Hiring long-distance movers can cost anywhere from $1,213 to $12,313, depending on factors like the distance, the size of your move, and the services you choose.
This article breaks down the services you can book that impact these rates, giving you tips to save before the move and key advice to ensure a smooth and cost-effective process. Pricing Van Lines has your back every step of the way.
Let’s Begin
What You Need to Know
When you start planning your long-distance move (which I assume you are, since you made your way to this article), one of the biggest considerations for families is the cost-prohibiting factor of hiring professional movers.
Understanding the factors influencing these high costs can help you budget more realistically and avoid unexpected expenses that will be rough on the family.
This article delves deeper into the factors that affect the price quotes of long-distance moving services, which will help you know what to expect and avoid that shock factor.
Average Costs of Long-Distance Moves: Explained
It’s helpful to have a general idea of what you might expect to pay for your upcoming long-distance move. On average, long-distance moves can range from $2,000 to $5,000 for a normal one-bedroom apartment moving about 1,000 miles.
Here’s a rough breakdown:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,000 – $3,000
- 2-Bedroom House: $3,000 – $5,000
- 3-Bedroom House: $4,500 – $8,000
This includes the cost of labor and transport but may not additional services.
Pro Tips to Reduce Moving Costs
Before we even delve in, lets talk about what matters most to everyone, how to save!
- Declutter: Before your move, take the time to declutter and remove items you no longer need. The less you have to move, the lower your costs will be, its not rocket science.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Don’t settle for the first moving quote you receive. Get quotes from multiple companies to compare prices and services. Be warned that quotes that seem unusually low, are sketchy and you should expect hidden fees.
- Flex Your Move Date: Plan your move during off-peak seasons or on weekdays, and you will save big.
- Pack: If you can handle packing your belongings, you can save a lot on labor costs. Make sure you have the right materials on hand for when the packing urge strikes.
Factors That Influence Long-Distance Moving Costs
1. Distance
The most obvious factor impacting the cost of long-distance moving is the distance between your home now and your new home. Movers charge based on the number of miles that they will need to travel.
As the distance goes up, so does the price. This is for the gas, their time spent on the road, and the wear and tear on their moving truck.
2. Weight and Volume of Your Home Goods
Movers charge by the weight of the items they need to move long-distance. The more items you have, the heavier the weight will be, obviously, and the more you’ll pay in turn. It’s important to understand an estimate of your home good’s weight.
3. Other Services
Pricing Van Lines offers many different services you can book depending on your needs. Thats the great thing, you don’t pay for what you don’t need.
Most moving companies offer other services beyond just loading and unloading aka: lifting your items but usually bundle them together in the price, not leaving you any wiggle room to save.
Other services include packing and unpacking, providing packing materials to your door, disassembling and reassembling furniture, and storage.
These services can significantly increase the total cost of your move, so it’s smart to evaluate which services you truly need and work with Pricing Van Lines to get the most affordable rate.
4. Time of Year
Moving costs change drastically based on the time of year. Peak moving season runs from late spring through summer, as they follow school vacations for the kids. This allows families to move homes without interrupting their learning.
During these months, movers charge extremely high rates due to increased demand; they can simply demand whatever they want. If you can, move during the off-peak season (fall and winter) to save a lot of money.
The same goes for weekends and beginning or end of the month dates. As people don’t want to miss work and they want the move to coincide with their lease, this knowledge will save you a lot of money.
5. Type of Moving Service
There are different types of moving services available, so know your stuff it will help you when booking to make sure you don’t book something you don’t need.
- Full-Service Moving: This option provides a full A to Z comprehensive service, where movers handle everything from packing to transportation and unpacking and reassembly. It’s the most expensive option always and very VIP.
- Self-Service Moving: This option allows you to pack your belongings while the moving company provides only the transportation. It’s usually more affordable than full-service moving. Expect to do the hard part but the savings will feel great, go get yourself a massage with those funds.
- Freight: Some companies offer freight services, where you load your items into a static trailer that will be transported by the moving company across the country. You’ll pay for the space your items take up, making it a cheaper option for those who don’t mind doing some of the work and it gives you more time to actually pack up.
6. Insurance
Moving companies both local and long-distance offer different levels of insurance and liability for your items during transit. Basic coverage should be included in the price, but for important items, you will need additional insurance which comes with added costs.
All in All Long-Distance is Doable
Hiring long-distance movers costs a lot, but understanding the factors that play into these costs can help you make the best decisions. By planning your move ahead, comparing quality moving quotes, and being strategic about your services and when you book, you can hack your budget.
Find a balance between cost and the level of service you need, so that your move is as stress-free as possible. If you close your contract with Pricing Van Lines you will get very affordable movers that will service you at the highest level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to declutter and clean my old home before moving?
To start, you’ll need all the items packed up and out. Don’t even try cleaning room by room as you pack or you’ll end up wearing yourself out and cleaning the same place twice.
Things get dirty from boxes and tape. Once you are fully packed up, stack your cartons in a central place that allows you to vacuum up and mop all the floors.
Wipe down surfaces such as countertops and the insides of drawers to really make this squeaky clean. If you don’t have time and energy to clean, you can always hire a cleaning crew after the move.
Is tipping my movers taken a given today?
It isn’t always a given, but in today’s world, they will expect a tip for their work. They are hard workers helping you get from A to B. Tipping between 15-20% is expected by movers and drivers alike.
Think of it as if you’ve gone to a restaurant and left without tipping- not ok in our society. Plan ahead for these costs so you aren’t surprised. Trust us, the tip is a critical part of the payment.
How can I keep calm during my move?
When you book with Pricing Van Lines, you know you are taking a step in the right direction to keep your move calm, cool, and collected. When you are proactive about all the many tasks that need to be done, it is easier to keep calm.
Keeping a list, organizing it by priority items to finish, and giving due dates for each line item can be a good way to feel in control of the move rather than it controlling you.
How do I handle and plan for a move with many pets?
Your furry family members are the most loved, yet they don’t have a say in the move. Prepare them by booking a doggy sitter or doggy daycare for the day of the move so that you aren’t stressed about them getting lost while things are astray and to avoid them being stressed from the changes in their common spaces.
When you arrive at your new home, and they are brought home, make sure their corner of the house is prepared with their food and water dishes, bed and toys in one central area. Give them plenty of treats so they will associate the place with good things.
Your pets need to feel they have their safe space since their surroundings have changed, so they don’t get stressed out. Try staying home with them in the beginning while they get used to the place and taking them for long walks.
Should I use the full packing option that Pricing Van Lines offers?
Consider hiring professional packers to speed up the packing process and ensure the safety of your items. This will save you time and energy, especially if you’re busy with work or other important projects. Opting for a full-service packing option may also prevent delicate items from breaking and save you the hassle of searching for packing supplies.
