Cheapest Way to Move Cross Country

How to move across the U.S. on a budget

A cross-country move can get expensive quickly, especially if you wait until the last minute or choose services you don’t really need. Fortunately, it’s possible to cut costs while still getting belongings safely to your new home. Finding the cheapest option starts with something simple: how much you plan to move. 

The cheapest way to move long distance (broken down by house size)

If you have very few belongings

When everything won’t fit in your car, parcel services like FedEx®, UPS® and USPS® are often recommended for moving just a few items. But using these companies to ship heavy or large things like furniture to another state can come with a high price tag. 

Instead, it can be better to use a moving container. These come in small sizes and don’t require you to drive a rental truck across the country. 

If you have a small apartment

A moving container is often a great fit for studio or one-bedroom apartments. You can load everything on your own schedule, keep costs down by only using the space you need and avoid paying for extra services you don’t want. It’s a straightforward way to move without overcomplicating things.

If you have a 2- to 4-bedroom place

For a 2-, 3-, or 4-bedroom home, the cheapest way to move long distance is almost always a self-move option where you control the labor and avoid full-service pricing. You can choose between rental trucks or services like U-Pack where you pack and load, and we move your belongings door-to-door. 

While truck rental can look like the most budget-friendly option upfront, they aren’t always the cheapest once you factor in total trip costs (see a breakdown here). Many customers choose U-Pack because it helps them avoid driving and the added costs that can come with renting a truck.

If you have a large home or a lot of items in a garage, attic or storage unit

Rental trucks can sometimes have the lowest upfront price, but they quickly become less practical at this scale due to fuel costs, the need for multiple vehicles and the complexity of getting it all to your new home. This is where U-Pack trailers (or other freight trailer moving services) stand out.

With 28 feet of linear space available, U-Pack trailers are commonly used for 3–4-bedroom homes or full households with additional storage items. That capacity offers the flexibility to move everything together instead of coordinating separate shipments or dealing with space constraints in a rental truck. And because you only pay for the space you actually use, it helps keep large moves cost-efficient.

How can U-Pack offer affordable moves?

U-Pack keeps long-distance moving costs lower by combining a self-move model with an established nationwide freight network. You save money by packing, loading and unloading yourself, and we use a reliable transportation provider to efficiently move your belongings across the country.

Learn more about how we calculate our prices.

Additional ways to save

Get multiple quotes 
Prices for long-distance moves can vary widely depending on the company, timing and services included. Getting multiple quotes helps you understand the real price range for your long-distance move and spot anything that feels unusually high or low. 

Book during off-peak times

Costs often rise during busy seasons like summer, weekends and the beginning or end of the month. If your schedule is flexible, booking mid-week or during the fall or winter can make your move more affordable. 

Get rid of unwanted things

Taking time to sort through your belongings before packing can help you avoid paying to transport items you no longer need or use. Selling, donating or recycling what you can also makes unpacking simpler! 

Not sure where to start? Use our guide on decluttering before moving.

Don’t pay for moving labor

If you’re looking to cut costs, doing some of the work yourself — like packing, loading and unloading — can make a big difference. If you need help with large items, consider adding an hourly crew or asking friends and family.

Use coupons 

Before you pay for anything, it’s worth checking for coupons or promo codes from moving companies and retailers. For example, you can save $25 on your U-Pack move with code BLOG25 (thanks for reading!), and many retailers offer discounts on moving supplies like boxes and packing paper.

Did you know? U-Pack offers other ways to reduce your price even more! Learn how to save money on your U-Pack move.
 

Start your quote to see our cheapest cross-country moving rate

Ready to get started? Request a U-Pack quote today to see how affordable your long-distance move can be.

If you have any questions about finding the cheapest way to move or how U-Pack works, let us know in the comments. We’re here to help!

Headed to college in another state? Learn about the cheapest way to move to college.