When you’re moving cross-country, or moving interstate of any kind, instead of locally, there are many more logistics to consider. You’ll need new deposits, new contractors, possibly an auto transporter, and so many more things that require time attention and money to work out. Fortunately, we are here to help with the household move, and if you require financing you can get it from companies like www.movingcredit.com that assist with financing relocations of all kinds.

Hiring the right mover and getting a fair price is an important first step.

Your move price will be based on a few factors. 1. The distance your moving. 2. The volume and weight of your shipment. 3. The services required to handle your goods 4. characteristics of your origin and destination (is your delivery going to the top of a mountain?).

As you get quotes from moving companies, you will find that the prices vary considerably. To get an accurate quote, it is best to be honest with your moving company, and with yourself, about what you need. Leaving off items or downplaying the work needed does not work to your advantage, because moving companies will be giving you a price that relates to the scope of work. If the scope of work changes, and especially if it grows, they will adjust their prices accordingly. The best thing you can do is find a reputable company that goes over your move in detail to ensure everything is considered before tallying a price. If you get a price too soon for an interstate move–you may be getting low-balled.

We’re here to help. Start by getting a few quotes. Let us help provide you with a FREE quote!

Start with the averages

First, learn the terminology of the moving industry. A “long distance move” is generally a move of 400 miles or more — not just one that crosses state lines. This type of move costs somewhere between $850 and $5,000 on average. Of course, these are two very different distances and shipment sizes! Across the board, the national average for a long distance move is $4,102. The average local move is quite a bit less.

Type of quote

Long distance moving companies use one of two assessments: weight and distance, or inventory. This can make a significant difference in the cost of the move. Accordingly, don’t ship large items if you aren’t sure you are going to need them. If it’s boxes full or junk, we recommend selling them or discarding them prior to a move. It doesn’t make sense to move items that you can buy for less money at your destination.

An inventory-based cost uses the cubic feet of space that your shipment occupies in the truck. This can also change on the day of the move if you decide to move more than your allotted “cubes”, so it is best to get as accurate of an inventory as you can. We recommend using a reputable company for these moves and will refer you to a mover should you need assistance.

Method of shipment

• Consolidated Shipping. Consolidated shipping offers the most savings on your move and is the most common shipment method in the moving industry. Multiple shipments are loaded into the same truck and items are delivered within a target delivery window range of 6-30 days depending on the destination. That means you have to be available to receive the delivery within that timeframe. This is very important. If the trunk comes through town and you are not there, this can cause havoc on your delivery and result in huge additional charges.
• Express Trips. If you’re moving between major hubs of the same company, express trips may be available. You will still share the truck with other clients, but shipments typically arrive faster when the destination is along a pre-arranged route.
• Exclusive or Direct Service. When you have a deadline or need a guaranteed pick up and delivery date, this type of service means you have a truck to yourself. This is the most costly of the options but can meet your very specific needs. Note this is not always available and benefits what we call “short long distance” movers the most.

Additional costs

When you get a quote, be mindful of additional costs and what each company is planning on providing within the framework of the price they provide.

• Storage In Transit (SIT). If your new home isn’t ready yet, or you experience travel issues that require your movers to delay the delivery of your shipment, you may be charged storage fees. Rates vary depending on the size of your shipment and the duration of storage. The average cost of one month of storage for a two-bedroom home is $580. However, many companies offer a free storage period for customers moving out of state.
• Shuttle Fee. If you move to an area that can’t or doesn’t accommodate a large moving truck, you may need a shuttle. This means your belongings may need to be transferred to a smaller truck or van, and then to your new home. For instance, if you live at the top of a mountain, a long tractor trailer will not make the trip. To get your items delivered requires significant extra work. Sometimes your moving company can anticipate this and include it in your quote, but sometimes it may come as a surprise. Check to see if it’s necessary, and if it’s included in your price.
• Insurance. Your moving company likely has a few options for moving insurance on top of the basic coverage. Third-party insurance is also an option if you want a higher level of coverage.
• Gas/Mileage. When you receive your quote, find out if gas and/or mileage are included or will be added on at the end. For a move under 50 miles, most companies don’t charge for gas. Long distance movers , however, will include it somewhere — in the quote, or at the end of the move as a final fee. However if you’re quote is at a binding price, typically gas and mileage are already factored into that price.

Long Distance moving tips

We could write a whole book on this subject, but the biggest tips are simple enough for moving out of state. The simplest and easiest thing to do is to cut down your belongings! There is no need to have your movers transport items you don’t want or that you’ll never use again.. It’s more of a hassle for both you and them. So prior to your move, do a deep clean and choose what you really want to take. You can sell your items in many places and make a little extra cash as well!