How Much Will an Out of State or Long-Distance Move Cost

What Does Moving Out of State Cost?

If you are getting ready for a long-distance move, your best option is often to hire professional movers. Moving from one home to another is difficult at the best of times, but when we are talking about out of state moves, things are often more complicated.

Interstate moving requires many friends and family you might use during a self-move, making using professional moving companies more attractive. Movers can be expensive for long-distance moves; let's take a look at the likely costs.

Out of State Moving Costs

Moving interstate, also known as out of state moves, involves moving all your possessions from one state to another. The costs will increase the further you need to move and the more items you have.

Average costs for interstate moves will be around the $5,000 mark, for an average 1200 mile move with 7,500 pounds of weight. Though the costs you face can, of course, vary greatly depending on the journey distance and the number of possessions you need to move.

These moving costs do seem very high, particularly when compared to local moves. Local moving companies normally charge by the hour per mover needed, but interstate moving companies use the items' weight and the distance instead.

If you are only moving to a neighboring state, your moving costs will be lower than if you had to move across the country. There can be other variations in costs as well, including things like the labor rates in different states that will factor into your total moving expenses.

Other Costs When Moving Interstate

It isn't only the distance involved and the weight of your possessions that make up your final bill; there are other things you need to consider.

Insurance Expenses

While your homeowners’ insurance may, in part, cover you during your move, it may not be enough. The moving company should also provide some level of cover for your possessions, but you may need more.

Your moving company will offer “Released Value Protection” insurance, though this only covers you for 60 cents per pound of your belongings. They should also offer “Full Replacement Value” coverage at an extra cost, though this will only replace like-for-like and is limited.

If you have some precious items, you might want to consider third-party insurance.

Packing Costs

Are you willing to do all of your packings yourself? If not, is it going to be an extra charge on your moving bill. You will be charged for the time it takes the pack and for the disassembly of your furniture, as well as the materials used in the process.

Packing and loading a moving truck is not easy, so you better be prepared for some hard labor. Many people have regretted moving due to the tiresome labor involved.

Storage Expenses

In a complicated long-distance move, you may need your possessions stored for a time. If you need this service, most moving companies offer it, but you should check their storage rates before committing to using their service.

It is always worth it to compare storage facilities and their costs. You may find that one company is not keeping up with the rest and is offering a special. It is worth doing a little bit of comparison shopping when it comes to storage.

Another alternative is moving with a Pod. Some folks like the convenience of having their things in storage right on their property. You can get a good idea of how much it is the rent a PODS storage unit at ABODO.

How to Cut Your Moving Costs

Though interstate moves can be expensive, there are some things you can do to save yourself some money.

Decluttering

If you have fewer possessions in the first place, your moving and packing costs will be less. Moving home is a great opportunity to get rid of the things you no longer need. If you start plenty of time before your move, you can even sell some of your items to raise extra cash.

Packing

You will save money if you can do all of your packings yourself. You can even save on the moving materials you need by finding sources of free boxes for moving. What you will also quickly discover is that moving boxes come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

The selection and types of moving boxes are endless, which frankly is a good thing.

Your Moving Date

In the summer months, more people want to move from one place to another. Of course, this naturally leads to increased costs if you have to move in that time frame. But if you can be more flexible when you move, there will be less demand for movers and your costs will be reduced.

Even if you have to move during the more busy period of the year, you can still save by picking a less popular day. Pick a midweek day in the middle of the month for reduced fees from moving companies.

You can do other things to reduce your long-distance moving costs, which is always a worthwhile exercise.

Reducing Risks When Hiring Movers

Before you finally decide which moving company you want to use, make sure you check them out first. Find out if they are correctly licensed and insured to operate and read customer feedback to see if they really provide a good service.

Ask if they will be using subcontractors during your move. It would be best if you avoided this as it can lead to people working on your move that aren't operating to the same standards as regular employees.

Many fly-by-night moving companies have poor reputations. Going with one of the major moving companies would be a wise move. The reference from Maximum Real Estate Exposure is one worth looking at. It shows you who all of the major players are in the moving industry.

Final Thoughts on an Out Of State Move

Whether you are moving just across town or out of state moving is a very stressful time. You may have just bought or sold a home that is emotionally tiring in and of itself. Moving a long distance just makes the whole process even more challenging. Moving mistakes are quite common.

By following simple moving tips such as these, you will put yourself in a better position for the chance at a smoother move. Hopefully, you have gotten something out of this guide for moving out of state.