What is the cheapest way to move out of state?
What is the cheapest way to move out of state?
$2,000 – $3,000 average cost to rent a moving truck
$3,000 – $6,000 average cost for a moving pod
Cheapest way to move out of state
The cheapest way to move out of state is to rent a moving truck, moving container, or tow-behind trailer. Renting a moving truck costs $2,000 to $3,000 on average. A moving container costs $3,000 to $6,000 and saves you from having to drive a moving truck to another state yourself.
| Method | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Moving truck / DIY | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Moving container / pod | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Professional movers | $3,000 – $9,500 |
| Tow-behind cargo trailer | $450 – $1,100 |
*For a 2- to 3-bedroom household
Rent a moving truck
Renting a truck and handling the loading, driving, and unloading yourself is one of the cheapest ways to move out of state. Moving truck rental costs $2,000 to $3,000 on average for a truck large enough to move a 2- to 3-bedroom household or up to $5,000+ for a larger truck.
Companies like U-Haul and Penske typically offer 5- or 7-day rentals for a flat rate, and prices depend on the truck size and time of year. The rental fee does not include fuel, packing supplies, or moving insurance. However, this option can save you thousands of dollars compared to other methods.
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Rent a moving container or pod
A moving container costs $3,000 to $6,000 for an out-of-state move, depending on the container size, your location, and the time of year. This fee typically comes with one month of storage, which includes the time the container spends in your driveway for loading and unloading. Extra time costs $170 to $360 per month.
Moving containers offer a flexible solution at a lower cost than hiring professional movers. The company delivers the container to your home, where you load it with your belongings. When you're done, the company transports the container to your destination in another state, where you unload it.
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Hire professional long-distance movers
Interstate movers cost $3,000 to $9,500 on average for a 2- to 3-bedroom home, but prices can range from $1,500 to $20,000, depending on the move distance, home size, and if the fee includes packing services. Professional moving companies offer the most convenience, handline all the loading, unloading, and driving for you.
Experienced movers work more quickly, efficiently, and safely, and know how best to pack the truck to maximize the use of space.
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Rent a tow-behind cargo trailer
If you're moving a small amount of stuff, renting a tow-behind trailer is one of the cheapest ways to move to another state. Prices range from $450 to $1,100, depending on the trailer size.
You can hitch a tow-behind cargo trailer behind your car, truck, SUV, as long as your vehicle has a trailer hitch, lighting connections, and enough towing capacity.
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Other inexpensive ways to move out of state
Other inexpensive but less common ways to move out of state include renting a cargo van, shipping your belongings via a freight carrier, or opting for a hybrid move by taking advantage of local movers' cheaper rates.
Rent a cargo van: If you're only moving a small number of belongings, renting a cargo van is a cost-effective alternative. Cargo vans get better mileage than large moving trucks, which can significantly reduce your gas costs, and they're easier to maneuver in traffic and park. However, they offer limited space.
Ship via LTL freight carrier: Shipping your belongings via a "less-than-truckload" (LTL) freight carrier can save you money if your moving timeline is flexible. You load the items into the container yourself, and the freight company consolidates your load with others to fill a shipment.
Consider a hybrid move: Rent a moving truck or container but hire local movers to load and unload it. Local moving companies charge $50 to $100+ per hour per mover but can significantly cut down on the total loading and unloading time.
How to save money on moving to another state
An out-of-state move can be time-consuming and expensive, but with a little planning, you can reduce your cost to move out of state:
Look for free packing supplies: Use towels, blankets, and clothing as padding. Ask family and friends for used moving boxes. Look for free empty boxes at local stores, including liquor stores, copy and print shops, and big-box stores like Costco.
Ask friends & family for help: Loading and unloading a moving truck or container takes less time when it's tackled as a group effort.
Check your homeowners insurance: Whether you hire professional movers or rent a moving truck or container, you'll need moving insurance to cover loss, damage, or injury. Many homeowners insurance policies already include this extra coverage.
Downsize your move: Declutter, sell, or donate items before your move. Hold a yard sale to declutter and raise money for your move at the same time.
Optimize your route: If you're renting a moving truck and driving it yourself, use online tools to plan the most fuel-efficient route and reduce your gas costs.
Out-of-state moving FAQs
How long does it take to move out of state?
Moving from one state to another takes 3 to 21 days, depending on the total distance, home size, traffic and weather conditions, and if you handle the move yourself or hire professional movers. This timeframe includes loading the moving truck, transporting your belongings to the destination, and unloading the truck.
How much should you tip movers?
Tip long-distance movers $5 to $10 per hour or $40 to $80 per person per day. When budgeting for tips, keep in mind that two separate crews may manage your move—one loading the truck and another unloading it at the destination. Your move may also require multiple drivers to transport your belongings.
Are moving costs tax deductible?
Moving expenses are not tax deductible for most taxpayers. According to the IRS, you can no longer deduct moving costs unless you are an active-duty member of the Armed Forces or the spouse or dependent of a military member.
Getting quotes from interstate moving companies
Moving to another state is a daunting task, and the right moving company can make the process more convenient and stress-free. Follow these tips when evaluating long-distance movers:
Read reviews for interstate movers on HomeGuide and Google.
Compare quotes from at least 3 moving companies with experience handling out-of-state moves.
Choose from companies that have been in business for 5+ years.
Verify the company's registration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Ask for their DOT Number.
Request references from past customers. Contact the customers to ask how their moves went.
Get a detailed estimate and contract and writing. To ensure you don't face unexpected fees later, confirm the estimate is binding.
Ask about moving insurance options and confirm the cost, coverage, and deductible.
Questions to ask long-distance movers
Reputable interstate moving companies should be able to answer these important questions:
How long have you been in business?
How many interstate moves have you handled in the past year?
Are you registered with the FMCSA and DOT? Can you provide your DOT Number?
Can you provide references from recent customers?
How do you calculate the cost of my move?
Which services does the estimate include? Which services cost extra?
Is this estimate binding or could the price increase on moving day?
What moving insurance options do you offer? What is the coverage and the deductible?
How do you manage claims for loss or damage?
How long will the move take? Do you guarantee the delivery date?
Who will be loading and unloading my items?
Do you background-check all your employees?
Do you have liability coverage?
What are your payment and cancellation policies?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.