How Much Does Cross Country Moving Cost?

Cross country moving

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Planning a cross-country move comes with one big question: how much does it cost? On average, hiring full-service movers for a cross-country relocation ranges between $1,999 and $9,999, depending on factors like home size, distance, moving date, and extra services such as packing or storage. Smaller moves may stay closer to the lower end, while larger households with added services can reach the higher end of the scale. Knowing these costs in advance can help you budget effectively and avoid surprise expenses during your long-distance move.

What Is the Average Cost of Cross-Country Moving?

The average cost of a cross-country move with full-service movers typically ranges from $1,999 to $9,999 in 2025, depending on distance, home size, season, and services required. Most households fall around $7,800 for a standard 2–3 bedroom relocation.

Which Factors Influence Cross-Country Moving Costs?

Several key factors impact your final moving bill:

  • Size & weight of belongings: Movers often charge by shipment weight or cubic feet.

  • Distance traveled: Longer routes (like coast-to-coast) add mileage, fuel, and labor time.

  • Season & demand: Summer moves (May–September) cost more than winter.

  • Packing & specialty services: Full packing, fragile-only packing, furniture assembly, crating, and auto shipping add costs.

  • Access & logistics: Stairs, elevators, or long carries can trigger surcharges.

  • Insurance & valuation: Higher coverage increases protection but adds to the bill.

How Do Full-Service Movers Calculate Your Price?

Full-service moving companies use a comprehensive pricing model:

  • Weight or volume of your items (per pound or cubic foot)

  • Distance between origin and destination

  • Labor costs for packing, loading, driving, and unloading

  • Packing materials & crating

  • Storage fees (if needed)

  • Fuel surcharges, permits, and taxes

This ensures your belongings are professionally handled and tracked from start to finish.

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How Much Does Professional Packing Cost?

Hiring movers to pack your home can cost $300 to $1,500+, depending on:

  • Size of your home

  • Number of rooms to pack

  • Fragile or oversized items (art, pianos, glassware)

  • Use of specialty materials (bubble wrap, custom crates)

Full-Service Movers vs. DIY Options

Service Type
Pros
Cons
Full-Service Movers
Stress-free, professional handling
Higher upfront cost
Truck Rental (DIY)
Lowest base cost, full control
Labor-intensive, risk of damage
Portable Containers
Flexible, self-paced packing
Requires lifting & some DIY effort

Benefits of Using Full-Service Movers

  • Expert packing & unpacking for fragile items

  • Professional loading/unloading to reduce damage risk

  • Efficient cross-country transport with trained drivers

  • Stress-free relocation so you can focus on your new home

  • Insurance & valuation coverage for peace of mind

Final Thoughts

The cost of a cross-country move depends on many variables: shipment weight, total distance, season, services requested, and logistical complexity. While packing and handling the move yourself might lower upfront expenses, the hidden costs of time, labor, and potential damage often outweigh the savings.

With full-service cross-country movers, you gain professional packing, secure transport, insurance protection, and the peace of mind that comes with experienced handling. The value goes far beyond price; it’s about ensuring a safe, smooth relocation for your family or business.

Ready to save on your cross-country move?
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