How to Cut the Cost of a Long-Distance Move
The price of a long-distance move depends mostly on how much you move, how far, and how much work you pay someone else to do. Here's how to bring it down.
Pick the right type of move
| Option | You do | They do | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental truck | Pack, load, drive, unload | Provide the truck | Lowest |
| Moving container | Pack and load | Drive the container | Middle |
| Full-service movers | Little or nothing | Pack, load, drive, unload | Highest |
A rental truck looks cheapest, but add fuel (trucks often get under 10 miles per gallon), hotels, meals and your time. For a cross-country move, a container can end up close in price and a lot less tiring. Compare all three on our moving cost calculator.
What drives the price
- Weight and volume: interstate movers price by weight or cubic feet. Fewer things means a cheaper move.
- Distance: cost rises with miles, but not in a straight line; the loading and unloading cost the same whether you go 500 or 2,500 miles.
- Timing: summer, weekends and the end of the month are the busiest and most expensive.
- Access: stairs, long walks to the truck and elevators add labor time.
- Extras: packing, specialty items like pianos, storage and car shipping.
Ten ways to save
- Sell, donate or give away anything you wouldn't buy again.
- Move between mid-September and April, midweek, and mid-month.
- Get at least three written estimates; ask for a binding or "not-to-exceed" estimate.
- Pack yourself and hire labor only for loading and unloading.
- Use free boxes from stores and friends.
- Check that interstate movers have a USDOT number and a clean record with the FMCSA.
- Compare the cost of shipping a car with driving it.
- Ask your new employer about relocation assistance; it's often negotiable.
- Keep valuables and documents with you instead of paying extra coverage for them.
- Book early for summer moves; prices climb as dates fill up.
Are moving expenses tax deductible?
For most people, no. The federal deduction for moving expenses is limited to active-duty members of the Armed Forces moving under military orders and, starting in 2026, certain employees and new appointees of the intelligence community. Moving reimbursements from an employer are generally taxable income. Several states, including California and New York, still allow a moving-expense deduction on the state return; check your state's instructions.
Watch out for scams
Red flags include a very low quote given without seeing your belongings, a large cash deposit, no physical address, or a contract with blank spaces. Interstate movers must give you the federal "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" booklet.