How Much Does It Cost to Move Across Country with Full-Service Movers?

Disclaimer: Prices are estimates and can vary based on weight, time of year, access issues, and additional services. For the most accurate cost, request a personalized quote from a trusted mover like Clancy Relocation & Logistics.

What’s Included in Full-Service Moving?

Full-service moving covers all the essential steps in a long-distance relocation, making it easier for people who want a stress-free process. Understanding each included service helps explain how much does it cost to move across country with professionals.

1. Packing and Unpacking

Full-service movers handle the entire packing process using the right materials and techniques for each type of item. This ensures a safer and more efficient move, especially when looking at the average cost of cross country move. To make packing and crating even easier and more efficient, consider contacting trusted local movers like Clancy Relocation & Logistics, who use their own proven system of what to pack and when. 

• Professional Packing Services: Movers use strong boxes, bubble wrap, and padding to carefully pack all household items. These materials are often included in cross country moving quotes, saving people from buying them separately.
• Labeling and Inventory: Boxes are labeled by room and category, and an inventory list is created to keep track of everything. This helps avoid confusion and adds transparency to the overall cost to relocate across country.
• Unpacking at Destination: Once the truck arrives, movers unpack the items and place them in the correct rooms. This service is often factored into the long distance moving expenses and can speed up the settling-in process.

2. Loading and Unloading

Moving heavy items takes strength and skill, and full-service movers bring both. These services contribute directly to the average cost of cross country move due to the labor involved.

• Loading of All Items: Movers load boxes, furniture, and appliances onto the truck safely and securely using tools like dollies and ramps. Including this in a package reduces physical strain and simplifies long distance moving expenses.
• Safe Handling: Items are moved carefully to avoid damage to the home or belongings. This type of protection is often reflected in detailed cross country moving quotes.
• Unloading at Arrival: Movers carry everything into the new home and place it in the proper rooms as directed. This makes the transition smoother and explains part of how much does it cost to move across country.

3. Transportation

Transporting belongings safely across states is a major component of the total moving cost. It’s a key factor when calculating the cost to relocate across country.

• Coordinated Scheduling: The moving company plans the trip based on the customer’s schedule and distance involved. Timing and coordination are crucial parts of cross country moving quotes.
• Licensed and Insured Drivers: Long-distance movers use trained drivers who are licensed and insured to operate moving trucks. This adds peace of mind and affects the average cost of cross country move.
• Tracking and Updates: Some companies offer tracking features or regular updates on the move’s progress. These extras may impact long distance moving expenses, depending on the provider.

4. Furniture Disassembly and Reassembly

Big furniture pieces like beds, dining tables, and wardrobes often need to be taken apart to move safely. Including this service helps explain how much does it cost to move across country with a full-service team.

• Disassembly Before Moving: Movers take apart large furniture using the right tools to make it easier and safer to transport. This service saves time and is often included in cross country moving quotes.
• Safe Wrapping and Storage: Each piece is wrapped in protective blankets or stretch wrap to prevent scratches and dents. These precautions are reflected in the cost to relocate across country for full-service options.
• Reassembly at New Home: Once everything arrives, movers reassemble furniture in the chosen rooms. This step adds convenience and plays a role in the final long distance moving expenses.

5. Supplies and Materials

Supplies can account for a surprising portion of the moving budget. Full-service movers usually include them, which impacts the average cost of cross country move.

• Boxes of All Sizes: Companies provide boxes tailored for items like dishes, clothes, and books to keep everything protected. Including these materials helps clarify how much does it cost to move across country with everything handled.
• Packing Tape and Labels: Strong tape and clear labels are used to secure and organize every box. These small details are included in cross country moving quotes and help make unpacking easier.
• Protective Materials: Bubble wrap, mattress covers, and furniture pads are provided to guard fragile or large items during transit. These extras add value and contribute to overall long distance moving expenses.

5 Factors That Affect the Total Cost

Understanding how much does it cost to move across country means looking at all the factors that affect the final price. These include the distance of the move, the size of the home, the time of year, and any additional services like packing or storage. Each of these elements plays a part in shaping the overall cost. Actual prices can vary, so it’s best to get detailed quotes from trusted providers such as Clancy Relocation & Logistics for a clearer picture.

1. Distance of the Move

The distance between the starting point and destination is one of the biggest pricing factors, as longer trips mean higher fuel use, more driver time, and added equipment wear—raising overall long distance moving expenses. 

• 500–1,000 Miles: Moves within this range tend to fall on the lower end of cross country moving quotes, but still include significant fuel and labor costs.
• 1,000–2,000 Miles: Mid-range moves often require multiple days of travel and higher mileage fees, contributing noticeably to the overall cost to relocate across country.
• 2,000+ Miles: Moves over 2,000 miles are priced at a premium due to the extended travel time, complex logistics, and possible overnight stops for the crew. These are key drivers of the average cost of a cross country move.

2. Weight or Volume of Belongings

The more that needs to be moved, the more it will cost. Full-service movers often base their prices on the total weight or size of items, especially for cross country moving quotes.

• Heavy Furniture: Items like sectionals, dining tables, and large dressers significantly add to the weight of a move. These can increase the average cost of a cross country move due to extra labor and transport effort.
• High Volume: A large number of boxes or full rooms of belongings may require bigger trucks or additional trips. This often results in higher long distance moving expenses.
• Bulky or Odd-Shaped Items: Things like gym equipment, safes, or oversized mirrors need special care or extra space. This can impact how much it does cost to move across country.

3. Time of Year

Seasonal demand has a big effect on pricing, especially for full-service moves. Summer is the busiest time of year, while winter usually offers lower prices.

• Peak Season (Summer): Movers are busiest from May through September, which can lead to higher rates and limited availability. Planning ahead during this period is key to managing the cost to relocate across country.
• Off-Season (Fall/Winter): Cooler months typically bring lower rates due to reduced demand. This can help lower the average cost of a cross country move if timing is flexible.
• Holidays or Weekends: Moves scheduled on holidays or weekends often come with additional charges. These dates may also limit availability, driving up cross country moving quotes.

4. Additional Services

Full-service movers offer extra options that can make the move easier but will add to the final price. These extras can be convenient but should be considered when budgeting for long distance moving expenses.

• Storage Solutions: Storage may be needed if the new home isn’t ready yet. Storage fees can increase how much it costs to move across the country.
• Special Handling: Items like antiques, artwork, or large TVs need extra protection or crating. These services affect the average cost of a cross country move, especially if valuation is added.
• Supplies: Boxes, packing paper, and tape may be included or billed separately. These smaller charges still factor into cross country moving quotes.

5. Accessibility Issues

Difficult home access can lead to added fees during a move. Movers may need more time or equipment to handle unique building layouts, which impacts total long distance moving expenses.

• Stairs or No Elevator: Carrying furniture up or down stairs takes extra time and labor, especially in multi-story buildings. These challenges often raise the cost to relocate across country.
• Long Carry: When movers can’t park close to the entrance, they charge for the extra distance traveled on foot. This is a common hidden cost in cross country moving quotes.
• Restricted Access: Some locations require smaller shuttle trucks or permits for parking, which increases cost. These logistical steps add to how much it may cost to move across country.

How to Choose the Right Full-Service Mover

Choosing a reliable full-service mover is key to a smooth move, especially when dealing with the average cost of a cross country move. The right mover helps reduce stress, manage the cost to relocate across country, and avoid surprises in final bills. Here’s how to pick the best one.

1. Check Reviews and Credentials

Start by reading verified reviews on trusted sites to see how well the company handles moves. Make sure the mover is licensed with a USDOT number and offers proper valuation. These steps are important for avoiding scams and protecting belongings. 

Anyone wondering how much does it cost to move across country should also look for companies with a strong reputation, not just low prices. Also, ask for referrals or check if the company is a member of reputable industry associations, like the American Trucking Associations’ Moving & Storage Conference.

2. Understand the Contract and Fees

Read the contract carefully to understand what’s included and what could cost extra. Some movers charge more for stairs, long carries, or bulky items, all of which add to long distance moving expenses. 

Also, check if packing supplies and valuation are included. Knowing the details helps keep the cost to relocate across country under control. Make sure everything promised verbally is written in the estimate. A proper estimate should outline the services, payment terms, and cancellation policies.

3. Ask the Right Questions During the Quote Process

During the quote process, ask what’s covered in the price, how damage claims are handled, and how long the move will take. Clear answers help when comparing cross country moving quotes and planning around the average cost of a cross country move. 

Asking the right questions leads to better service and fewer surprises. Also, find out if the quote is binding or non-binding. Ask if there’s a window for delivery dates, and what happens if the schedule changes. The more detailed the questions, the more accurate the planning will be.

4. Look for Red Flags

Trustworthy moving companies provide written quotes, communicate clearly, and are transparent about all fees. It’s important to steer clear of movers that request large upfront deposits, lack a verifiable business address or website, or use high-pressure tactics to rush decisions. 

In fact, researchers analyzed Better Business Bureau complaints filed about the marketplace for movers and found that scams were blamed for bilking consumers out of an estimated $1.59 million in 2023—a 42% increase over 2022.