When you’re moving all of your belongings across the country, you’re doing more than just transporting furniture; you’re trusting a company with your entire life. This can feel like a huge leap of faith, especially when you’re also trying to stick to a strict budget. Many people think they have to choose between affordability and reliability, but that isn’t the case. You can find experienced, inexpensive long distance movers who will treat your possessions with care. This article will walk you through how to vet a moving company, what red flags to watch out for, and how to prepare for your move to ensure everything goes smoothly from start to finish.
Moving can be costly, especially if you have a lot of stuff. Your best bet is to look for affordable long-distance movers to keep the costs down. Start off by contacting a well-established company like Starving Students which has been almost 50 years in the business. You can fill out the online form and get a free quote according to the number of bedrooms and distance. This number will also depend on the total weight you intend to move. Understanding what to expect will help you plan for possible expenses. You’ll also want to factor in several other aspects of the move that can run up a higher tab. Schedule Your Move Today
Understanding the Cost of a Long-Distance Move
Figuring out the budget for a long-distance move can feel like trying to hit a moving target. Costs can vary widely, but understanding the main components will help you get a clearer picture. The total price depends on how much you’re moving, how far you’re going, and the level of service you need. A move isn’t just about getting your things from point A to point B; it’s about the logistics, timing, and protection of your belongings along the way. By breaking down the potential expenses, you can create a realistic budget and avoid any last-minute financial surprises, ensuring your transition to a new home is as smooth as possible.
What qualifies as a long-distance move?
So, what exactly makes a move “long-distance”? While it might sound subjective, the moving industry generally has a clear definition. Typically, any move that covers more than 400 miles is classified as a long-distance, or interstate, move. Unlike local moves that are often priced by the hour, long-distance moves have a different pricing structure. The final cost is usually calculated based on the total weight of your shipment and the distance it needs to travel. This distinction is important because it affects everything from the initial quote to the logistics and legal requirements for the moving company.
Average cost estimates for long-distance moves
While every move is unique, looking at averages can give you a solid starting point for your budget. For a long-distance move of about 1,000 miles with the contents of a seven-room house, the average cost is around $3,500. However, this is just a ballpark figure. The actual price can range anywhere from $1,000 to over $8,000, depending on the specifics of your situation. Factors like the size of your home, the total weight of your belongings, and the exact distance will all play a significant role in determining your final bill. Getting a personalized quote is the only way to know for sure.
Key factors that influence your moving costs
Several key elements come together to determine the final price tag on your long-distance move. It’s not just about the mileage; the specifics of your inventory and the timing of your move are just as important. Understanding these variables allows you to see where your money is going and identify potential areas to save. For example, decluttering before you pack can have a direct impact on your costs, as can being flexible with your moving dates. Let’s look at the biggest factors that will shape your moving quote.
Distance and weight of your belongings
The two most significant factors in any long-distance moving quote are the distance you’re traveling and the total weight of your belongings. Simply put, the farther the destination and the more stuff you have, the higher the cost will be. Movers use industrial scales to weigh the truck before and after loading your items to get a precise measurement. This is why it’s a great idea to sort through your possessions and donate or sell anything you no longer need before you start packing. A lighter load directly translates to a lower moving bill.
Time of year and day of the week
When you move can be just as important as what you move. The moving industry has a peak season, which typically runs from late spring through summer. During these months, demand is high, and prices follow suit. If you have the flexibility, scheduling your move during the off-season (fall or winter) can lead to significant savings. Similarly, moving on a weekday is often cheaper than on a weekend. Planning your move for a Tuesday or Wednesday instead of a Saturday could help you cut costs without sacrificing service.
Potential extra fees and surcharges
Beyond the base price for weight and distance, certain circumstances can lead to additional charges. These are often related to accessibility at your old or new home. For instance, if the moving truck can’t park close to your entrance, you might incur a long-carry fee. Navigating multiple flights of narrow stairs or using a small elevator can also add to the cost. It’s crucial to discuss these details with your moving company upfront to ensure your quote is as accurate as possible and to avoid any unexpected fees on moving day.
Understanding moving insurance and full value protection
Protecting your belongings during a long-distance move is essential. By law, moving companies must provide two types of liability coverage. The first is Released Value Protection, which is basic, no-cost coverage but only reimburses you at 60 cents per pound per item—hardly enough to cover the replacement of a TV or antique dresser. The better option is Full Value Protection. While it comes at an additional cost, this coverage means the mover is liable for the replacement value of any lost or damaged items. It’s a worthwhile investment for peace of mind during a cross-country journey.
Comparing Your Long-Distance Moving Options
Once you have a handle on the potential costs, it’s time to explore your options for getting your belongings to your new home. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; the best choice for you depends on your budget, timeline, and how much work you’re willing to do yourself. From full-service professional movers who handle everything to a complete DIY approach where you’re in the driver’s seat, there’s a spectrum of services available. We’ll walk through the most common methods to help you decide which path aligns best with your moving needs and priorities.
Hiring professional movers
For many, hiring a professional moving company is the most straightforward and stress-free option. A full-service mover handles the heavy lifting, loading, transportation, and unloading for you. While it may seem like a more expensive route, the benefits are significant. You get the expertise of an experienced crew, the proper equipment to move heavy items safely, and the assurance of moving insurance. Companies with a long history, like Starving Students Movers, have been helping people relocate for decades, offering a reliable service that saves you from the physical strain and logistical headaches of a big move.
Renting a truck and moving yourself
If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind some serious physical labor, a DIY move with a rental truck is often the cheapest way to go. You’ll be responsible for everything: packing, loading the truck, driving it across the country, and unloading at your destination. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to budget for fuel, insurance for the truck, and any moving equipment like dollies and blankets. This option gives you complete control over your timeline but requires a lot of planning and effort, so be sure you’re up for the challenge.
Using moving containers
Moving containers offer a great middle-ground between hiring full-service movers and doing everything yourself. A company drops off a container at your home, you load it at your own pace, and then they pick it up and transport it to your new address. This option eliminates the stress of driving a large truck across the country. It’s a flexible solution that can also double as short-term storage if you need some time before unloading. It’s more affordable than full-service movers but more convenient than a truck rental.
Shipping your boxes
If you’re moving with minimal furniture or just a few rooms’ worth of belongings, shipping your boxes might be a viable and cost-effective choice. Services like USPS, FedEx, or UPS can be used for smaller items, while specialized freight companies can handle larger boxes or items on a pallet. This method works best for people who are selling most of their furniture and starting fresh. It requires careful packing and coordination, but for a small-scale move, it can be one of the most economical options available.
A hybrid approach: Mixing services to save money
You don’t have to commit to just one moving method. A hybrid approach can help you balance cost and convenience. For example, you could rent a small truck or van for your most valuable items and personal effects, while shipping your books and clothes. Alternatively, you could hire movers to load and unload a rental truck for you, saving you from the heaviest lifting while you handle the driving. Combining different services allows you to customize your move to fit your specific budget and needs perfectly.
How to Choose a Reputable Moving Company
Selecting the right moving company is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make during your relocation. A reputable mover can make the process smooth and efficient, while a bad one can turn it into a nightmare. It’s about more than just finding the lowest price; you need a company that is reliable, transparent, and trustworthy. Taking the time to do your research will pay off in the long run, ensuring your possessions are in good hands. Look for established companies with a proven track record of excellent service and happy customers.
Get multiple in-home estimates
Never settle for the first quote you receive. The best practice is to get at least three in-home or video estimates from different moving companies. This allows a professional estimator to see your belongings firsthand, providing a much more accurate quote than a simple online calculator. It also gives you a chance to ask questions and get a feel for the company’s professionalism. When you request a quote, be sure to show the estimator everything you plan to move, including items in closets, the attic, and the garage, for the most precise estimate.
Verify licenses and insurance
Legitimate interstate moving companies must be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can verify a company’s license using their U.S. DOT number on the FMCSA website. This ensures they meet federal regulations for safety and insurance. A reputable company will be transparent about their licensing and insurance information. Checking these credentials is a crucial step to protect yourself from rogue movers and ensure you’re working with a professional organization that is held to high standards of operation and accountability.
Check company ratings and customer reviews
Online reviews and ratings are a powerful tool for vetting potential movers. Look at what past customers have to say on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google, and Yelp. While a few negative reviews are normal for any business, look for patterns of complaints, such as consistent issues with damaged items, hidden fees, or poor communication. Reading through testimonials can give you valuable insight into the company’s customer service and how they handle the moving process from start to finish, helping you make an informed decision.
How to spot potential moving scams
Unfortunately, the moving industry has its share of scams. A major red flag is a quote that seems too good to be true—it often is. Be wary of companies that demand a large cash deposit upfront or provide a quote without seeing your belongings. Other warning signs include unmarked trucks, a lack of a physical business address, or movers who answer the phone with a generic “moving company.” Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s best to walk away and choose a company with a solid, verifiable reputation.
Smart Planning for a Cheaper Long-Distance Move
When looking for affordable long-distance movers, you’ll enter into a contract. This contract will detail whether you need packing services also. If you can handle the packing part yourself, the moving crew can work faster. You’ll also save on the final charge you pay. Preparing and packing will help cut costs, but what else can you do? Check out these few quick tips:
1. Turn Packing into a Party
Packing for a move is a long and tedious task. Of course, you can contract your affordable long-distance movers to pack the stuff for you. But, you can also cut back the costs by inviting friends and family to help. In the months leading up to the move, invite them over on the weekends to help. Have a pizza and beer party, and get everyone to help with boxing. While they’re working, ask for help with getting rid of unwanted stuff and decluttering your home. Your friends will help you make tough decisions on what to keep so you don’t load up and bring unwanted clutter to your new place. At the end of a fun-filled day, you’ll have all your belongings packed and good to go for the movers.
2. Label Every Box (Your Future Self Will Thank You)
Organize and label the boxes so the movers can get to them quicker and put them in the correct spot at your new place. This will help the movers during the loading, but will really come in handy for them (and you!) during the unloading. Knowing where everything goes is such a great time-saver. For instance, package kitchen silverware, pots, pans, chinaware, and other utensils, separately. Mark them with a “kitchen” label, so the movers can quickly place the boxes where they belong. Clothes will carry the label “bedroom” or “closet.” And, toys and baby stuff can have the label “nursery.”
3. Give Your Movers a Roadmap: Label Each Room
Make sure to arrive at your destination well ahead of the movers. Open up the place to air it out and label the different rooms. When the crew arrives, walk them through the house quickly and indicate how you intend to use the rooms. For instance, “master bedroom,” “kids’ room,” “library,” “living room,” and so on. This simple exercise will help your crew get your things in order. It will also eliminate having to move boxes by yourself later. When searching around for affordable long-distance movers, you might note that the company assigns a loading crew at the point of origin. However, the crew unloading the truck and setting up your furniture could be a bunch of local people. They can use all the help you can give them to get you organized faster.
4. Stage Your Boxes for a Faster Load-Up
Don’t exert yourself too much, but if you can have the boxes in one place for the crew, it’ll be super-efficient. Sort the boxes by size and weight, so loading them into the truck is quicker. You can also consider sorting them into fragile and non-fragile. Like, say, boxes with books that are heavy, but unbreakable. Then again, the kids’ plush toys are lightweight and non-fragile. Your movers will know exactly how to pack the truck by securing the fragile boxes. They’ll also use the non-fragile to build buffers for the other things.
5. Move Valuables and Small Items Yourself
Most people make a couple of trips to the new city where they intend to move. You may have to complete several tasks before the actual move. For instance, looking for a new place, drawing up legal rent or purchase documents, and completing the paperwork. Chances are that you’ll also visit to interview for a new job or meet with the family. Or, scout around for affordable long-distance movers who can bring your stuff over from the current home city. Each time you travel, consider taking over the fragile, valuable, and loose items to your new place. If you can handle the computers, monitors, glass items, etc. that are not too heavy, that will move things along. Also, if you can take loose items like off-season clothes beforehand, even better.
6. Map Out Your Furniture Placement
Have a good idea where the big stuff is going to go at your new residence. If you can figure out where the couch, bed, and tables are going to go, you’ll help the movers. They will be able to complete the entire task quickly and efficiently. Also, keep in mind that your movers cannot identify your furniture or know where it’s supposed to go. For instance, the couch might be designated for the basement home theater. And, not the living room. Make sure you’re around to direct the movers’ efforts.
7. Pack a “first night” essentials box
After a long day of moving, the last thing you’ll want to do is dig through a mountain of boxes for your toothbrush. This is where a “first night” essentials box becomes your best friend. Think of it as your moving day survival kit. Pack it with everything you’ll need for the first 24 hours in your new home: toiletries, a change of clothes for everyone in the family, medications, and phone chargers. It’s also smart to include some basic kitchen items like a coffee maker, mugs, paper towels, and a few snacks. By preparing this box and keeping it with you, you ensure a much smoother and more comfortable transition, allowing you to relax and recharge before tackling the big unpacking job ahead.
8. Know which items movers cannot transport
It’s important to understand that for safety and liability reasons, there are certain things professional movers can’t load onto the truck. This isn’t to make your life harder; it’s to protect your belongings and the moving crew. Generally, this list includes hazardous materials like flammable liquids (paint, gasoline, aerosol cans), explosives, and certain chemicals. Additionally, you should plan to move perishable food items, houseplants, and highly valuable personal items yourself. Things like jewelry, important documents, and family heirlooms should always stay with you. Clarifying this with your moving company beforehand prevents any last-minute surprises and ensures your move complies with safety regulations. For everything else, from your bulky furniture to your carefully packed boxes, you can rely on our moving services to get it there safely.
7. Choose Your Moving Date Wisely to Save
If you’re looking for affordable long-distance movers, know that they’ll offer you competitive rates for weekdays and off-season moves. Further, traffic around these times is low on the roads. Unnecessary delays can add to the time taken to travel between cities. You must also book moving services well ahead of time. Scheduling your relocation around the holidays also works, because most people tend to avoid moving at this time. With a little smart thinking, you can lower the costs of your long-distance moves and ensure that the entire task progresses without a hitch. Check with us at Starving Students, and we’ll love to discuss your needs. Rely on us for expertise acquired from being more than five decades in the industry. Call this number: 888 931-6683.
What to Expect During the Move
Once you’ve planned, packed, and scheduled your movers, the big day finally arrives. Knowing what happens during the actual transit can help manage your expectations and reduce a lot of that moving-day stress. From the timeline of the journey to the extra services that make life easier, it’s helpful to have a clear picture of what the process itself involves. Understanding these key components will help you feel more in control as your belongings make their way to your new home, ensuring you’re prepared for every step of the journey and can focus on settling in rather than worrying about logistics.
How long does a long-distance move take?
The duration of a long-distance move can vary widely, from just a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on how far you’re going and the mover’s schedule. The cost is just as variable. While the average long-distance move can cost around $3,500, the final price really depends on the total weight of your belongings and the mileage. For example, moving about 7,000 pounds of household goods over 1,000 miles often falls into this price range. The best way to get a clear picture of your specific timeline and cost is to get a detailed quote from a trusted company that outlines all potential expenses and delivery windows.
Helpful services to look for
A great moving company does more than just drive a truck from point A to point B. Many offer a whole suite of services designed to take the weight off your shoulders—literally and figuratively. When you’re comparing movers, it’s smart to look for these helpful options that can transform a stressful experience into a much smoother transition. These services often show a company’s commitment to customer care and can be well worth it for the convenience and peace of mind they provide. From tracking your items in real-time to reassembling your bed in your new bedroom, these features are total game-changers.
Online shipment tracking
It’s completely natural to feel a little anxious when all your worldly possessions are on the road. That’s why online shipment tracking is such a valuable feature to look for. Many reputable long-distance movers provide a way for you to monitor your shipment’s progress in real-time, often through a simple online portal. This tool gives you visibility and peace of mind, allowing you to see where your items are at any given moment. Instead of wondering and waiting, you can check in on your belongings’ journey and better plan for their arrival at your new home.
Personal moving coordinator
Juggling all the details of a move can feel like a full-time job. A personal moving coordinator acts as your single point of contact throughout the entire process, which simplifies communication immensely. This person is your go-to guide for answering questions, confirming logistics, and resolving any issues that might pop up along the way. Having one dedicated professional to talk to, instead of being passed around a call center, makes the experience feel much more managed and personal. It’s a clear sign of a company that prioritizes a seamless customer experience from start to finish.
Furniture disassembly and reassembly
Let’s be honest: taking apart your bed frame or that complicated dining room table is a hassle, and putting it all back together after a long journey is even worse. This is where furniture disassembly and reassembly services come in. As part of a full-service move, the crew will expertly take apart your large furniture at your old home and professionally reassemble it in the correct rooms at your new one. This not only saves you a ton of time and frustration but also helps prevent damage to your furniture during transit. It’s one of the most practical moving services you can opt for to make settling in that much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make sure my moving quote is actually accurate? The best way to get a reliable quote is to schedule an in-home or video walkthrough with the moving company. This allows an estimator to see exactly what you need to move, from the furniture in your living room to the boxes in your attic. Be thorough and point out everything that’s going. An online form is a good starting point, but a visual assessment prevents surprise charges for items you forgot to list.
Is moving during the off-season really that much cheaper? Yes, it can make a significant difference. The moving industry’s peak season is typically from May to September when demand is highest. If your timeline is flexible, scheduling your move between October and April can lead to lower rates because companies are competing for fewer jobs. Moving on a weekday instead of a weekend can also help you save.
What’s the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate? A binding estimate is a contract that guarantees your final cost will not exceed the quoted price, as long as you don’t add any items to the shipment. A non-binding estimate is the company’s best guess of the cost, and the final price could be higher if your belongings weigh more than anticipated. Always ask what type of estimate you are receiving and get it in writing to avoid unexpected costs on moving day.
Do I really need to pay for Full Value Protection? While it’s an added cost, Full Value Protection is highly recommended for a long-distance move. The basic, no-cost coverage required by law only reimburses you at 60 cents per pound, which won’t come close to replacing a damaged television or piece of furniture. Paying for full protection means the mover is responsible for the replacement value of your items, giving you essential peace of mind.
What are some common “hidden fees” I should ask about upfront? To avoid surprises, it’s smart to ask about potential surcharges before you sign a contract. Ask the company if they charge extra for things like stairs, long carries (if the truck can’t park close to your door), or the use of a smaller shuttle truck if your new street is too narrow for a large semi. A reputable mover will be transparent about these potential costs from the beginning.
Key Takeaways
- Budget Smarter for Your Move: The final cost of your move comes down to the weight of your belongings, the distance, and when you move. You can directly lower your bill by decluttering beforehand and choosing an off-season or weekday moving date.
- Choose Your Mover with Confidence: Protect yourself from scams and ensure a professional experience by getting at least three in-home estimates, verifying the company’s U.S. DOT license online, and reading recent customer reviews.
- A Little Prep Makes a Huge Difference: Set yourself up for a smooth moving day by clearly labeling every box with its contents and destination room, packing a “first night” essentials box, and setting aside any items that movers are not allowed to transport.
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