers.
- Drawbacks: Requires more effort, planning, and driving long distances.
Still undecided? Consider hybrid cost effective options like portable moving containers for the best of both worlds!
Why Hire a Professional Long Distance Moving Company?
While DIY might be tempting, professional movers bring experience, efficiency, and peace of mind. Whether you choose a reputable long distance moving company, or a local moving company, make sure they are licensed, insured, and reviewed positively by past customers.
Most companies offer customizable packages that include professional packing, packing service, transportation, and optional storage facilities at your new location.
Your Cross-Country Move Plan: Simplified
Planning a long distance move doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the moving costs, choosing the right moving services, and working with experienced professionals, your transition to a new city or new home can be exciting instead of stressful.
Whether you’re moving from Vancouver to Toronto, or embarking on a cross country adventure across Canada, the right planning and professional moving services can make all the difference.
Need help planning your move? Get a free quote from a trusted cross country movers team today and take the first step toward your new home.
