How Much Do Long Distance Movers Cost – 2018 Cost Guide
Are you moving long distance, but not sure how much it’s all going to cost? Read on to learn how much long distance movers cost.
According to the United States Census, more than seven million people move across the country each year. 1.2 million more people move completely out of the country. Couples with young children are the most likely to make a long distance move.
So, are you one of the lucky eight million-plus? Will you be moving a long distance this year?
If so, you’ll need to make a budget. It’s vitally important that you get a realistic view of the expense of moving across the country, especially if you are shelling out savings to do so.
Learning how much long distance movers cost can be tricky — as there are often hidden fees and unforeseen circumstances. Let’s break it down so you can have an accurate budget for your upcoming move.
How Far is Long Distance?
Sometimes, if you’re moving within a city, it can feel like you’re changing your entire environment. Movers in hot spots and urban areas will cost more, on average, than in other areas. This can be due to limitations on space, or because the market has yet to reach saturation and responds to demand.
Whatever the reason, if you’re moving from a fourth-floor walk-up in Queens to a penthouse on the Upper East Side — you’re going to have to shell out some cold hard cash.
Long distance movers that start or end in California might also cost more than moving through other states because emissions caps and trucking costs are higher in the Sunshine State. Fuel prices could also be a factor in your long distance move, so make sure you factor in plenty of money to pay for gas.
Don’t worry. Even if you’re moving thousands of miles, there are still some good ways to save money.
Pick Your Poison
There are several options for what to do with your stuff when you’re making a cross-country move. Some people find out the costs of driving everything, shipping everything, or even selling everything they own.
Driving everything requires that you rent a moving truck and load everything yourself. If you have small children or pets, this might not work. Same if you are moving completely solo and already own a car.
Some people might rent cargo trailers to haul behind the back of their cars or trucks. But, that too has its downsides — especially if you’re driving overnight or off of the beaten path.
Shipping everything has also become a popular option, and it’s best to use a moving cost calculator to estimate the hit to your wallet. No matter what method you use, make sure you get a moving estimate.
Ask a representative pointed questions or do some extra online research before accepting an estimate. There are almost always hidden costs, fees, or contract loopholes. Be sure to also check out the company’s Better Business Bureau rating and reputation on sites like Google and Yelp.
Estimating Your Movers Cost
When you’ve decided on your moving method and you’re ready to hire movers, there’s one rule of thumb you should always keep in mind: Long distance moves cost thousands of dollars, not hundreds.
If seeing a comma in your total bill is going to give you a heart attack, either find a way to save up for a more painless move — or find another option. Moving more than 1,000 miles is going to cost more than $1,000.
It’s a fact of life: Long distance movers, especially interstate and cross country, are always going to seem expensive. There are lots of ways to compare prices and use moving cost estimators, but it’s best that you be prepared for the price tag.
If you have lots of stuff, a big family, or large items like deep freezers and grand pianos, dollars add up by the dozens.
Choosing Reputable Movers
Critically important: Find cost-effective movers to help you get settled in your new life far away, but don’t skimp on quality to save a few bucks. Always make sure the movers you work with are licensed and insured.
It really pays to do your homework. These are your life’s belongings!
What Affects My Moving Costs?
Some of the factors you will have to take into account when getting a moving estimate are:
- Travel fees: Some companies have them, and they will be higher if you use a hyperlocal mover. Sometimes it pays to go corporate.
- Your moving date: When you move might actually be more important than how you choose to move. When deal hunting, ask for a moving cost calculator for different times of weeks, months, or year.
- Packing services: Will you be needing movers and packers, or just people to load the truck? It’s useful to know how much of the moving process you will be delegating to service providers.
- Storage: Are you storing your things elsewhere while you flee the country? Or are you moving everything from your old apartment to your new home? Some complicated moves involve storage periods — and you’ll pay for that dearly, too.
- Moving size: Moving a studio apartment from Albany to Portland is going to be much cheaper than transporting a house full of things from Florida to Las Vegas. Consider downsizing prior to your move, and think about what you really need.
- Add-ons: Here’s where they get you. Need your furniture assembled? Have valuable things that need wrapping while they travel hundreds of miles? That will cost you extra.
- Insurance: If you’re not taking everything with you in your car on your move, you’ll need to pay to insure your belongings. You can’t stay with them 24/7 during your move, and it’s important you have a guaranteed piece of mind. Watch out for large deductibles and always read the fine print.
Calculate Your Moving Costs
After you decide what type of move you’re making, make a list of add-ons and extras you anticipate having to deal with. Always err on the side of too many, as you’ll be pleasantly surprised if the bill turns out lower than you expected.
Moving can be demoralizing, but there are ways to make it fun. Start by using a moving calculator and getting a free moving quote so you can budget for things like packaging and your movers cost. Happy packing!
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