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How Much Does It Cost To Move Out of State?

The average cost to move out of state varies widely, typically ranging from $2,000 to $12,500 or more. The more you know, the more you can save—get familiar with the factors that can increase or decrease your moving quotes.

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How Much Does It Cost to Move Out of State

In this article:

Let iMoving give you the real talk behind those binding quotes. Many factors such as size of the move, furniture assembly, boxes included and km traveled will affect costs.

Get a general understanding of all costs below.

Real Talk- Estimates and Realizations

Moving out-of-state prices can vary widely depending on many factors, including the distance of the move from point A to point B, the number and weight of all your belongings, the services you require such as disassembly and reassembly of items, and the time of year. Here are some general estimates and things to consider when trying to figure it all out.

What moving companies base quotes on:

There are many factors that will affect the pricing of your out-of-state move. Here we will break it down factor by factor so you can understand where you could potentially cut corners.

  1. Moving Distance: The farther you move regardless of state lines, the more expensive it tends to be. Crossing from Kansas City MO to KC, KS which is around 15 km even though it is a multi-state move will cost much less than moving within Missouri for example. It’s all about the km traveled. On average, moving out of state usually will cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000+, depending on the distance and your needs and circumstances.
  2. Size: The amount of belongings you have will impact the costs. Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment of a minimalist will cost less than moving a three-bedroom house with lots of furniture and items. A 3-bedroom average apartment usually costs around $3000-$6000 USD.
  3. Timing: Peak moving season (summer months and weekends) tends to be more expensive due to the basic laws of demand. Moving during off-peak times or weekdays will be your key way to save. If you need to book a weekend move during the summer, expect to pay almost double the mid-week winter move price.
  4. Moving Services: Here it’s all about choices and how lazy you can afford to be.Whether you choose a full-service moving company (which does the packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking- basically all the hard work) or a self-service option (where you pack and unpack it all yourself). Full-service moves are more expensive but offer convenience and the time you need and can stay at work. Sometimes the benefits outweigh the costs involved so consider all factors before declining this option. Think about any specialty items that you may want to leave to the pros as well when moving. 
  5. Insurance: Basic coverage is included with all iMoving vendors, but if you want additional insurance coverage or lower premiums if things go south, then you need to add this to figure out your actual costs.
  6. Extra Travel Fees: Some moving companies charge extra travel fees based on the distance traveled to and from your home for long-distance moves. This is to cover the mover’s overnight accommodation, food and basics when needed. Make sure this is included in your binding quote.

Here is the out of state moving cost breakdown:

Choose Item

Cost:$2,000-$6,000

Cost:$4,000-$10,000

Cost:$6,000-$15,000

Cost:$8,000-$25,000

Cost:$4,000-$15,000

Cost:$1,000-$5,000

Cost:$2,000-$7,000

Cost:$500-$2,000

Tips to Lower Costs and Save For What Matters

Come on, you prefer to save an extra $5 for that marg in Mexico rather than pay that for an extra carton, right? So bear with me and follow these tips to cut costs and clutter. 

  • Declutter: Yes, just throw it away or donate it! Get rid of items you no longer need to reduce the price of your move, it is that simple. Less stuff = less cost.
  • Compare Quotes: Get estimates from multiple moving companies to find the best price and services that fit what you want. iMoving makes this simple by providing multiple binding quotes.
  • Plan Ahead: Booking your move early on during off peak times will help you save hundreds of dollars for alcohol on the beach.
  • DIY Options: If you have the time and ability, renting a moving truck or PODS and doing the driving yourself will save you money on moving manpower. You may owe your friends a Mexican vacation though with the work they will need to do for you.

Out of State, Out of Mind

Let’s wrap up by saying that an out-of-state move really does vary in costs depending on all the factors discussed above. The basic concept of fewer things, and fewer problems applies here. Get rid of as much as you can ahead of time and book an off-peak moving date to save as much as possible.

Have a few thousand dollars saved up depending on the km needed and the maximum whatever you save can be put towards your Mexican dream vacation. Sombreros off to you and best of luck from all of us at iMoving.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the truly special pieces with sentimental value, I would recommend actually packing up in many layers of bubble wrap and towels and actually putting in your personal car if the option exists.

You can of course wrap these items and put them in a plastic bin with many layers of pillows, towels, and more soft items and write “fragile” on top, but I think it’s better to play it safe than sorry if the item means a lot to someone.

Yes, tipping is actually part of the cost despite the questionable name. Movers 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 cool. Plan ahead for these costs so you aren’t surprised. Trust us. 

The changes in all aspects of life are the usual answer mixed with time and budget constraints.

It’s not just that you are being uprooted from your bedroom, familiar neighborhood and local spots, it's the fact that this happens while your entire life is in boxes, so you cannot find solitude in your new place until you properly unpack. 

The first couple of weeks can feel overwhelming, but the more you put yourself to the task of unpacking and making the new home feel cozy, the faster you will feel at home!

LABEL EVERYTHING. We aren’t kidding here and really mean it. It might feel like an exaggeration to write which room you packed up and the entire contents of the box, but know that it’s not in vain! Eg: Kitchen: pots, pans, sticky pads, mixing bowls, plates, and cups.

When you go to unpack and really want a pillow but have 6 boxes labeled “living room” this will be the game changer. 

The reason for labeling each side and the top of the box is that all your items boxed are likely to be stacked in one corner of the new room.

You won’t necessarily be lucky and have the one side you labeled as the one sticking out.

Take your daughter to the new home and show her all around her new area! Take her to the various playgrounds, and local ice cream shops, and find fun activities in the area.

Also, make her a part of decision-making so she won’t feel just like everything around her is suddenly changing, but rather that she is a part of deciding what changes happen in her life. 

This can be done by choosing after-school activities together or designing her bedroom with new colors.

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