Moving into a new home sounds like a lot of fun. The reality looks different – moving, especially long-distance, involves a lot of anxiety and many chores. The process of moving is made simpler by hiring a moving company since it reduces the stress level.
A team of professional movers will do the heavy work, leaving you time to relax and take care of other important matters. However, hiring long distance movers comes with higher costs.
Learning how companies calculate long-distance moves and obtaining relevant information can help lower the final price.
Costs of Hiring Long Distance Moving Company
When you start planning your long-distance move, the biggest concern is how much money you’ll need to hire movers. However, getting the exact answer is not easy.
The final price usually ranges between $1,000 and $8,500. The average cost to hire movers is around $3,500. Many factors affect the costs, from the weight of your items to the distance from your current to your future residence.
| # of Miles | 1 bedroom | 2-3 bedrooms | 4-5 bedrooms |
| 250 miles | $1200 to $2,300 | $1,600 to $3,950 | $2,050 to $5,200 |
| Over 1000 miles | $1600 to $2,950 | $2,300 to $7,950 | $5,900 to $8,100 |
| 2500 miles+ | $1,900 – $3,950 | $3,800 – $9,400 | $9,100 to $18,500+ |
Essential Factors in Calculating Long-Distance Moves
Calculating moving costs across long distances is challenging because you must consider many components influencing the price. Let’s examine the factors that affect expenses the most.
1. Weight of Your Belongings and Relocation Distance
Local movers charge by the hour, while long-distance movers do it differently. The two most significant factors determining the final long-distance move costs are the weight of your belongings and the distance between your old and new home.
Movers will weigh the truck before and after loading your belongings. That way, they’ll get the exact weight that needs to be moved from point A to point B.
The company will charge the distance by the mile. More items in the truck and miles to travel will increase the final price.
2. The Total Amount of Things You Own
The number of stuff you’re planning to move plays a vital role in determining the cost of moving long distances. It affects many things, including the truck’s size, the number of movers, moving supplies, etc.
3. Truck and Gas Costs
Moving companies have trucks in different sizes, understanding that every customer has unique needs. You’ll need a larger truck if your belongings’ volume is high. Larger trucks cost more. Movers will also include fuel costs in long-distance moving calculations.
4. Time of the Move
When you calculate your moving cost, don’t forget to consider the time of the move. Many people move during spring or summer to sync with school calendars. Thus, during that period, movers are not only the busiest. Their prices are higher as well. Hiring a moving company during a slow season will reduce your final costs.
5. Logistics and Access
Understanding the importance of logistics of your long-distance move is vital. It can tremendously affect the final price. The access to your old and new home is significant as well.
Is there an elevator in your old or new building? Can the truck park close to your new house? Any inconvenience will require more time and labor. Thus, it will increase the costs.
6. Storage
Storage services are something many people need, especially in situations when there’s a time gap between relocating and settling in.
You need to leave your old home, and your new one is not ready yet. In that case, you’ll need storage for your belongings. This service is provided by all top-notch moving companies.
7. Number of Movers
The volume of your belongings will determine the number of movers. The typical number the moving company sends is two. But if the customer has bulky items or too many boxes, they’ll send more. More workers, higher costs.
8. Insurance
The safety of your belongings during the long-distance move should be at the top of your priority list. Moving companies offer different insurance levels, and these affect the final price.
Movers may include basic coverage in the long-distance moving estimate. Adding an extra layer of protection is possible by opting for additional coverage.
9. Optional Services
The basic service long-distance movers offer is the transportation of your belongings. However, they offer additional services as well. Additional long-distance moving services may include:
- Packing and unpacking – Movers will pack and label your belongings. They’ll ensure the items are adequately protected.
- Assembly and disassembly – Some pieces of furniture must be disassembled before the move. Moving companies can do this for you.
- Moving supplies (boxes, packing paper, moving blankets, tape, bubble wrap, etc.)
- Managing specialty items – Professional movers will handle any delicate or bulky items properly.
Getting any additional service will increase the final long distance moving cost.
Choosing the Long-Distance Moving Company
The choice of moving companies is enormous. The decision you make will impact the overall cost. A wide range of rates is available. Before going further, get multiple estimates from trustworthy long-distance moving companies.
Don’t even consider hiring the one without a license. Compare the prices and services moving companies offer. In addition, check reviews of previous customers.
A company that has the lowest rates may seem attractive. But remember that the least expensive option can be a less reputable one. Hiring professional out of state movers comes with many benefits.
They tend to be more personable and easier to work with. Most importantly, they’ll make your long-distance move less stressful.
Tips to Effectively Manage Long-Distance Moving Costs
With so many factors affecting the cost to hire moving companies, having some tricks up your sleeve can do miracles. We’ll share some simple tips to help you cut costs and stay within the budget.
1. Properly Plan Your Long-Distance Move
Every project that ends smoothly starts with good planning. Thus, that’s where you need to start. Going through a last-minute long distance move is the last thing you need. Book the moving company as early as possible.
2. Get Rid of Things You Don’t Need
Your belongings’ volume and weight increase the moving price. It’s a perfect time to ditch the things you no longer need. By eliminating unnecessary items, you’ll cut your long-distance move costs.
3. Skip Additional Services
While the idea of someone else packing and unpacking your items sounds fantastic, think about the costs. Consider things you can do by yourself. Focus on good organization. Get moving supplies, and start wrapping your furniture and packing boxes. Your chores will be done faster than you think.
4. Look for Discounts and Promo Deals
Long distance moves are costly, and you should use every chance you can to save money. Moving companies offer discounts, special offers, and seasonal deals to attract customers. Make use of that option. Even if a company doesn’t have ongoing special offers or deals, don’t hesitate to ask for a discount.
5. Avoid Moving During Peak Season
In the United States, the peak moving season is summer. That’s the most convenient period, especially for parents, because kids aren’t in school. As a result, it’s also the busiest and most expensive time to move. You can reduce expenses by moving during the fall or winter.
6. Discuss Extra Charges
Review the tiniest details before officially accepting the deal, including additional fees. Clarify any possible extra charges that can pop up. For example, will the costs increase if you change the time or date of your move? Do you have to pay more if the elevator doesn’t work on the day of the move?
7. Feel Free to Negotiate
If you want to get the best deal for your long distance move, bargain hard. Many moving companies will discuss details and tailor prices to match your needs and budget.
Get On-Site Written Estimate
There are various pricing factors for cross-country moves. Knowing the final price is vital. You’ll ask for quotes from multiple companies.
When you find the one you like, ensure you get an on-site estimate. Why is this important? It is possible for the quote to be low if the company is unaware of the exact circumstances.
Thus, movers can add additional costs later. To avoid that, ensure the movers provide an on-site estimate.
Before accepting the deal, get the quote in writing. The estimate should feature the following:
- Moving company name, address, and phone number
Time of the move - Estimated expenses (including insurance, additional fees, etc.)
Payment method - Signing date
Calculating Long-Distance Moves: How Do They Work?
Calculating long-distance moving costs requires considering various factors. The most important ones are the weight of your belongings and the distance between your old home and your new one. There are, however, many other factors that influence the final price.
Thus, make sure you plan your long-distance move in advance. When it comes to hiring professional movers, one decision might be enough to determine if the cost will increase or decrease significantly.
