Hiring a Moving Company
Of course, any moving or relocation project is going to come with a fairly substantial price tag, and it is important to keep that in mind when planning your upcoming cross country move. The budget needs to be established early on, with subsequent decision making done within the constraints of that budget. With the inflation and the surge in gas prices and other related expenses, does moving prices spike up, or does a reliable and honest company keep the same rates?
Is It Hard to Move Cross Country LA to NY?
Relocating to another coast can be an exciting and rewarding adventure if thoughtfully planned and executed. It is a remarkably unique experience from any other move you are likely to make. However, the amount of work to be done upfront is fairly extensive, but as is so often the case, proper planning negates deficient performance.
What is the Cheapest Way to Move Things Cross Country NY to SF?
The operative word in this question is “cheap,” and it is not a word you want to base your decisions on. Cheap usually means cutting of valuable corners, which is never how you want to manage a large-scale project such as a cross country move. Now, that said, there are “less expensive” options available to you, such as:
- DIY Move. As in “do it yourself.” This means just what it says, you pack up and transport all of your possessions on your own.
- Rent a Truck. Pretty much the same as DIY, as you will be packing, loading, driving, and unloading the truck yourself.
- Choose a Cheaper Moving Date. Moving rates can ebb and flow, depending on the time of year. By choosing to move in what is considered the “off season” in your area, you stand a good chance at securing better moving rates.
- Find Free Materials. Items such as boxes can usually be obtained free of charge from businesses who break them down and throw them our every day.
- Have Your Employer Pay for It All. If your move is coming as a result of a job relocation, then there is a good chance your employer might pick up the cost of the move. It never hurts to ask.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship Items Cross Country?
There is no hard and fast rule as to how much things will cost, but a fairly good rule of thumb is illustrated by the following table:
| Move Type | Average Cost |
| Full-service moving company | $4,000-$9,000 |
| Moving container | $2,000-$4,000 |
| Freight trailer | $2,500-$3,000 |
| DIY truck rental | $1,200-$2,000 |
Of course, as with any move, you will want to obtain a number of no obligation quotes before deciding on the provider you wish to oversee your long-distance move. This allows you to compare rates and negotiate with your top options for the best pricing available to you.
The average cost you can expect to complete a cross country move is somewhere in the neighborhood of $4000 to $5000. Of course, there are a number of variables that come into play, such as the size of your home, the number of items to be moved, the distances involved, etc. There fore you want to obtain your quotes from a company that can provide onsite estimates.
The size of your home and the valuables it contains play a significant role in the cost of a move, as all reputable providers are required by law to follow the guidelines set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) as it pertains to the maximum weight allowed on their moving vehicles. Obviously if you end up hiring two trucks instead of one, the cost of the move increases accordingly.
The distance of a move involves more than just the mileage that will be traveled, but also extraneous expenses such as gas fees, labor expense, accommodations, and incidentals for moving crew members, as well as the expense involved with moving delicate or high dollar items like artwork, pianos, family heirlooms, etc.
You may also mitigate the cost of your cross country move by decluttering and downsizing. Many items that you do not plan to take with you can be donated or sold. Doing so streamlines the move, adjusts the costs, and allows you to truly start all over again in your new home.
In addition, determine during your planning time if you plan to do all the packing or not. Most moving providers offer packing services, as well as unpacking at the new location, but of course those services come at an additional cost.
Finally, consider the time of year you are planning for your move. September through March are usually consider the “off season” in many areas of the country, and you may find that moving rates and fees during this period are more affordable and agreeable as opposed to moving during the height of spring or summer, when moving demand is at its highest. Proper timing of your long-distance move can significantly impact your overall costs.
