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The first thing people think about when they move across the country is how much it will cost. I've learned that knowing the real numbers makes all the difference between a smooth move and a financial headache after looking at thousands of moving scenarios and helping families through this exact transition.
According to new information from HomeAdvisor and Angi, most families will spend between $2,400 and $12,000 to move across the country in 2026. The average price for a standard two-bedroom home moving 1,000 to 2,000 miles is about $4,570. But these averages don't show you important information that will affect how much you actually pay. How your situation fits in with these basic costs will determine whether you get closer to $2,400 or $12,000.
If you're also going to buy a house at your new location, it's even more important to know how much it will cost to move. You can use AmeriSave's mortgage calculators to help you plan for the costs of moving and buying a home. This way, you'll be ready for both the move and your new mortgage payment.
For the user, the headline number isn't the only thing that matters. You need to know how much each type of transportation costs, what causes those extra fees, and where you can save money without worrying about it. Let's look at the real costs of moving across the country in 2026, using examples and worked-out numbers.
The design-driven approach to understanding moving costs starts with breaking down the price tiers. Recent industry data from multiple sources including Angi, HomeAdvisor, and moving companies shows consistent patterns in 2026 pricing.
Let's calculate a specific move: 2-bedroom apartment from San Francisco to Austin (1,740 miles). Using professional movers for a moderately furnished apartment (approximately 5,000 pounds):
Base transportation cost: 5,000 lbs × $0.80 per pound = $4,000
Loading labor (4 hours × 2 movers × $50/hour) = $400
Unloading labor (4 hours × 2 movers × $50/hour) = $400
Fuel surcharge (15% of transportation) = $600
Moving insurance (1.5% of $30,000 declared value) = $450
Total: $5,850
This calculation sits slightly above the national average because of the longer distance and the higher labor costs typical of California and Texas markets. The transparency in this breakdown matters because it shows you exactly where your money goes.
The digital-first approach to choosing transportation doesn't mean sacrificing the human touch. Each method offers different trade-offs between cost, convenience, and control. Let's explore each option with specific 2026 pricing data.
Full-service movers handle everything: packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and often unpacking. According to Consumer Affairs and Allied Van Lines, full-service cross-country moves range from $3,000 to $10,000 in 2026, with the typical 2-3 bedroom home costing $6,700-$9,250.
The user journey here prioritizes convenience and risk mitigation. Professional movers provide insurance, experienced handling of fragile items, and accountability. For families with valuable possessions, limited time, or physical limitations, this premium makes sense.
3-bedroom house, Chicago to Denver (1,000 miles), approximately 9,000 pounds:
Weight-based charge: 9,000 lbs × $0.75 per pound = $6,750
Packing service (10 hours × $75/hour) = $750
Packing materials = $200
Full-value insurance coverage = $500
Furniture disassembly/reassembly = $350
Total: $8,550
This scenario represents the high-quality service tier. The peace of mind factor justifies the premium for many families, especially when managing a home purchase simultaneously. If you're coordinating a move with a new mortgage closing, AmeriSave's rate and term refinance options can help you optimize your overall housing transition costs.
2-bedroom apartment, Boston to Phoenix (2,400 miles), one 16-foot container:
Container rental and transportation = $4,200
Delivery fee = $75
Pickup fee = $75
One month storage (included) = $0
Additional storage month = $149
Loading/unloading labor (optional, 8 hours total × $50/hour) = $400
Total: $4,899 (with labor assistance)
Rental trucks represent the most cost-effective option if you're willing to do the work. According to U-Haul and Budget Truck data, cross-country truck rentals range from $1,200 to $5,300 in 2026, with most moves falling between $1,500-$2,500.
The interface challenges here are significant: you're responsible for driving potentially 2,000+ miles in an unfamiliar vehicle, loading and unloading heavy items, and coordinating timing precisely. But the cost savings can exceed $4,000 compared to full-service movers.
Truck sizes: 10-foot (studio), 15-foot (1-bedroom), 20-foot (2-bedroom), 26-foot (3-4 bedroom). U-Haul typically bundles long-distance moves into flat-rate pricing plus mileage charges of approximately $1 per additional mile beyond the included distance.
2-bedroom apartment, Atlanta to Seattle (2,700 miles), 20-foot truck:
Truck rental (flat rate for distance) = $1,800
Fuel (2,700 miles ÷ 8 mpg × $3.50/gallon) = $1,181
Moving insurance/coverage = $150
Tolls and parking = $100
Hotel (2 nights × $120) = $240
Meals during drive = $150
Packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap) = $150
Total: $3,771
This calculation reveals the true all-in cost of DIY moving. Many people forget to account for fuel, lodging, and meals, which add 40-50% to the base truck rental cost.
The design thinking approach to moving costs means understanding which variables you can control and which you can't. Some factors are fixed (distance), while others offer optimization opportunities (timing, packing).
Distance is the foundation of moving cost calculations. Professional movers typically define long-distance as anything over 400 miles, and cross-country as 2,000+ miles. The industry standard is to charge per pound per mile, with rates ranging from $0.50 to $1.00 per pound depending on the move specifics.
For a 5,000-pound household moving 1,500 miles at $0.75 per pound, the base transportation cost calculates to $5,625. Moving the same household 2,500 miles increases the cost to $9,375. That 1,000-mile difference adds $3,750 to your bill.
According to HomeGuide's 2026 moving cost analysis, moving during peak season (May through September) costs 20-30% more than off-season moves (October through April). For a typical $6,000 move, this means $1,200-$1,800 in potential savings by choosing November instead of July.
The user journey factor here is significant: summer moves align with school schedules and better weather, but the premium can be substantial. Mid-week moves (Tuesday-Thursday) offer additional discounts of 10-15% compared to weekend moves.
September 1st in Boston represents the extreme end of peak pricing, with lease-end timing creating intense demand. Similarly, first and last days of the month command premium pricing across all markets.
Packing services represent one of the largest optional cost additions. According to Angi's data, professional packing costs $600-$2,500 depending on home size, with most companies including packing materials in this fee.
For a 2-bedroom home, expect 8-12 hours of packing labor at $60-$100 per hour, totaling $720-$1,200. Add $150-$250 for specialized packing materials (dish boxes, wardrobe boxes, mattress bags). The interface question becomes: is your time worth $60-$100 per hour? For many professionals, this makes economic sense.
Storage adds $100-$450 per month according to Angi, with significant regional variation. Climate-controlled storage in major metros runs $200-$450 monthly, while standard storage in smaller markets starts at $100-$150.
Storage-in-transit (temporary storage during a move) typically costs more than standard storage due to the logistics involved. PODS includes one month of storage in their base pricing, while traditional movers charge separately, often at $150-$300 for the first month.
According to HomeGuide, specialty items require additional charges: pianos $450-$1,300, hot tubs $300-$1,000+, pool tables $300-$800+. These items require special equipment, additional labor, and often custom crating.
Vehicle shipping adds $1,200-$2,400 for cross-country transport according to Angi. Shipping a car 200-300 miles costs $150-$600, but coast-to-coast transport doubles or triples that amount. Larger vehicles (trucks, SUVs) cost more due to weight.
Furniture services cost $35-$90 per piece according to Angi. For a typical household with a bed frame, dining table, entertainment center, and office desk, expect $140-$360 for disassembly and another $140-$360 for reassembly at your destination.
The time calculation matters here: DIY disassembly and reassembly typically takes 4-8 hours total depending on your furniture and tools. Professional movers complete the same work in 2-4 hours. The interface question is whether you want to spend your first night in a new home building furniture or settling in.
According to Angi, expedited moves arranged on short notice (less than 2 weeks) can increase costs by 50% or more of the average move cost. Last-minute bookings during peak season command even higher premiums.
Standard cross-country delivery takes 3-21 days depending on distance and whether your shipment is exclusive or consolidated with other customers. Guaranteed delivery windows or exclusive use of a truck costs 20-40% more but provides timeline certainty crucial when coordinating with home closings or job start dates.
From a UX perspective, saving money on moving requires making strategic trade-offs between time, convenience, and cost. Let's explore specific, actionable strategies that create measurable savings.
Moving between October and April (avoiding summer peak season) saves 20-30% according to HomeGuide. For a $6,500 summer move, this represents $1,300-$1,950 in savings simply by choosing November instead of July.
Mid-week moves (Tuesday-Thursday) offer additional 10-15% discounts. Avoiding month-end dates (especially the 1st and 31st) provides further savings. The compound effect: A $7,000 July 1st Saturday move could cost $4,900-$5,250 if scheduled for a November Tuesday, saving $1,750-$2,100.
Get quotes from at least 3-5 moving companies according to HomeGuide recommendations. Price variations of 20-40% between companies for the same move are common. For a $6,000 move, this represents potential savings of $1,200-$2,400.
The comparison process requires providing identical information to each company: home size, exact inventory list, distance, desired services, and timing. Request binding estimates (guaranteed not-to-exceed pricing) rather than non-binding estimates that can increase after the move.
Verify each company's USDOT number and check reviews on the Better Business Bureau, Google, and Yelp. Price alone shouldn't drive your decision - reliability and protection of your belongings matters more than saving a few hundred dollars.
Moving containers offer the sweet spot between DIY and full-service. You save on labor (by packing and loading yourself) while avoiding the stress and time of driving a rental truck cross-country. Container services typically cost 30-40% less than full-service movers while providing much more convenience than DIY rental trucks.
Example calculation: Full-service movers for your 2-bedroom move quote $6,800. PODS container service quotes $4,200. Rental truck DIY approach costs $3,200. The container option saves $2,600 versus full-service while adding only $1,000 versus full DIY - a reasonable premium for significantly less hassle.
According to IRS Publication 521, moving expenses may be deductible for active-duty military members moving due to permanent change of station orders. While the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act eliminated moving expense deductions for most taxpayers in 2018-2025, active military personnel retain this benefit.
Keep detailed records of all moving expenses: transportation costs, storage fees, lodging during the move, and packing materials. For eligible military personnel, these deductions can offset taxable income, effectively reducing net moving costs by your marginal tax rate (22-35% for most).
Charging moving expenses to rewards credit cards generates 1-5% cashback. For a $5,000 move on a 2% cashback card, you receive $100 back. Travel rewards cards offer even better value - charging moving costs to a card earning 3x points on travel could generate $150-$300 in travel credit value.
Strategic timing: If you're planning a large move, consider opening a new rewards card with a signup bonus. Many cards offer $500-$1,000 in bonus rewards after meeting spending thresholds ($3,000-$5,000 in 3 months). Your moving expenses can help meet this threshold, effectively subsidizing your move cost.
Mix and match services to optimize cost versus convenience. Hire professional movers for loading and transportation, but handle packing and unpacking yourself. Or pack everything yourself, load a container, but hire local labor for the heavy lifting at both ends.
Example hybrid approach savings: Full-service quote: $7,500. Your hybrid approach: self-pack (saves $800), hire container service instead of full-service movers (saves $2,200), hire local labor for loading/unloading (costs $600), net cost: $5,100. Total savings: $2,400 while maintaining reasonable convenience.
When buying a home at your destination, factor moving costs into your overall housing transition budget. AmeriSave's cash-out refinance options can help existing homeowners access equity to fund moving costs, while their conventional loan products help buyers budget for both down payment and relocation expenses.
Financial planning perspective: If your move costs $5,000 and your new mortgage payment is $400/month lower than your previous housing cost, the move pays for itself in 12.5 months. Use AmeriSave's mortgage calculator to model how your total housing costs (mortgage + moving expenses) compare between locations.
The user experience of moving involves avoiding expensive pitfalls. These mistakes can add thousands to your moving bill.
Booking less than 30 days before your move costs 15-30% more due to expedited fees and limited availability. During peak season, waiting until the last minute can mean paying 50% premiums or having no availability at all.
Optimal booking timeline: Schedule your move 6-8 weeks in advance for off-season moves, 10-12 weeks for peak season. Early booking secures better rates, guarantees availability, and provides leverage for negotiating discounts.
The standard $0.60 per pound coverage is inadequate. A damaged $2,000 television weighing 50 pounds receives $30 compensation. Full-value protection costs 1-2% of declared value but provides actual replacement coverage.
Risk calculation: For a household with $40,000 in belongings, full-value protection costs $400-$800. If movers damage $5,000 worth of items (not uncommon on long-distance moves), basic coverage pays $300 while full-value protection pays $5,000. The insurance premium is worth it.
Most people underestimate boxes by 30-50%. A 2-bedroom apartment typically requires 50-70 boxes, not 30-40. Running out of boxes mid-move causes stress and last-minute expensive purchases.
Solution: Create a detailed inventory by room before estimating box needs. Use online calculators from moving companies. Order 20-30% more boxes than estimated - you can return unused boxes to most retailers.
The cheapest quote often comes from unreliable companies. Red flags: deposits required before move date, no USDOT number, no physical address, significantly lower quotes than competitors (30%+ difference).
Verification steps: Check USDOT number on FMCSA website, read BBB reviews, verify physical business address, ask for customer references. Paying $500-$1,000 more for a reputable company protects you from damaged items, delayed delivery, or moving scams.
Moving contracts contain crucial details: cancellation policies, payment terms, claims procedures, additional fee triggers. Failing to read these leads to surprise charges and limited recourse for problems.
Key contract elements to verify: guaranteed delivery window or date range, binding estimate confirmation, insurance/valuation level, extra stops or services included, fuel surcharge policy, payment terms (deposit amount, final payment timing), cancellation/rescheduling fees.
Active-duty military personnel benefit from government-funded moves through the Defense Personal Property Program. According to VA.gov, the military covers most moving costs for permanent change of station orders, including household goods transportation, temporary storage, and dislocation allowance (DLA).
Weight allowances vary by rank and dependents but typically range from 8,000 pounds (E-1) to 18,000 pounds (O-6+). Excess weight costs approximately $0.60-$1.00 per pound at the service member's expense. The government's contracted moving services provide full packing, loading, transportation, and unloading.
DLA provides upfront financial assistance: $2,000-$5,000 depending on dependency status. For military families relocating, AmeriSave's VA loan products offer zero down payment options and streamlined refinancing for existing VA loans, helping coordinate housing transitions with PCS moves.
Senior moves often involve downsizing from large family homes to smaller condos or retirement communities. According to moving industry data, seniors face unique challenges: decades of accumulated belongings, physical limitations, emotional attachment to possessions.
Senior-specific moving services cost 15-25% more than standard moves but provide critical support: specialized packing of fragile items and memorabilia, estate sale coordination, donation and disposal assistance, setting up the new home before arrival. For a typical senior move, expect $7,000-$12,000 for full-service including downsizing assistance.
Financial planning consideration: Proceeds from selling a larger home often fund both the move and a smaller property purchase. Use AmeriSave's home equity calculator to understand available equity before planning your transition.
International moves cost significantly more than domestic cross-country moves. According to international moving specialists, a 2-bedroom household moving from the U.S. to Europe costs $8,000-$20,000+, while moves to Asia or Australia range $12,000-$30,000+.
Cost drivers: Ocean freight or air freight transportation, customs clearance fees, destination port handling, international insurance requirements, longer transit times. Container shipping (20-foot or 40-foot containers) provides the most cost-effective option for full household moves.
If you hire professional movers to move a typical 2-3 bedroom home 1,000-2,000 miles, you should plan on spending $4,500 to $7,000. This baseline includes transportation, basic labor, and standard insurance.
If you need packing services, add $600 to $2,500; for full-value insurance, add $500 to $1,000; for specialty items, add $200 to $500; and for storage, add $500 to $1,500. Total budget: $6,300 to $12,500.
If you do it yourself, the cost goes down to $2,500 to $4,500 because you don't have to pay for professional help. Container services cost between $3,500 and $6,000, which is in the middle.
The most affordable choice is to rent a truck and do everything yourself. A two-bedroom move will cost between $1,500 and $3,500, which includes the cost of renting the truck, gas, tolls, and lodging.
But this takes a lot of time (2–4 days of driving plus loading and unloading days), strength to lift heavy things, and comfort driving a big truck for long distances.
Moving containers like PODS usually cost between $3,000 and $5,000 and are the best option for balancing cost and convenience. They take away the stress of driving and save you money on labor costs compared to full-service movers.
When you choose, think about how much your time is worth. If a DIY move saves you $3,000 but takes 60 hours of work, you're really working for $50 an hour.
If you're moving during the off-season (October to April), book 6 to 8 weeks in advance. If you're moving during the peak season (May to September), book 10 to 12 weeks in advance.
Booking your move earlier has many benefits besides saving money. For example, your preferred moving company will be more available, you'll have more options for when to move, you'll have more time to compare quotes from different companies, and you'll have more power to get discounts or extra services.
Booking at the last minute (less than three weeks) can raise costs by 15 to 30 percent and make it much harder to find what you want, especially in the summer.
Booking 3 to 4 months ahead of time gives you the most flexibility and the best prices if you know when you're moving.
It is normal and expected to tip professional movers. HomeGuide says that the usual rate is $5 to $10 per hour per mover or $40 to $80 per mover per day.
When moving across the country, keep in mind that you might have different crews at the start and end of the move. When deciding how much to tip, think about how well the movers did their job, how hard it was, and how well they took care of your things.
For a typical two-day move across the country with three movers at the start and three at the end, plan to give each mover $40 to $80 in tips. At the end of each day, give cash tips directly to the crew leaders, with the origin and destination crews getting their own tips.
Include this cost in your moving budget from the very beginning.
Depending on the distance and whether your shipment is separate or combined with others, professional moving companies usually deliver cross-country shipments within 3 to 21 days.
It usually takes 7 to 14 days to move across the country (more than 2,800 miles). Most of the time, shorter moves across the country (1,000 to 1,500 miles) take 3 to 7 days.
Using a truck just for your items cuts delivery time by 3–5 days compared to shipping with other people's items, but it costs 20–40% more.
If you want to be sure that your package will arrive on time, you can pay an extra $500 to $1,500 for guaranteed delivery windows or specific date commitments. This is important when planning home closings or job start dates.
PODS and other container services take about the same amount of time, but they let you load and unload on your own schedule, which can make the process take longer but less stressful.
Federal rules say that moving companies can't move dangerous things like propane tanks, gasoline, paint, cleaning chemicals, ammunition, and fireworks.
In addition to legal limits, think about not moving things that cost less to replace than to move. These include potted plants (which are expensive to ship and may not survive), heavy low-value items (like old exercise equipment and concrete patio furniture), old electronics (like old TVs and computers), partial containers of perishables, and worn-out furniture.
Find out how much it costs to replace something. If it costs $200 to move but only $150 to replace, leave it behind.
Take advantage of this chance to get new things or upgrade things that fit better in your new home.
This rule is especially true for big things that won't fit in your new home's layout or climate. For example, leaving behind winter clothes when you move to Florida or getting rid of lawnmowers when you move to an apartment makes sense both practically and financially.
Before hiring a moving company, make sure to check these important credentials:
These steps to verify things will keep you from being scammed when you move and make sure your things are safe.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 made it so that moving costs are no longer tax-deductible for most people. This change will last until 2025, according to IRS Publication 521.
But active-duty military members who have to move because of permanent change of station orders can still deduct moving costs that aren't covered by the military. Military members who qualify can deduct the costs of moving, such as transportation, storage, lodging, and other related expenses.
If you want to know more about the current tax year, check out IRS Publication 3 for military-specific information or talk to a tax professional.
Keep detailed records of all your moving costs, such as receipts, mileage logs, and proof of your PCS orders. Even if you can't deduct them right now, keep these records because tax laws may change and some states may still let you deduct moving expenses on your state income tax.
Making a cross-country move and buying a home at the same time requires careful planning of both your money and your timing.
First, figure out how much it will cost to move. This includes moving costs (which are usually between $4,000 and $8,000), the down payment (which is between 3.5% and 20% of the home price), closing costs (which are between 2% and 5% of the home price), and immediate home needs (like furniture, repairs, and utilities for the first month).
Make a full budget that includes all of your costs, not just the cost of buying a house. A lot of buyers don't think about how much it will cost to move, and then they run out of money after closing.
Think about the timing carefully. If you close on your new home one to two weeks before you move in, you'll have time to clean, paint, or fix things before your furniture arrives.
AmeriSave offers a variety of mortgage products, including conventional loans with down payments as low as 3%, FHA loans with down payments of 3.5%, and VA loans with no down payment for qualified military personnel.
Use AmeriSave's mortgage calculator to see how different situations would play out and how moving costs would affect your down payment.
If you're selling your current home, the money you make from that sale can help pay for your move and your new down payment. Just make sure you have bridge financing or temporary housing in case the timing doesn't work out perfectly.
AmeriSave's cash-out refinance options can help current homeowners get to their equity to pay for big moves and get better rates on their current home.
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