The cost to move out of state averages roughly about $5600, inclusive of packing supplies, moving services, and additional fees that may be necessary. However, that number can vary significantly depending on how much effort you put into the move yourself, the amount of stuff being moved over what distance, and whether you have a long-distance moving service to take care of all the hard work for you.
If you have never made a long-distance move, getting prepared and budgeting appropriately can save you money and time. Overall, the final cost of your out-of-state move will be determined by the following factors.
How Much Are You Moving?
When calculating the total cost to move out of state, most moving services will start by asking how much stuff you need to move. For families moving large houses and numerous bedrooms, the total cost to move out of state will increase significantly compared to those moving on their own or from smaller homes and apartments.
Typically, moving services will charge by weight, so knowing the total amount of stuff you need to be moved will help your mover determine the cost of an out-of-state move.
On average, movers will charge anywhere between $0.60 and $1.00 per pound, depending on the total weight of your items. With 2-4 bedroom homes averaging anywhere between 2500 to over 9000 pounds of items to be moved, that means you might be looking at paying anywhere between $1500-$9000+ in fees for the items alone.
This is why it is highly recommended to get rid of anything you don’t want to take with you before moving. It will not only reduce the cost of an interstate move but will also save you a ton of time and effort unpacking when you get to your new state.
Furthermore, the amount of stuff you have to move will determine the number of hours a moving service will need to load up all of your boxes into a moving truck. Typically, moving services charge by the hour for labor, with costs averaging between $75-$200 per hour. In the case of 2-4 bedroom homes, it can take anywhere from 3-10+ hours to pack everything up, making the total cost for labor only for an interstate move anywhere between $225-$2000+.
Some of these costs can be reduced by packing items yourself, but considering the busy schedules many people have, it may be more efficient to budget accordingly for labor costs so that you have time to take care of other obligations.
How Far Are You Traveling?
The distance being traveled will also factor significantly into the overall costs of an interstate move. If moving 100 miles or more, the move is considered a long-distance move and comes with higher costs than local moves within the state. Additionally, the further you go, the higher the overall costs.
These increased costs account for drivers, fuel, accommodation, heavy-duty equipment, and the extra time for longer trips. On average, individuals and families moving out of state can expect to pay between $0.50 and $1.50 per mile depending on the total distance traveled, the type of vehicle used, and any additional fees that may be added to your moving services bill.
To reduce this cost, some opt to send their items in moving pods that can be picked up at a local facility and dropped off anywhere you want. However, be aware that while this may save money in the short term, additional fees may be incurred should you need local movers to move belongings from the pods to your new house.
Packing Supplies
Packing supplies are a necessary expense of any move, especially an out-of-state move. In fact, because of the distance being traveled, many find that they spend more on sturdier packing materials to protect delicate objects and belongings during transit.
As such, the cost of packing supplies that will protect your belongings during the move will increase the total cost of a long-distance move. These materials can include:
- Wardrobe boxes – $14-$20 per wardrobe box. An average three-bedroom home will need 5 to 10 wardrobe boxes.
- Packing paper – between $5 and $30 for a roll depending on the length and size. On average, 5-7 rolls are needed for a three-bedroom home.
- Packing tape – $2-$5 per roll depending on the amount used; many will need 2+.
- Bubble wrap – $5-$10 depending on the amount used; most will need 2-3 packs.
In addition to these essential packing items, you may require excess plastic and bubble wrap if you have large, bulky items that must be protected during the move, such as pool tables, pianos, and large tables.
For the most part, three-bedroom homes moving out of state will spend between $75 and $200+ on packing supplies for an out-of-state move.
Costs can be saved by sourcing recycled packing materials from numerous supply companies, online community boards, and even friends and family. Additionally, you can save money on packing supplies by getting rid of items you don’t need before your out-of-state move.
Frequently Asked Questions
To save time and money, hiring a full-service mover for an out-of-state move is recommended. They can provide all of the labor, trucks, and materials needed to pick up and deliver your belongings.
The time it takes to move an average three-bedroom home will vary depending on the distance traveled and the number of stops along the way. On average, it can take anywhere from 3 days to two weeks, depending on the amount of stuff you have and the distance traveled.
While hiring the moving equipment needed to complete an out-of-state move on your own may save a bit of money in the short term, other costs to time and money will accumulate over the long term. As such, DIY moves may not be the best choice for families making interstate moves.
Moving Out of State Is Within Any Budget
The cost of moving out of state will vary depending on the number of belongings you have, the distance being traveled, and the type of packing supplies you need. By getting rid of items you don’t want to take with you, you can reduce the total fees a moving service will charge.
Additionally, you can save on packing supplies by sourcing them from recycled materials. Lastly, if you hire an out-of-state moving company to do the work for you, they will provide all of the equipment and labor needed, which will likely reduce your expenses in the long run.
