What is the Cost of Moving Out of State? All Factors Considered

Moving is considered one of the most stressful life events we face, ranking only behind the death of a loved one or divorce. When you add the stress of moving out of state and the considerable costs involved, that stress can pile up.

There’s no question that moving out of state is expensive and disruptive, but it’s also a chance to start fresh and embark on new adventures. This article outlines the cost of moving out of state and includes tips to make the move more budget-friendly, whether you’re moving to a neighboring state or all the way across the country.

What Is the Average Cost of Moving Out of State?

According to MoneyGeek, you can expect to pay a minimum of $3,500 to move out of state, and that figure can quickly rise well into the thousands. There are several things you can do to control the cost, however. For example, if you are planning a DIY, self-service move, the estimated cost range is $1,000 to $7,500, as opposed to a range of $4,200 to $12,000 for a full-service move.

How Do You Determine Your Relocation Budget?

Knowing how much you should spend on a move requires taking a close look at the circumstances of your move and your overall finances. Specifically, is paying for moving expenses going to put a strain on your income? If the answer is yes, then you’ll need to be careful with how you plan your move and allocate your budget.

Some of the items you’ll need to consider include:

• Truck rental fees
• Professional moving services
• Travel expenses of interstate moves (like food, gas, lodging, airfare, etc.)
• Temporary housing expenses

You will also want to look at the cost of living differences between your current state and the state you’re moving to. If your new state is more expensive, you’ll probably have to be more conservative with your budget. On the other hand, if you’re moving to a state with a lower cost of living, your budget could have more wiggle room.

Research Moving Costs

As you begin determining your budget, your first step will be to research moving costs. Call around to find out the cost of renting a truck and/or hiring professional movers. These two costs will likely be your biggest fees, so they can set the tone for how much you can spend on other items like packing supplies.

Create a Moving Checklist

There are a lot of steps that go into a move, and ideally, you’ll begin planning several months in advance. Creating a checklist can also ensure you don’t forget anything. A sample moving checklist could be as follows:

• Get estimates from moving and truck companies
• Begin decluttering
• Donate or sell unwanted items
• Gather packing supplies
• Notify your landlord (if applicable) about your intent to move
• Research schools, health providers, and essential services in your new city
• Begin packing (up to 4 weeks before the move)
• Schedule disconnection and reconnection of utilities
• Arrange for childcare or pet care
• Aim to be finished packing one week before the move
• Clean your current home and make any necessary repairs
• Perform a final walk-through of your old home
• After arriving at your new place, do a physical walkthrough and note any damage

What Factors Influence the Cost of Moving?

Whether you’re going the DIY route or hiring professionals, there are several factors that will influence the cost of your move, including:

• Distance: As you can imagine, the farther you move, the more costs you can rack up. This is because you’re going to pay more for fuel costs. If you rent a truck, you could also be paying per mile or by the day, and a long-distance move will naturally rack up the mileage and per-day usage fees. Plus, if you hire a professional moving company, you’ll be paying for their movers’ time.
• Volume and weight of belongings: If you’re a minimalist, you can save some serious dough on moving. This is because you can get a smaller truck rental, and it will also take way less time to schlepp your stuff from your old place to a moving truck and into your new place.
• Time of year: You might be surprised to find out that when you move can influence the cost. Because summertime is the most popular season for moving, you’ll probably pay the most during May through August. If you want to save money on interstate moves, consider planning your relocation outside of these peak months.
• Packing materials: It’s shocking how expensive packing supplies can be. This is especially true if you wait until the last minute to find materials and have to buy them from the moving company.
• Taxes and permits: As you relocate, you may incur various taxes and permit fees associated with the move. This could include getting a permit for the truck. Further, if you are bringing your vehicle with you, you’ll have to re-register the vehicle in that state and potentially transfer the title.

Transportation Costs

Transportation costs can add up, especially in an interstate move. You’ll be paying for fuel charges and potential truck mileage fees. Further, if you plan on driving across the country or flying, you’ll incur additional costs for your personal vehicle’s fuel or airfare. Finally, if the trip will take multiple days, be sure to factor in the cost of food, water, supplies, and lodging.

Hiring Professional Movers vs. Renting a Moving Truck

Professional movers can take the hassle out of a move. They do all the hard work, and because they do this for a living, they are probably more efficient than you are! Your items will also be covered by insurance, so if they break something, the moving company is liable.

On the other hand, professional movers are expensive. If you rent a truck, you can save money, move on your timeline, and pack and protect your items in a way that’s up to your standards.

There are pros and cons to each approach, so consider what’s best for your peace of mind and your budget.

Packing Materials and Supplies

In any move, you’re going to need boxes and other supplies to transport everything. There’s a long list of items required for moving, and while you may have a lot of them on hand, there are some you might have to buy or source.

Costs of Packing Materials

The packing materials you will most likely need for a move include:

• Boxes
• Tape
• Bubble wrap
• Tape
• Scissors
• Permanent markers
• Labels
• Felt pads (to protect floors)

The cost of these items can run well into the hundreds of dollars, especially if you have a lot of items or are moving an entire family. To save money, you could source free boxes from neighbors who have recently moved, from grocery and liquor stores, or on local apps like NextDoor or Craigslist.

Another option is to pack items in suitcases, duffle bags, and plastic storage bins. To protect your breakable items, you could use towels and crumpled newspapers as a free substitute for bubble wrap.

What Are the Fees Associated With Moving Companies?

Typically, moving companies consider two main variables when providing you with a moving quote:

1. The number of miles you’re moving
2. The number of bedrooms in your home

Other factors that could be considered in the total quote include:

• The volume and weight of your items
• Whether you require any packing services
• Insurance coverage for your belongings
• Vehicle shipping (if applicable)
• Optional debris removal
• Surcharges for elevators or stairs
• Additional services like appliance installation

Budget for Tips and Gratuities for Movers

It’s common to tip various service providers, including baristas, restaurant waiters, and housekeepers. It’s also good etiquette to tip your movers.

Though you’re not required to do so, keep in mind that your movers (assuming they didn’t break valuable items or sentimental heirlooms) saved you a ton of time, stress, and back pain. They deserve a break! Also, the average salary for a professional mover is about $16 an hour, so a little extra cash would be greatly appreciated.

Not sure how much to tip? Consider these guidelines:

• Add $6 to $12 per hour for each mover
• Tip a 5% – 10% flat rate of the total move fee

How much (and if) you tip is entirely up to you, but consider tipping generously for difficult moves and exemplary customer service. You can also show appreciation by supplying water and snacks.

Strategies To Reduce the Cost of Moving Out of State

You can drastically reduce your moving bill by following these tips:

• Declutter before you move: Because the amount of stuff you have drastically impacts the cost of your move, you can save significant funds by getting rid of stuff. Consider hosting a yard sale, giving things away, or donating to a good cause. If you have high-value items or a lot of time on your hands, you can consider listing things on sites like eBay or OfferUp.
• Compare quotes from multiple moving companies: There is a wide range of fees from professional movers, and the quotes can even change on a daily basis, depending on their current workload. To be sure you’re getting a competitive rate, it’s a good idea to contact at least three different moving companies for an estimate.
• Choose the right time to move: Considering that the cost of moving during the summer is the most expensive, see if you can schedule your move date for off-peak times.
• Consider a DIY move: Paying for professional movers is undoubtedly expensive, especially if you’re moving long distance. If you are physically able (or have some really good friends), you could save thousands by doing all the heavy lifting – literally.
• Pack and prepare items yourself: Moving companies make a lot of profit on upselling, and a lot of professional movers will offer to pack (and even unpack) your items for you. This is a win-win for them. Packing your belongings and prepping is relatively easy compared to hefting a sofa up a flight of stairs, and these guys are pros. While having a team pack and prep your items can save you a lot of time and hassle, it’s going to cost you.

What Hidden Costs Might Be Overlooked When Moving?

After accounting for trucks, movers, and supplies, you’ll also need to consider some of the more “hidden” costs of moving, including:

• Utility deposits
• Pet relocation
• Storage fees
• Home repairs

Are There Any Tax Implications Associated With Moving Out of State?

Some or all of your moving expenses could be tax-deductible, especially if you are moving due to your job. Further, if you donate items to a non-profit charity, you can potentially deduct the market value of those items on your tax return.

Want help streamlining your move? You can get rid of excess items by scheduling a pickup. The items you donate will help fund charitable organizations that assist veterans and their families. Easily donate your unused items with Easy Donation Pickup today.