The Cheapest Way to Move Cross Country: Budget-Friendly Moving Tips

I’ll admit, the exact price tag can feel like a big mystery. It usually hinges on a few factors, like the distance, how much stuff you have, the method of moving you choose, and the time of year. When I first helped my folks relocate from Austin to Nashville, we underestimated costs because we forgot to include packing materials, travel expenses, and even those roadside coffee stops (trust me, they add up when you’re driving a moving truck for days).

To give you a clearer picture, I’ve put together an approximate cost range. These numbers aren’t set in stone, but they’re based on what I’ve paid personally and what our team at National Movers hears from everyday folks.

Please note that prices are estimates for informational purposes and may vary based on individual factors.

These are ballpark estimates. Some folks might spend a little less, others could go higher. But if you’re just looking for a general sense of typical fees, this table should get you started.

I’ve learned (often the hard way) that there are plenty of fees lurking around every corner:

I’d suggest making a quick checklist of all these potential expenses and adding them to your main moving budget. That way, you’re not caught off guard.

When my close friend asked me how to relocate from Chicago to Los Angeles on a shoestring budget, I rattled off several strategies. Different methods work for different people, and each one has its own flavor of stress or convenience. Let’s walk through the big ones.

Have you seen those bright orange or green rental trucks cruising down the highway? Sometimes you can’t miss them. Truck rental is a classic approach for folks who don’t mind a little sweat equity. You pick up the vehicle, load your stuff, drive to your new home, then drop off the truck.

From personal experience, driving through the Smoky Mountains in a big moving truck gave me a few extra grey hairs. So if steep roads and big vehicles scare you, you might want another method.

Portable containers are those big metal boxes companies drop off at your driveway. You load it up at your own pace, lock it, and the company transports it across the country.

When my parents moved from Texas to Tennessee, these containers were lifesavers. They were able to pack a little each day, which took a lot of stress off their shoulders.

If you live light – maybe just a studio’s worth of furniture or a few boxes – shipping could be a game-changer. In some cases, mailing a few boxes via UPS or FedEx is cheaper than renting a truck. Or you could use a freight carrier if you have a few larger items.

I once mailed half my wardrobe ahead of me when I moved for a summer internship. It was surprisingly simple – just be sure to pack carefully so nothing gets damaged along the way.

Not all moving companies are alike. Some specialize in full-service (they’ll pack, transport, and even unpack), while others offer more bare-bones transport. Budget-friendly movers generally help load, drive, and unload without the frills.

I’ve tested quite a few companies through my work with National Movers. The trick is reading reviews and getting multiple quotes. One friend in Denver found an excellent budget moving company that gave her a sweet rate because they were looking to fill a route. Timing played in her favor.

Freight trailers are a middle ground. A company drops off a big trailer, you fill a certain number of linear feet with your stuff, then you pay for the space you use. The driver hauls it across the country, often alongside commercial freight.

My sister Megan used a freight trailer for her biggest move, juggling all her camera gear plus four kids’ worth of clothes and toys. It was cost-effective, but she had to be strategic about how she packed, because going over the allotted trailer space can lead to extra charges.

Sometimes, it’s easier to sell most of your furniture and move with just a few suitcases. Then you can buy items once you arrive at your new destination.

When I moved out of my college apartment, I sold my couch, bed, and most of my kitchen appliances. It was liberating, but I had to sleep on an air mattress for the first week in my new place. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you don’t own many expensive items, it might be the simplest route.

Let me guess: you want even more ways to save. I don’t blame you. Moving can cost a bundle if you’re not strategic. But I’ve picked up a few tricks – some from my college days, some from helping my mom move her restaurant equipment.

Here’s the thing: timing can be your biggest friend or worst enemy. If your schedule is flexible, try avoiding weekends and month-ends. It seems like everyone else wants to change addresses on the last Saturday of the month, which drives up prices. Aim for midweek, mid-month moves if possible. Also, keep an eye on holidays – some companies close or charge higher rates around those times.

When I moved from Houston, I noticed that calling movers at least six weeks ahead let me snag early-bird discounts. Booking too late often means you’re stuck with whatever rates remain, or you might scramble to find a truck that’s even available.

Over the years, I’ve seen all sorts of promotions:

When my sister Megan was a student, she flashed her college ID and saved over $200 on truck rental. It never hurts to ask, “Do you offer any discounts?” You might be pleasantly surprised.

Let’s talk about the eternal debate. Should you hire professionals or handle things yourself? My stance has changed over the years:

• Physical Ability: If you’re in good shape and have friends willing to lug couches down flights of stairs, DIY can save a bundle. But if your back twinges at the idea of lifting a heavy dresser, it’s wise to hire pros.
• Time Constraints: Professional movers can knock out loading in a day, while it might take you several days to do it alone. If you’re short on time – maybe you’re starting a new job soon – spending a bit more on movers could be worth it.
• Stress Level: Some folks thrive on the chaos of packing; others get overwhelmed. If you fall into the latter category, paying for a moving crew might be your sanity-saver.

Personally, I’ve done both. When my kids were toddlers, we hired a budget moving company because we simply didn’t have the bandwidth to do everything ourselves. Other times, especially for shorter moves, I’ve rented a truck with no regrets.