Cheapest Long-Distance Moving Options

Not every option on this list is the absolute cheapest, but each offers a practical way to reduce the cost of a long-distance or cross-country move depending on your budget, shipment size, and the level of convenience you need.

This guide compares the cheapest long-distance and cross-country moving options, average moving costs, and practical ways to save money so you can choose the best solution for your move.

Cheapest Long-Distance and Cross-Country Moving Options at a Glance

*Actual costs vary based on distance, shipment size, moving date, route, fuel, and optional services.

How Much Does a Long-Distance Move Cost?

A long-distance move may cost from about $1,000 for a small DIY or limited-shipment move to more than $10,000 for a large household using full-service movers. The actual cost depends heavily on shipment size, distance, timing, and service level.

Understanding these factors can help you choose the most affordable moving option and avoid unexpected expenses.

• Moving distance
• Size and weight of your shipment
• Type of moving service
• Packing services
• Storage needs
• Moving season
• Specialty items
• Insurance and valuation coverage

Here are 10 affordable ways to move long distance, starting with the options that typically cost the least:

1. Rent a Moving Truck

Renting a moving truck is often the cheapest way to move long distance if you're comfortable packing, loading, driving, and unloading everything yourself.

Companies such as U-Haul, Penske, and Budget Truck Rental offer one-way moving trucks in several sizes, depending on route and availability.

Best for

• Budget-conscious movers
• Apartments and small homes
• People comfortable driving a large vehicle

2. Use a Portable Moving Container

Portable moving containers provide a balance between affordability and convenience. Companies such as PODS, U-Pack, 1-800-PACK-RAT, and U-Haul U-Box deliver a container to your home. You load it yourself, and the company transports it to your destination.

Many companies also offer short-term storage if your move-in dates don't align.

Best for

• Cross-country moves
• Flexible moving schedules
• Customers who don't want to drive a truck

 Use a Freight Trailer Service

Freight trailer services allow you to pay only for the trailer space you use rather than renting an entire truck. After you load your designated space, the company transports the trailer to your destination.

The trailer is transported after loading and is generally better for larger shipments. Freight trailer services allow you to pay only for the trailer space you use rather than renting an entire truck.

You pay only for the trailer space you use, making this a cost-effective option for larger shipments.

Best for

• Medium to large household moves
• People looking for a lower-cost alternative to full-service movers

4. Hire Moving Labor and Rent Your Own Truck

Hiring moving labor while renting your own truck lets you save money without doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You rent the truck, while professional movers load and unload your belongings.

Many companies offer labor-only moving services that charge by the hour, making this a cost-effective option for people who don't want to lift heavy furniture but still want to avoid the higher cost of full-service movers.

Best for

• People who need help with heavy items
• Apartment and small home moves
• Budget-conscious movers

5. Ship Only the Items You Need

This option works especially well if you're relocating for school, work, or a temporary assignment.

If replacing inexpensive furniture costs less than transporting it, consider moving only your essential belongings.

Best for

• Studio apartments
• Students
• Temporary relocations
• Minimalist moves

6. Use Parcel Shipping for Small Moves

• For very small moves, parcel carriers such as UPS, FedEx, and USPS may be the cheapest solution.

  This option works well if you're relocating with only clothing, books, electronics, or personal items.

  Best for

  • College students
  • Small apartments
  • Moving a few boxes

7. Hire Full-Service Movers

While full-service movers usually cost more than DIY options, comparing multiple quotes and moving during the off-season can make them more affordable than many people expect.

For large homes, the additional convenience may justify the higher price.

Professional movers handle packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and, in some cases, storage services.

Best for

• Large homes
• Families
• Long-distance relocations
• People with limited time

8. Rent a Cargo Trailer or Towable Moving Trailer

Renting a cargo trailer can cost less than renting a moving truck if you already own or have access to a vehicle with sufficient towing capacity. It works best for smaller moves that do not require a full-size truck.

Before booking, confirm your vehicle’s towing capacity, hitch requirements, trailer weight, and insurance coverage. You will also need to account for fuel, tolls, parking, and the added difficulty of driving with a trailer.

Best for

• Studio or one-bedroom moves
• Students and minimalist movers
• People with a properly equipped tow vehicle
• Moves involving boxes and limited furniture

9. Use a Moving Marketplace or Shared-Load Service

Shared-load services and online moving marketplaces can reduce costs by matching your shipment with carriers that already have available space. This option may work well for a few pieces of furniture, a small apartment, or a flexible long-distance move.

Online marketplaces such as uShip allow customers to list household goods or an entire move, receive quotes from carriers, and compare prices, carrier ratings, insurance options, and delivery windows.

Platforms such as uShip allow customers to compare quotes for individual furniture pieces, partial household shipments, and complete household moves.

Best for

• Small household moves
• Furniture and appliances
• Flexible pickup and delivery dates
• Movers who do not need a dedicated truck

Note: Verify the carrier’s licensing, insurance, cancellation terms, and claims process before booking through a marketplace.

 10. Use LTL Freight or Pallet Shipping for a Small Move

Your belongings are packed onto pallets or into crates and transported with other freight headed in the same direction.

This option is better than recommending bus or train shipping because it is an established freight method for household items. Most LTL shipments require your belongings to be securely packed on pallets or inside crates.

Best for

• Several boxes or small furniture shipments
• Appliances and other bulky items
• Small moves that can be palletized
• Flexible delivery schedules

How to Save Money on a Long-Distance Move

No matter which moving option you choose, these tips can help reduce your moving costs:

• Declutter before moving and transport only what you need.
• Compare quotes from multiple moving companies.
• Book your move as early as possible.
• Move during the off-season if your schedule allows.
• Pack your belongings yourself instead of paying for packing services.
• Use free or recycled moving boxes when available.
• Avoid last-minute changes that can increase moving costs.

Which Long-Distance Moving Option Is Right for You?

If You Want To...	Best Option
Spend as little as possible	Rental truck
Avoid driving a moving truck	Portable moving container
Move a large shipment economically	Freight trailer
Move only a few boxes	Parcel shipping
Move a few belongings	Ship only essential items
Have professionals handle everything	Full-service movers

Bottom Line

The cheapest way to move long distance depends on your budget, the size of your move, and how much work you're willing to do yourself. Rental trucks usually offer the lowest overall cost for larger DIY moves, while portable moving containers provide a good balance between affordability and convenience.

When comparing a rental truck with other options, include fuel, mileage, tolls, equipment rental, protection plans, and lodging can significantly increase the total cost.

If you're moving only a few items, parcel shipping may be most economical for a few boxes, while freight services are generally better for larger shipments.

Before making a decision, compare several moving options, request multiple quotes, and consider both the total cost and the level of convenience each service provides.

The cheapest option isn't always the best overall value. Consider convenience, travel time, fuel, lodging, labor, and the total cost of your move before making your final decision.