The Cheapest Way to Move Across the Country (Without Losing Your Mind)

Moving across the country is no small feat. While it can be very exciting, it can also be overwhelming – and expensive.  

Whether you’re chasing a new job or a new adventure, you’ve probably asked yourself: “What is the cheapest way to move across country?” 

We’ve helped our neighbors through many a move and have written this guide based on things we wish we would have always known.  

What Actually Makes Moving So Expensive?

There are three factors that significantly impact moving costs:

1. The more you have, the more it costs to move it. Every box adds weight, space, and cost. Want to cut expenses fast? Move less. Sell or donate bulky furniture and stick to essentials.

2. The farther you go, the more it costs. Moving cross-country means gas, mileage fees, and longer rental times. The more miles you cover, the more it’ll cost, regardless of who is driving.

3. Moving during peak times is more expensive. Moving in peak season (summer), on weekends, or at the end of the month will raise your costs. Off-season and mid-week moves are usually 20–30% cheaper.

Managing those three factors can help keep moving costs from climbing.

So What Is the Cheapest Way to Move?

We’ve ranked these options from least expensive to most so you can determine the cheapest way to move across country given your personal circumstances.

1. Ship Boxes via USPS, Amtrak, or UPS

This option is perfect for students, single folks, or minimalist movers because, if you’re just moving clothes, books, and a few essentials, you don’t even need to rent a truck. 

Use USPS Parcel Select, Amtrak Express Shipping (yes, they ship boxes!), or UPS to send things ahead of you for $100-$1,000.

2. Rent a Truck and Drive It Yourself

If you live in a multi-room home or are moving your family, loading a truck and driving it yourself will be the cheapest option. Companies like U-Haul, Penske, and Budget offer long-distance rentals. 

Your overall cost will be impacted by the distance you are travelling, so plan for costs ranging from $1,200-$2,000 plus the cost of fuel. If you need to tow or ship your personal vehicle, there will be additional fees depending on the option you choose (generally $100-$1000).

3. Try a Freight Trailer Service

Companies like ABF U-Pack allow you to rent just a portion of a commercial trailer. This allows you to save because you only pay for the space you use. After you load your stuff, they drive it cross-country. 

This option is highly underrated and often way cheaper than you’d expect, coming in at around $1,500-$3,000. You will also save on the cost of towing or shipping your personal vehicle.

4. Use a Portable Moving Container

When you rent a storage container from U-Haul, PODS, U-Pack, or 1-800-PACK-RAT, you load the container yourself and the company handles the transport. Sometimes, you can even store the container at their facility if needed.

This will save you the inconvenience of driving the truck and will cost around $2,000-$4000 dollars. You will also have the option of driving your own vehicle and saving on those additional costs.

5. Sell What You Can and Repurchase Later

If it costs more to move something than that item is worth, consider selling or donating it. You’d be shocked how much you can save by leaving bulky furniture behind and starting fresh.  This is especially true if you are unsure about whether or not your current belongs will fit in your new space. 

The less you have, the less it costs to ship, drive, or have your items delivered. Overall costs are variable depending on the cost of what you repurchase, but the savings potential is significant.

6. Hire Professional Movers

While hiring professional movers is the most convenient moving option, it’s also the most expensive.  

Costs will vary significantly depending on the size of your household, the complexity of the move, and the distance of the move, but the typical range is $2,700-$17,000.

Cheapest Way to Move Across Country in a Nutshell

Option	Typical Cost Range	Best For
Ship Boxes	$100–$1,000+	Minimalists, students
DIY Truck Rental	$1,200–$3,500+	Families, multi-room homes
Portable Moving Container	$1,500–$5,000+	Families, those seeking flexibility
Freight Trailer Service	$1,500–$3,300+	Households, no-drive option
Sell/Rebuy	Variable	Declutterers
Professional Movers	$2,700–$17,000+	Full-service, no DIY work

8 Bonus Tips to Cut Cross-Country Moving Costs

Regardless of which option you choose, there are always additional ways to save:

1. Declutter ruthlessly — if you haven’t used it in a year, don’t move it.
   
2. Get 3–5 quotes from moving companies 6–8 weeks before your move.
   
3. Use what you have to pack. Towels and blankets provide great padding, and suitcases make for excellent shipping boxes.

4. Don’t purchase shipping boxes when you can re-use boxes from liquor and grocery stores.
   
5. Ship books/media via USPS Media Mail and pay pennies per pound.
   
6. Don’t move during peak times. If you have the option, consider moving sometime between October or April or in the middle of the week.
   
7. Enlist the help of your friends and “pay” them in pizza and gift cards.
   
8. Pack a cooler with sandwiches and snacks to save on food costs as you travel to your new home.

These small money-saving tips add up — and the right strategy can save you hundreds, if not thousands.

But here’s the truth: if you still need to sell your house, the biggest savings (and stress relief) might come before you even pack a box.

If you’re planning a cross-country move and need to sell your house fast, get real estate help with integrity. And, if you happen to be in Maryland, Charm City Builders buys houses for cash in Baltimore. Call us and receive a fast and fair cash offer from and skip the stress of listing and selling your home on MLS. We’re here to make your next chapter lighter, faster, and a whole lot easier.