How much does long-distance moving cost?
Long-distance moving often costs $1,500 - $20,000. A 2- to 3-bedroom long-distance move commonly lands around $1,300 - $9,500, while cross-country full-service moves can run much higher.
For long-distance moves, the quote needs more scrutiny than a local hourly estimate. Inventory, shipment weight or cubic footage, delivery window, valuation coverage, packing, storage, shuttle service, and extra fees should be clear before you sign.
Long-distance moving cost by option
Full-service long-distance movers
$1,500 - $20,000How to tellCompany loads, transports, and unloads the shipment, with optional packing
The fixCompare binding estimates, delivery windows, valuation coverage, and inventory accuracy
Cross-country move
$3,000 - $12,000+How to tellThe move spans hundreds or thousands of miles
The fixBudget for distance, weight, fuel, labor, access, and delivery timing
Moving container or pod
$1,000 - $7,000+How to tellYou load the container and the company transports it
The fixCompare container size, delivery/pickup windows, storage days, and final-mile fees
Rental truck DIY move
$500 - $4,000+How to tellYou drive and load/unload yourself or hire labor separately
The fixAdd fuel, tolls, lodging, insurance, supplies, mileage, and physical risk
Packing, storage, and specialty items
$500 - $5,000+ extraHow to tellYou need professional packing, temporary storage, pianos, safes, antiques, or shuttles
The fixRequire each add-on in writing before comparing totals
Before requesting long-distance quotes
- Reduce the shipment before pricing. Donating or junking heavy low-value items can cut weight and volume.
- Ask for a written inventory and read whether the estimate is binding or nonbinding.
- Confirm pickup window, delivery window, storage-in-transit fees, shuttle fees, and valuation coverage.
- Check federal mover registration and reviews before paying a deposit.
Unlock the hiring checklist
Use this before you call a moving, so you know what to ask and what to avoid.
Call a pro when…
- The move crosses state lines or spans hundreds of miles
- You need a predictable delivery window or storage in transit
- You have large, fragile, or high-value items
- You want professional packing and valuation coverage
- You cannot safely load, drive, or unload a rental truck
Repair or replace?
A container or rental truck can be cheaper than full-service movers, but the real comparison includes fuel, hotel stays, loading labor, time off work, storage, insurance, and damage risk.
Need a cleaner scope before you call around?
Use the moving checklist to compare the same work, questions, cleanup, and warranty before choosing a local company.
Related questions
What is the cheapest way to move long distance?
Usually a rental truck or moving container, especially if you can pack and load yourself. Full-service movers cost more but reduce labor and logistics.
Why do long-distance moving quotes change?
Nonbinding estimates can change based on actual weight, volume, services, access, storage, shuttle needs, and delivery details.
How can I avoid moving scams?
Be careful with unusually low deposits, vague inventories, no physical address, no federal registration, pressure to sign immediately, or estimates given without enough inventory detail.