How much do cross-country movers cost?

The average cost of hiring a cross-country moving company is about $7,780, though costs can range from $4,400 to $17,000. That said, remember that cross-country moving costs can vary depending on numerous factors. These factors can include:

  • The size of your home
  • The total distance traveled
  • The number of moving trucks required to complete your move
  • The amount of oversized or specialty items you’re moving, like cars, pianos, or other belongings
  • Any additional services chosen, like packing or loading and unloading assistance

Cross-country moving cost by size

In many cases, the size of your home is one of the most significant determining factors of cross-country moving costs. More rooms typically mean more furniture and belongings. In turn, that means more packing materials, movers, and moving truck space.

Cross-country moving cost by distance

As noted, home size can have a major impact on cross-country moving costs. But distance also plays a significant role. Longer moves typically cost more, whether you DIY your move or invest in done-for-you service from expert movers, like ours at Allied Van Lines. Here’s a breakdown of average cross-country moving costs based on your home size and distance.

# of Miles
1 Bedroom APT
2 - 3 Bedroom House
4 - 5 Bedroom House
150$1,800 - $3,000$5,500 - $7,500$10,500 - $13,900
Over 400$2,200 - $3,500$6,700 - $9,250$12,900 - $16,900

Why Use Our Moving Cost Calculator?

Our team of moving experts at Allied Van Lines knows that budgeting is one of the most important — and potentially most stressful — parts of the moving process. Fortunately, our cross-country moving calculator can help you get a better idea of what your move may cost. 

We make it easy to determine a baseline estimate of costs by considering factors like the size of your home and the total distance you’re moving. We’ll also consider your dates. Many times, moving costs increase during peak moving season, which generally lasts from May to September. 

Finally, we’ll factor in additional costs, like: 

  • Moving services requested
  • Vehicles that need to be moved
  • Storage needs 

Our calculator will consider basic labor expenses as well. As a result, you’ll get a better idea of what you’ll actually pay on moving day.

When you’re ready to take planning to the next stage, contact a local Allied Van Lines agent for a detailed quote — with no upfront contracts required. We’ll work with you from day one to ensure your move is as smooth as possible, taking time to understand your needs, recommend services that suit your move, and customize a moving plan that works for you, your budget, and your schedule.

How to Calculate Cross-Country Moving Costs?

Moving price calculators make it easy to get a ballpark estimate of total moving costs. However, you can break out a pen and paper or spreadsheet to generate an estimate as well. Just remember to consider the following cost drivers: 

  • The size of your home: Look up average costs for cross-country moves based on home size. Doing so will give you a better idea of the range you could pay depending on the number of bedrooms in your home. 
  • Desired moving dates: Peak moving season lasts from May to September and may impact costs. Consider moving in the off-season to save on moving expenses. 
  • Additional services required: Do you plan to DIY most of your move, or are you interested in services like packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, transport, and more? If so, consider the average costs of these done-for-you services in your calculations. 
  • Storage requirements: Whether you need short-term storage while you settle in or are considering long-term options, don’t forget to add these costs into your moving expenses calculations. 
  • Additional travel costs: Make sure to include room in your budget for airline tickets if you’re flying, or gas, hotels, and food if you’re driving to your new destination.

For more information or a detailed estimate that makes planning a breeze, reach out to a local Allied Van Lines agent today.

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What Affects Your Cross-Country Moving Costs?

Alongside the factors mentioned above, several additional factors can affect your cross-country moving costs. Take a closer look at other variables to consider.

  • The size of your move: Larger homes typically cost more to move than a studio apartment or one-bedroom home. If you’re looking to shave off costs, you may consider downsizing as much as possible before packing and loading up.
  • The weight of your move: Weight may impact cost, meaning heavy items like pool tables or pianos may cost more to move.
  • The complexity of your move: Oversized or fragile items like art, pianos, and other valuables may require additional care and custom crating when moving.
  • The total distance moved: Longer moves are generally more expensive due to the time required to complete the move. For instance, a local move may take a few hours, while a cross-country move may take 2-3 days to complete.
  • Packing materials and crating needed: Specialty packing materials, such as mattress bags or custom crating for art, instruments, or other breakable items, may drive up costs.
  • Assembly and disassembly: Moving teams can help disassemble furniture and reassemble it at your new home, but the additional time required may lead to higher expenses.
  • Storage needs: Storage solutions, such as storage-in-transit or long-term storage, can help make coordinating a move simpler. However, you may be charged additional fees for storing your belongings.
  • Valuation coverage: Many moving companies offer basic loss or damage protection for your items. You may also be able to opt into additional coverage, though it will typically come as an add-on to your estimate.
  • Fuel and lodging or airfare: Depending on your travel plans, you may need to consider costs like fuel for your car, lodging for you and your family, or one-way flights for you, your loved ones, and your pets.

For a better idea of your final costs and factors that may impact your budget, reach out to a local Allied Van Lines agent today. Our team will ask questions to learn more about your move and the services you desire, then provide you with a transparent quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still learning about the cross-country move costs and how a cross-country moving cost calculator can help with planning? Read on for answers directly from our experts at Allied Van Lines.

How is the cost of cross-country moving calculated?

In many cases, expert cross-country moving companies like Allied Van Lines base moving costs on the weight of your belongings and the total distance of the move. Once a baseline is calculated, a moving company may also consider the amount of packing materials required, whether custom crating will be needed, labor costs, and disassembly/assembly costs. 

Alternatively, cross-country moving expenses could be based on the total volume of your belongings. Moving companies may also consider time required to complete a move when calculating the final cost.

What factors affect cross-country moving costs?

A number of factors impact cross-country moving costs, including:

  • Your home size
  • The total distance of the move
  • The total volume and weight of your shipment
  • Specialty items
  • Vehicles transported, including cars, boats, and RVs
  • Additional services requested, like packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking
  • In-transit, short-term, or long-term storage needs

That said, our team at Allied Van Lines will work with you to create a custom moving plan that matches your needs and your budget. Reach out to our team today to learn more about your options and how our moving experts can help.

How can I estimate the cost of shipping my belongings across the country?

One of the easiest ways to estimate the costs of shipping your belongings across the country is to use a moving expense calculator. Simply plug in some details about your move — including your current destination, new destination, home size, and desired moving date — for a benchmark estimate of costs.

What is the average cost of a cross-country move?

The average cost of a cross-country move can vary dramatically based on the size of your home, the total distance of your move, and the services you require. However, the typical cross-country moving cost for a 2-3 bedroom home ranges from $6,700 to $9,250.

Are there hidden fees in cross-country moving cost estimates?

Some moving companies may hide additional fees in their estimates, such as administrative fees and fuel charges. But at Allied Van Lines, we’re proud to offer transparent, honest pricing with no upfront contracts and no hidden fees. Once you speak with an agent and determine the budget for your move, you can feel confident knowing that the price you’re given is the one you’ll pay on moving day.