The Cheapest Way to Move Out of State

Making an affordable out-of-state move

Moving to another state is exciting, but trying to find a cheap way to move can be stressful. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all estimate since prices will vary depending on which long-distance mover you choose and other factors like distance, timing and the size of your home. But don’t worry! It’s possible to relocate out of state without spending a fortune. 

The best inexpensive state-to-state mover

Typically, a self-moving service like U-Pack® is the cheapest way to relocate long distance. A DIY service is your best bet because full-service movers usually cost 2-3 times more. 

With U-Pack, you’ll save money by handling the packing, loading and unloading, and then we’ll take care of driving everything to the new home. U-Pack prices include equipment, delivery, transportation and standard liability coverage, so you won’t be surprised by extra fees later or have to pay for fuel in a rental truck. 

3 steps for cheap long-distance moving

Ready for an out-of-state move that won’t break the bank? Let’s get started!

Set a budget

Look over your household expenses to see how much you can spend on the move. Don’t forget to include things like housing deposits, packing materials and personal travel expenses (hotel stays, food, fuel for a personal vehicle, etc.) while you think about costs.  

Read more about budgeting and saving for your out-of-state move. 

Plan strategically

While preparing for a long-distance move, there are some things you can do to get a cheaper price.  

• Downsize belongings — The less stuff you have to transport, the cheaper your price will be. 
• Handle all or part of the moving labor — paying a crew to pack, load or unload can get pricey, so take care of it yourself or only hire help for loading heavy things to save money. 
• Pick a less-busy time to move — Relocating mid-week or mid-month can be cheaper, and so can moving outside of the peak season of May-September.  
• Look for discounts — As you prepare to get quotes, look for coupons for the movers you’re considering.  

Compare movers 

With any big purchase, it’s important to shop around for the best deal. Just make sure you’re comparing similar services like space in the moving equipment, liability coverage and storage costs, if needed. 

Let’s compare prices between U-Pack and U-Haul® for moving a studio apartment from Springfield, IL, to Pensacola, FL. Rates were accurate at the time of posting for a move in November 2023. Actual costs will vary. 

• U-Pack: $1,746 (Delivery, transportation and standard liability coverage for 5 linear feet in a moving trailer) 
• U-Haul: $2,012.69 ($1,701 for a 10-ft moving truck, damage coverage, roadside assistance and environmental fee plus $311.69 in fuel for 964 miles based on 12MPG at $3.88 per gallon) 

U-Pack was the cheapest option for this move, and there’s no need to worry about driving a rental truck! 

Learn other ways you can save money moving with U-Pack.  

How much does it cost to move to another state?  

Get a free, no-obligation U-Pack quote online or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant. We offer flexible options — space in a 28-ft moving trailer or ReloCube® moving containers — and service all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. If you have questions about U-Pack services or moving out-of-state on a budget, let us know in the comments. We’re happy to help! 

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