What is the Cheapest Way To Move Out of State?

What Actually Makes an Out-of-State Move Cheap?

Understanding what drives the price of your move is the best way to keep your budget on track. While every move is different, finding the cheapest option for you usually comes down to balancing 4 main factors:

• Distance: If you are moving cross-country, the cost of gas, tolls, and hotels can add up quickly, sometimes making a DIY truck more expensive than you expect.
• Volume: The more you have to move, the more it costs. But this is also the single biggest factor you can control. If you can pare down your belongings, you will immediately lower your price.
• Labor: Professional lifting costs money. If you have the strength and help to load boxes yourself, you can save a significant amount.
• Flexibility: Rigid timelines can come with a premium price tag. If you can be flexible with your delivery dates, you can often unlock lower rates.

Basically, the cheapest way to move is usually to minimize the services you pay for. If you can handle the driving or the lifting (or both) yourself, you will see the biggest savings.

Cheapest Ways to Move Out of State (Ranked)

There are several ways to tackle an interstate move. To help you budget effectively, we have ranked these options from the lowest typical total cost to the highest.

To keep this comparison fair, we are assuming a 2–3 bedroom home traveling 500 miles. These rankings reflect an average volume of belongings rather than a minimalist studio or an exceptionally high-volume household.

Keep in mind that the cheapest option is always the most hands-on and time-consuming, while the most expensive requires the least amount of work on your part.

1. Renting a Truck + DIY Move (You Do Everything Yourself)

Aside from loading up your own personal vehicle, the cheapest way to move out of state is usually with a moving truck rental. In this scenario, you handle the entire process. You pick up the truck, pack your boxes, load the furniture, drive across state lines, and unload at the new house.

While this offers the lowest upfront price, you must watch out for hidden costs. You are responsible for fuel, tolls, and hotels if the drive takes multiple days. Plus, returning the truck early rarely reduces the bill, and you will likely face fees if you go over the allotted mileage.

• Best For: People moving on a budget with time and energy to spare.
• Pros: Cheapest upfront cost; total control over the schedule.
• Cons: High physical fatigue and stress; driving a large truck long distances; hidden costs (fuel, lodging).

2. Labor-Only Moving + DIY Transportation

This is a hybrid moving strategy, where you still rent a truck or container for transportation, but you hire hourly professionals to load and unload the heavy items.

This approach is often the best balance of cost and effort. You avoid the heavy lifting and risk of injury, but you also avoid the high premiums of full-service van lines. It works particularly well if you are comfortable driving a truck but physically cannot lift a washing machine or sofa down a flight of stairs.

• Best For: Budget-conscious movers with heavy furniture or complex loading situations (like stairs).
• Pros: Saves your back and reduces injury risk; cheaper than full-service movers; professional loading maximizes truck space.
• Cons: You still have to drive the truck or manage the container and handle other logistics.

3. Moving Containers or Freight Trailers

Unlike the previous options, where you had to handle driving a truck across the highway, this category features services where you do the packing and loading, but don’t have to handle the transportation.

Freight Trailers

A company drops off a 28-foot trailer, and you pay for the linear footage your stuff takes up (e.g., 10 feet). They drive it to your destination. This is often cost-effective for long distances because you don’t pay for the fuel or the driver’s lodging.

Moving Containers

These are delivered to your driveway for you to load at your own pace. While slightly more expensive than freight, they offer built-in storage if your new home isn’t ready yet.

• Best For: Long-distance moves (1,000+ miles) or moves requiring temporary storage.
• Pros: You don’t have to drive a large truck; flexible storage options (containers); pay only for the space you use (freight).
• Cons: Slower delivery windows; requires ample parking space for equipment.

4. Full-Service Moving Companies

Full-service moving is almost never the cheapest way to move out of state. When you hire a full-service company, you are paying a premium for the convenience they provide. After all, they handle everything from start to finish: the loading, driving, and unloading. 

While the initial cost is significantly higher, this option makes sense if you are moving for a corporate relocation or if you simply value your time and comfort more than the cost savings.

• Best For: People who prioritize convenience over cost or cannot physically manage a move.
• Pros: Zero physical effort required; professional packing reduces damage risk.
• Cons: Most expensive option; delivery takes longer than driving yourself.

Moving Out of State: Cost Comparison

The average cost to move out-of-state ranges between $707 – $865 for a DIY move and $3,034 – $4,214 for a full-service move. For a more in-depth look at different moving costs, explore our Moving Costs guide.

2026 Out-of-State Moving Costs: 1500 sq ft Home (500-mile move)*

*Portable container costs based on PODS data.

Cheapest Option by Move Size (Quick Decision Guide)

The cheapest method changes depending on how much you have to move. What works for a college grad in a studio apartment won’t work for a family of four. You can use this guide to find the right strategy for your load size.

Studio / 1-Bedroom Apartment

• Cheapest Typical Option: Rental Cargo Van or Small Box Truck.
• Why It Works: You likely don’t have enough furniture to meet the minimum weight or space requirements of a freight trailer or large moving company. A small DIY rental avoids those minimum fees.
• Key Caveat: If you are moving coast-to-coast (e.g., NY to CA), the cost of gas and hotels might actually make a small moving container (like a U-Box) cheaper than driving yourself. Always compare both for ultra-long distances.

2–3 Bedroom Home

• Cheapest Typical Option: 26-Foot Rental Truck (DIY).
• Why It Works: As shown in our cost comparison, renting a truck and doing the work yourself is consistently the lowest price point (approx. $700–$800 for a standard move). You aren’t paying for a driver’s labor or markup on fuel.
• Key Caveat: If you have heavy, low-value furniture (like an old sofa or IKEA dresser), it is often cheaper to sell it and buy new items later than to pay for the gas and truck space to move it.

Large Household (4+ Bedrooms) or Long-Distance

• Cheapest Typical Option: Freight Trailer + Labor.
• Why It Works: Once you exceed the capacity of a single rental truck, DIY becomes a challenge because you would need to rent two trucks or make two trips. Freight trailers handle large volumes efficiently because you pay by the linear foot.
• Key Caveat: You absolutely need hired labor to load the trailer properly. If you pack loosely, you use up more linear feet, and the price jumps. Professional loaders pay for themselves by minimizing the space you use.

Hidden Costs That Can Make an Affordable Move Expensive

A cheap quote can turn expensive fast if you ignore the variables that aren’t included in the base rate. These are called “false economies”, where you think you are saving money upfront, but end up paying more in the end.

To help you build an accurate budget, here are the most common overlooked expenses. And for a deep dive into every possible charge, check out our guide on Moving Fees.

Fuel and Mileage

Rental truck quotes rarely include gas, and big box trucks get terrible mileage (often 8–10 mpg). For a 500-mile move, you could easily spend hundreds of dollars on fuel alone. Plus, many rental contracts charge a per-mile fee on top of the daily rate. Always do the math before you book.

Labor Minimums

If you plan to hire movers for the heavy stuff, know that most professionals charge a minimum of 2 hours. Even if they finish loading your sofa in 20 minutes, you will likely pay for the full two hours.

Long Carries and Stairs

Movers have standard limits for how far they will carry items from the truck to your door (often 75 feet). If your driveway is long or you live on the third floor with no elevator, expect long carry or stair carry fees to appear on your final bill.

Storage-in-Transit

Timing is everything. If you arrive at your new state but can’t get the keys to your new place for another two days, you have a problem. You will face storage-in-transit fees, which include the cost to hold your items on the truck or in a warehouse, plus a fee to redeliver them once you are ready. You can avoid this by moving with a container, as they usually have storage time built into their quote or competitive storage fees.

Insurance Gaps

It’s unlikely that your personal car insurance covers a 26-foot commercial rental truck. Most standard auto policies exclude vehicles over a certain weight. You may need to purchase separate liability and collision coverage from the rental agency to protect yourself.

Delays and Redelivery Fees

If you use a freight trailer or full-service mover, you must be present when they arrive. If you miss the driver, they will leave instead of waiting around. You will then be charged a hefty attempted delivery fee to have them come back later.

8 Cost-Saving Tips for Out-of-State Moves

Whether you choose the cheapest way to move out-of-state (DIY with a rental truck) or the most expensive (full-service moving), there are definite steps you can take to reduce your overall moving costs. Here are our top 8 tips.

1. Declutter Before Packing

No matter how you move, the volume of everything you’re moving will have an impact on your moving expenses — from the size of the truck to the number of moving boxes you’ll need. Before your move, do your best to declutter your belongings. You can throw away items that are damaged and beyond salvaging, and sell or donate those that still have value. Consider hosting a garage sale or listing items online with Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Poshmark, or ThredUp to recoup some of your moving costs.

2. Choose the Right Time & Be Flexible

Summer is the most popular (and most expensive) time to move. If you want to save money, aim for the off-season between September and April. Additionally, moving in the middle of the month or on a weekday often secures lower rates than weekends. Being flexible with your dates opens the door to better pricing, so ask your mover if shifting your schedule by a few days could score you a discount.

3. Find Free or Low-Cost Packing Materials

Packing supplies add up fast, but you rarely need to pay full price for them. Check local liquor stores, bookshops, or online community groups for free moving boxes. Once you have your boxes, skip the bubble wrap. Use your linens, towels, and blankets to wrap fragile items. You can also pack heavy items like books into rolling suitcases you are taking anyway.

4. Use Efficient Packing Techniques

Be methodical when packing boxes so that everything fits snugly inside. Not only does this minimize the number of boxes needed, but it also prevents items from shifting and getting damaged in transit. Just make sure you don’t overload any one box—they should all stay under 50 lbs for safety and to prevent collapse. 

You can also streamline unloading and unpacking by clearly labeling every box with the room it belongs in and a brief description of its contents. That way, you and your movers know immediately where it should go when unloading. 

5. Research and Compare Local Movers

Before you decide which moving service to use, be sure to research and compare several different options. MovingPlace makes this step easy with thousands of vetted and licensed movers ready to help with your out-of-state move. All you need to do is enter a few details about your move, and we’ll instantly provide a list of top-rated providers along with accurate quotes for you to compare side by side.

6. Use Discounts and Deals

Many moving companies offer discounts for seniors, students, teachers, AAA members, and servicemen and women. Even if you don’t qualify for any of these, there are often seasonal promotions and deals that can reduce the cost of your move. If there doesn’t appear to be any active promotions, you can always ask. Salespeople often have a little leeway when it comes to the final price. 

7. Check for Tax Deductions 

Outside of the military, most people can’t deduct moving expenses from their federal tax return. However, there are a few states (NY, CA, and AR) that allow residents to deduct moving expenses from their state tax returns. Other states allow these deductions for public safety officers or military members, but the requirements vary by state. Consult with a tax professional to determine whether or not you qualify to deduct moving expenses from your state or federal return. If you do, make sure you understand what counts as a moving expense and keep detailed receipts.

8. Explore Employee Relocation Packages

If you’re moving out of state for a new job, it’s worthwhile to ask the HR rep at your new company about an employee relocation package. Relocation packages can help cover the costs of moving and are often used to attract new employees. These can come in the form of reimbursement after your move, direct billing during your move, or a lump sum for you to use as you please. The third option (the lump sum) is the most popular and, when paired with a thrifty move, can mean leftover money in your pocket. 

The right time to ask about a relocation package is during compensation negotiations. If the salary you’ve been offered is a little lackluster, you might be able to balance the scales by asking for a nice relocation package.

Is the Cheapest Way Always the Best Way?

Not always. We all love a bargain, but in the moving world, there is a fine line between thrifty and risky.

Sometimes, choosing the absolute lowest price means you pay in other ways. If you rent a truck to save $300 but end up with a broken TV because of poor packing, you haven’t actually saved anything. If you try to carry a heavy sleeper sofa down a flight of stairs and injure your back, the medical bills will dwarf any savings from the DIY route.

When should you spend a little more?

• If you have high-value items: Professional movers have the expertise (and insurance) to handle antiques and electronics safely.
• If you have a strict timeline: Rental trucks and DIY driving are unpredictable. If you need to start a new job on Monday morning, paying for reliable help might be worth the peace of mind.
• If you physically can’t lift heavy furniture: Don’t risk your health! Hiring labor-only movers is often the perfect and affordable middle ground. You pay for the muscle to load and unload the truck safely, minimizing the risk of injury and damage while keeping your total costs low.