How Much Is It to Move to Another State?

Moving out of the state is an exciting prospect. On the other side of the transition, all sorts of new things await you. There’s a new town to explore, new people to meet, and new places to play, eat, and relax when you move out of state. Before you can enjoy it, though, you’ve got to tackle the actual interstate move.

One of the biggest questions people often have about out-of-state moves is cost. How much is it to move to another state? What kind of moving expenses should you budget for? And where can you cut costs?

In this blog, we’ll look at the average cost of moving out of state, and how various long-distance movers price their transport services. By the time we’re done, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision about your upcoming move and keep your moving expenses in check.

Let’s dive in.

How to Calculate Moving Costs

Your moving expenses will change based on a few key factors: distance, volume of items to be moved, and add-ons. With that in mind, consider the following things as you budget for your move:

The size of your move. Are you moving a family home or a one-bedroom apartment? Large moves take longer to complete and will also be heavier from a volume perspective. This will result in a higher-cost move.
Distance. The longer your move, the more travel fees you’ll incur in the process. Travel fees include things like fuel costs and labor costs for the time it takes movers to get your items from Point A to Point B. To estimate how much you’ll pay in travel fees, you should have a rough idea of how far (in miles) your move will be.
Add-ons. Moving companies offer a variety of services, from moving your packed boxes to complete, white-glove service. Of course, the more add-ons you want, the higher the price. Still, these add-ons may be a worthwhile investment if you’re busy and just don’t have the time to handle the move on your own or if you have delicate, large, or high-value items that need the care and attention of a professional moving company.
Storage services. Storage services can be beneficial during an out-of-state move. They can also come in handy if you have items you can’t bear to part with but don’t want to move to your new home. Ask your moving company about the storage services they offer and what they charge for the convenience.
Moving date. Peak-season moves (generally defined as those that take place during the spring/summer months or on weekend days) will cost more than moves that take place in the off-season or on a weekday.
Moving supplies. A reputable moving company will provide professional, durable moving supplies for a price. The more of these supplies you need, the more you can expect to pay for your move. Keep in mind, though, that this is a very worthwhile investment. Choosing the right moving supplies keeps your items safe and helps protect them from breakage, damage, or displacement during transport.

Today, there’s no one-size-fits-all rule for moving out of state. In fact, the costs of moving out of state will vary if you’re….

Hiring a professional moving company

Hiring professional movers is wise if you’re facing an out-of-state move. In addition to keeping your items safe and secure and preventing unnecessary damage, a professional moving company will make a move less stressful for you and free you up to focus on other things – like settling into your new community.

If you choose to hire a professional moving company (and we HIGHLY recommend it), you can expect to pay a few thousand dollars for the move. Today, the average long-distance move costs $4,300, based on a moving volume of 4,700 lbs. and an average distance of 1,225 miles.

Keep in mind that the price above is only an average estimate. The actual cost you pay for professional movers will depend on the specifics of your actual move, including how much stuff you have to move, required moving supplies, insurance costs, add-on, relocation expenses, and the mileage traveled. The best way to get an accurate estimate for moving costs is to use our convenient, self-survey moving estimate tool and learn more about how movers price their services.

DIY-ing your move

If you’re looking to save a little money, the idea of renting a moving truck and DIY-ing the move may be appealing. Doing it yourself may be the cheapest way to move, but at the cost of your own physical labor. Truck rental companies offer an affordable way to move to a new state, although the process will involve MUCH more work for you. In addition to packing your boxes, you’ll have to load and ship everything on your own, which may or may not work, depending on your schedule.

If you’re considering DIYing your move, we recommend looking into partial help from a moving company instead. For example, you can purchase and pack your own boxes and hire a moving company to ship and transport everything for you. This is an excellent way to save money while also ensuring the safety and wellbeing of your items during the moving process.

Tips for Moving Out of State

Whether you’re a moving pro or tackling your first out-of-state-move, these tips can help you enjoy a streamlined, simple process from start to finish:

Determine your moving budget. First things first, decide how much money you have to spend on the move. This will determine which moving services to invest in and help keep moving expenses in check when you move out of state.
Visit your new location. If you haven’t yet, take a trip to your new city or state. We recommend doing a walk-through in the new house, sketching up a floor plan, taking some measurements to make sure all your furniture will fit, and familiarizing yourself with the new neighborhood. In addition to making moving day easier, this is a great way to start getting in the headspace for your big move.
Start purging and packing early. We recommend preparing for your out-of-state move months in advance, if possible. The earlier you start decluttering and packing, the less stressful the moving day will be. To keep you on track, we’ve created a complete moving checklist for your convenience.
Change your address and forward your mail. A few months before you move, put a change of address notice in with the USPS. It can take several weeks for mail forwarding to begin, so we recommend checking this off the list early.
Get some moving quotes. Before you hire movers, get some moving quotes to help you budget for your move. We recommend getting 2-3 moving quotes from different companies to ensure you’re getting the best deal for you. Make sure to get each quote in writing and keep a copy for your records.
Learn how to move safely. Moving can present real risks. Learn how to stay safe during the moving process by checking out our top tips on the topic.
Hire a moving company. If you’re going to hire a professional team of movers, get it done as early as possible. Full-service movers often have busy schedules that book up months in advance. Securing your team early is the best way to make sure you get the professionals you want on the date you need them.
Take breaks. Finally, moving can be stressful, and it’s important to take care of yourself in the process. Make sure to take breaks during the packing, decluttering, and preparing to do something fun with your family, or just to relax on your own. Remember: moving is a part of your life. It shouldn’t ever become your whole life.

Gallo Moving and Storage: Your Long-Distance Moving Resource

We understand that out-of-state moves are a little more complicated than in-town moves. The distance is greater, the logistics more complex, and the stress more pressing. Fortunately, you are not alone in the process.

Here at Gallo Moving and Storage, we’re proud to provide reputable long-distance moving services for clients like you. Whether you need boxes, packing, residential or commercial storage, or end-to-end, white-glove services, our team is here for you.

How Much Is It to Move to Another State? A Cost Breakdown

How to Calculate Moving Costs