Cross Country Moving Companies | The Easiest Way To Save Money
From packing, to storage, you can cut your long distance moving cost by as much as 30%.
What’s the cheapest way to move cross country? Here’s everything you need to know about cross country moves and cross country moving companies.
You’re moving across the country. Whether you’re starting in San Francisco and headed all the way to New York, or somewhere in Ohio headed for the beaches of Florida, this move is going to be a BIG deal. But, where do you start?
Most importantly, you probably want to hire a moving company to ship your household belongings. It may cost more than doing it yourself, but you’ll save a lot of hassle and headache in the process. Cross country moving companies have trained professionals that can handle the heavy loads and get it all there in one piece.
If you’re preparing for a long distance move, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’re discussing everything you need to know about cross country moving companies and how to save money on your move.
What Is the Most Affordable Way to Move Across the Country?
No matter which way you look at it, you’re going to spend a significant amount of money on your cross country move. But, there are some things you can do to cut costs before moving day even arrives.
You should start by preparing a checklist of things that need to be done prior to the move. This may include but is not limited to obtaining moving materials, donating items to charity, and moving day needs for you and your family. You can add anything to your checklist that you don’t want to forget throughout your move.
With that, let’s take a look at some ways to save money on a big move.
Downsizing
One of the easiest ways to save money on a long distance move is to simply get rid of things that you don’t need or use. Moving companies base part of their charges on weight so the less you have to move, the more you’ll save.
Start with the closets and garage, if you have one. This is where the most “junk” gets stashed away. Then, take a pen and paper and walk through each room in your house, noting things that can be donated, sold, or thrown away. This may include furniture, decorations, and even household goods like plates and silverware.
Want to make some money in the process? Have a yard sale or search for local thrift shops with consignment programs in your area.
Supplies
Remember that checklist of things you need to prepare before the move? Here is a reminder that you’re going to not only need supplies but also know what and how much you’ll need.
Moving supplies can get expensive as they add up. You’ll need boxes, packing tape, furniture cloth or blankets, and more.
You can save money on moving supplies by asking local stores for boxes, to start. Not only will you save money, but you’ll be recycling which is good for the planet. Beyond that, look online for local classifieds where people are giving away their old moving supplies.
Packing
Most moving companies will offer moving services such as packing in their moving quotes. You can bypass this charge by packing everything yourself.
The important thing to keep in mind about packing yourself is that you are liable for your own belongings inside boxes. That means, if anything breaks in transit that was packed by you, it’s your loss; the moving company is not responsible. But, you already obtained a bunch of free moving supplies so your items will be packed tight and cozy.
Enlisting Help
If you’re thinking of a DIY move, you can cut moving costs by enlisting the help of friends and family on moving day. You probably rented a moving truck but you want to save money compared to paying professional movers to load your things.
If you do hire a mover, loading your belongings is included in the overall moving charge. Moving companies will not allow you or anybody but the hired movers to load for liability reasons.
Obtain Multiple Quotes
Moving company prices can vary depending on various factors such as the type of items they are moving and how far.
Do your research before hiring a moving company. Make sure the company does an in-person inspection to survey your belongings before they give you a quote. It is recommended to get at least three quotes before making a final decision.
Keep in mind that you should expect to pay more to move specialty items like pianos or antique furniture.
Moving Date
Consider your moving date. Is it in the middle of the summer when everybody else in the country is also moving? Or, is it in the dead of winter when most people are staying in?
Your moving date plays a big role in the overall cost of your move. Gas tends to be more expensive in the summer. Moving companies tend to charge less in the winter months because of decreased demand.
Also, weekends and holidays are going cost more so plan your move between Tuesday and Thursday depending on how far you’re going.
Tax-Deductible Moving Expenses
Your moving expenses may be tax deductible if you’re moving for a job. Additionally, if you donated any items throughout your purge to downsize, you can write them off!
Save all of your receipts as you prepare to move and keep them on hand for tax season next year.
Questions to Ask Cross Country Movers
One of the most important things to find out before you hire a moving company is whether they are registered with the FMCSA or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. All moving companies are required to register with the FMCSA. The FMCSA ensures uniform rules for all transporters of household goods across state lines.
How Much Do Cross Country Moving Companies Charge?
Moving companies charge by weight and distance. The cost to hire movers will vary depending on the size of your home and how much ‘stuff’ you have. Movers may also calculate the number of items that you’re moving.
The average cross country move costs anywhere between $2500 to $3500. This calculation is based on approximately 7000 pounds and 1000 miles which is like moving from Texas to Chicago.
Remember that moving in the summer will likely cost you more. And specialty items are not considered in this average.
So, let’s get a further breakdown of what it costs to move the average home or apartment.
How Much Does It Cost to Move a One Bedroom Apartment Across the Country?
Moving from an apartment may come with additional charges. Some examples of what may cost you more include the following:
- Packing services
- Packing supplies
- Moving items up or down stairs
- Long carries for long hallways and inaccessible parking
- Shuttle service if the truck cannot fit or park near your apartment
Be sure to ask your mover while they are preparing your on-site estimate about these additional charges and how they may affect you.
As noted, movers base their estimates on weight and distance. An average weight calculation for a one bedroom apartment is approximately 3500 pounds factoring in the following items:
- Full-size bed – 350 lbs
- Dresser – 250 lbs
- Couch or Sofa – 300 lbs
- Entertainment center – 200 lbs
- 60′ flat screen TV – 75 lbs
- Desk – 150 lbs
- Desktop computer and monitor – 50 lbs
- Dining Set – 600 lbs
Keep in mind that your apartment may have more or less and you’ll also need to factor in the weight of all your boxes. Without the extra weight, you can expect to pay a standard of at least $1600 for 500 miles. The price will inevitably go up the further you travel at approximately $2100 for 1000 miles and $3800 for 3000 miles.
Remember, these are just averages to give you an idea of what to expect. Your move may cost more or less according to the exact distance and weight.
How Much Do Movers Cost for a 2-Bedroom Apartment?
Factoring in a whole extra room worth of furniture, clothes, and other belongings drives the prices up a little bit. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay a moving company to move your two bedroom apartment:
- Standard Cost – $2000
- With Packing Services – $2400
- With Mover’s Insurance – $2470
- With Mover’s Insurance and Packing Services – $2700
1000 miles
- Standard Cost – $2600
- With Packing Services – $3000
- With Mover’s Insurance – $3000
- With Mover’s Insurance and Packing Services – $3300
3000 miles
- Standard Cost – $5000
- With Packing Services – $5400
- With Mover’s Insurance – $5400
- With Mover’s Insurance and Packing Services – $5700
These figures are based on a 2-bedroom apartment weighing approximately 4500 pounds at 500 miles.
How Much Does It Cost to Move a 2-Bedroom House Across the Country?
A house typically has more than an apartment no matter the size. Some two-bedroom homes are quite large with enough space for several large furniture items. Not to mention you probably have a garage, storage shed, and outdoor items that you’ll want to pack.
If you don’t plan to get rid of much, you can expect that the weight of your home is around 7000 pounds. For a cross country move, most companies will charge in the range of $0.50 per pound, plus mileage of course. That’s $3500 just for your weight before the carrier calculates mileage and additional services.
How Long Does It Take for Movers to Move Your Belongings Across the Country?
It can be difficult for movers to give you an exact date of arrival on your shipment. This is because there are many factors that go into determining the delivery time including the size of your shipment and how far you are traveling.
Other factors to consider may be inclement weather that slows your driver down, traffic jams, mechanical troubles, and blown tires. It’s also important to understand that your belongings are not the only items being transported. Your driver will likely have to make other stops to pick-up and drop-off other moves.
Most movers will give you a two-week window for when your belongings should arrive with a required by delivery date. If your shipment has not arrived by the final date stated on your bill of lading, you may be entitled to compensation.
How Far in Advance Should You Book Cross Country Movers?
The best rule of thumb is to give your movers as much notice as possible before your move, especially in the summer months. This will guarantee that your movers have all of the proper equipment for your move, ensure better organization, and could even save you some money.
The further away your move is the more notice you should give your mover. This means, for a 3000-mile move, you should contact a mover at least 8-12 weeks in advance. A move of any other distance requires at least six weeks notice.
Do You Pay Cross Country Movers Before or After the Move?
It’s actually a red flag if a moving company asks you to pay for anything up front. Some companies may ask for a deposit during peak season to secure your moving date, but anything more than this should be carefully scrutinized.
You should also be sure to understand the terms and conditions of canceling your move, especially if you’ve been asked to put down a deposit. Your moving company should allow you to cancel up to a week prior to the move for a full refund during the slow season and at least two weeks during peak times.
Last Minute Moves
Your relocating cost will inevitably go up if you are forced to move on short notice. Keep in mind that most movers are booked a couple of months in advance meaning your list of options grows shorter the longer you wait. This could mean the difference between a reputable moving company and a scam.
Do your research on the moving companies you’re considering and take the time to get a few different quotes as you would any other time. This will ensure you find the best deal with a moving company you can trust.
Final Thoughts
Hiring cross country moving companies is a big decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. A cross country move involves a lot of work and you don’t want to find yourself in your new home having missed something.
Keep this guide in mind as you navigate through the moving process to ensure that everything gets done right for a fair cost.
If you’re looking for movers that specialize in cross country moves, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ve done all the work for you!
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