I Lost $15K on a Cross-Country Move: 4 Money-Saving Tips I Wish Someone Had Given Me
Written by
Angela Mae
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Amber Barkley
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Nobody ever said moving across the country would be cheap, but it can end up costing you much more money than you expect if you’re not prepared. According to Forbes, the average cost of moving across the country is $4,600. Exact costs depend on factors like distance, how much you’re moving, whether you hire professional movers and when you move.
For some people, moving ends up costing much more than that. GOBankingRates spoke with Jack Lorge, the co-founder and CEO of Rolli Shades, about a recent cross-country move he made, what it cost him, and his advice for others looking to save money on their next move.
The Move Cost Roughly $15,000
“I relocated from New York to Austin, Texas, in early 2023,” said Lorge. “The move cost me around $15,000.”
Lorge said he moved for several reasons, some of which were personal. But he also moved for the growth of his business, Rolli Shades, which specializes in custom motorized roller shades for homes.
As a general rule, the farther away you move, the more you’re going to spend. Even if you don’t hire professional movers, you’re still going to have to pay for things like gas and accommodations along the way. If you need to take unpaid time off work, you’re losing out in that way, too.
The distance from New York to Texas is roughly 1,700 miles, but the cost wasn’t only due to that. Lorge shared that he also paid for the following:
- Professional movers
- Temporary housing
- Business equipment shipping fees
- Setting up a new office in Austin.
Money-Saving Tips for the Future
The good news is that you don’t have to spend $15,000 to move across the country. The lowest cost of moving across the country is closer to $2,400. Even if you pay closer to the average, that’s still a fraction of what Lorge spent.
Here are some money-saving tips that anyone can benefit from when planning such a move, according to Lorge.
Downsize Strategically
The more stuff you have to move, the more you’re likely to spend. Say you have a three-bedroom house, as an example. Forbes found that the average long-distance moving cost is anywhere from $2,300 to $8,600. A one-bedroom, in comparison, is $1,200 to $3,000.
Lorge suggested downsizing strategically before the move, something he also did — though he still needed to move and ship items. For example, you might be able to sell or donate things like furniture, clothes or kitchenware if they’re in good condition.
Getting rid of items you don’t need can reduce both the weight and volume of the move. According to Forbes, the rate of transporting items by truck ranges from $0.50 to $0.80 per pound. Say you have a 100-pound sofa. It could easily cost $50 to $80 to move it.
Of course, if you’re going to need that sofa once you arrive, it might be cheaper to bring it along. Weigh your options and go through your things to see what you can — and can’t — live without.
Book Movers Early
Lorge suggested booking professional movers early if you choose to go that route. By booking early, you may be able to get lower rates or avoid last-minute surcharges. You also have more time to compare services to see which one offers the best price.
Some long-distance moving companies will give you a discount for a longer move, but this isn’t a guarantee. Keep in mind that you’ll still need to pay for things like higher fuel costs.
Explore Tax Deductions
If you’re moving for a business-related reason, you may be able to write off some of your moving expenses. This could potentially save you hundreds of dollars or more around tax time.
“I wish I had consulted a tax professional earlier to better understand what was deductible,” said Lorge.
Be aware that consulting a tax professional typically comes with its own costs.
Use Shipping Containers
Last but not least, consider using shipping containers to save money.
“Traditional moving services are expensive, especially for cross-country moves,” said Lorge. “I considered using a shipping container service, where they drop off a container, you load it, and they handle the transportation. This option can be much more cost-effective compared to full-service movers.”
As an added bonus, you have a built-in storage solution upon arrival.
According to Moving.com, moving containers from Pods cost a little under $3,000 for a 1,500-mile move. A full-service long-distance moving company could charge closer to $5,000.
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