How Much Does an Out-of-State Move Cost?
Although there are industrial rates for moving across state borders, many other things influence the ultimate cost. Some companies charge average rates but offer quality services and much-needed add-ons for hassle-free relocations.
On the flip side, companies are offering affordable rates with additional self-services.
Find several companies that break down each service cost for you and determine the best one from your analysis.
Weight
Your belongings weight determines the number and size of the container you need. It also influences the truck and other transportation utilities like fuel.
Moving companies estimate cargo weight by:
- Requesting the size of your house and the number of occupiers
- Conducting in-house surveys to see the items needing transportation
- Requesting videos or photos of the cargo
All these measures enable them to come up with price estimates.
Distance
Moving companies also charge per mileage. The longer the relocation distance, the higher the cost of moving.
Add-on Services
A standard moving service ranges from a complete DIY relocation to a full-service package.
Many full-service moving companies customize their packages to boost affordability. This is so customers can add or remove services to accommodate their budget.
Some customers strip their service package to a bare minimum of only cargo weight, transportation, and mandatory insurance charges. While others include packing, unpacking, loading, unloading, warehousing, hauling, and so forth at an additional cost.
Specialized Packing
Expensive or unique items require different packaging and handling, increasing the overall cost.
If you have cargo requiring refrigeration or unconventionally large to fit in standard containers, you need specialized storage units during transit, which comes at an additional cost.
Insurance
Moving companies provide different policy options for the move because costs may increase if you get comprehensive coverage. If the value of your belongings exceeds a certain limit, the insurance rate can also increase.
Read the fine print concerning these policies and their implications on the overall cost and your belongings’ safety.
Work Complexity
Some companies charge extra for demanding tasks during the move. For instance, if hauling requires movement through a long flight of stairs or the value of your belongings demands heightened security during transportation. The additional labor will cost you more money.
Moving Date
The period of the relocation affects moving costs.
The phenomenon follows the demand and supply principle. Demand for long-distance transport is high during high seasons like Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving.
Most companies stretch their resources to meet deadlines. Thus, prices cap at a maximum.
However, prices decrease during off-peak seasons when the demand rate lowers and the service supply rate increases.
What Factors Impact Quotes?
While many factors can impact overall costs, here are the main ones.
House Size and Distance
The primary factors contributing to pricing for most DIY and custom full-service moving companies are house size and distance. Moving from a three-bedroom house will incur higher costs than relocating from a studio apartment.
Similarly, long-distance moves get charged on hourly or mileage rates. The more miles covered during the relocation, the higher the price.
Move Date
Price quote calculators also factor in the season, day of the week or holiday.
The end of spring and summer months are usually peak seasons for moving companies because demand is high. The same applies to long holiday seasons and weekends.
Moving during demanding periods is much more expensive than during low-peak seasons when demand is low.
In-house Estimations
Walkthrough surveys give more accurate price estimations than online estimations. Moving costs can skyrocket after an agent inspects your home.
Always request this survey to get the exact pricing. Without an in-house estimate, you will get the cost on the day of the move.
Packing Equipment
Self-service comes with the benefit of not incurring packing fees. However, some moving companies absolve themselves of packing liabilities when the customer handles the task.
You will incur costs for the service and packaging material if you add packing services. The company will also be responsible for risks associated with packing.
Moving Complexities
Examples of demanding tasks that may add complexity to your move include:
- Moving from buildings without a service elevator
- Moving through a tight street where the truck or container cannot fit
- Locations that are difficult to maneuver by vehicular means
Additional Services
Add-on services increase the cost of moving.
Examples of add-on services include:
- Storage — Some people need to store their belongings for a while before unpacking. Moving companies can charge monthly rates for this service.
- Labor costs — packing, unpacking, loading, unloading, and hauling are chargeable add-on services.
- Transportation equipment hires — self-service moving companies charge for all leased transportation tools.
- Utility charges — fuel costs, car servicing, and furniture disassembly- contribute to the overall cost.
Insurance
Regulations in the moving and storage sector require basic insurance coverage for your belongings. However, insurance depends on the cargo’s worth.
Some companies only insure goods that exceed a specified amount of money, and expensive freight may require additional policies against risks during the move.
