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Moving for a Job? Hiring Experts Share Their Best Job Relocation Tips

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They say that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. Okay, but what if your dream position exists at a company that’s hundreds  – even thousands – of miles away from where you live?

As of 2018, about 10% of U.S. job seekers chose to relocate for work. Moving long-distance can be particularly tough, especially if you’re not prepared for the financial and logistical requirements. So if you’re thinking about moving cross-country for a job, here’s what you should know first.

Are in-office jobs coming back?

Though remote work has been growing, especially in light of the pandemic, it is inescapable that a segment of the population will always need to work in person. Experts describe the current landscape as shifted, not irreversibly changed.

“Many employers are saying that they are willing to provide flexibility to work remotely some days of the week, but also will expect you to be in office some days for various reasons,” says Diane Farrell, director of career services at the University of North Georgia.

Some of those reasons include establishing company culture and fostering collaboration, which isn’t quite the same over Zoom.  “Therefore, relocation is still expected for many in-office job candidates.” No matter how much the world changes, this is still going to be a hurdle for a lot of people.

Seriously consider whether moving cross-country for work is for you

But before getting into the nitty-gritty details of moving across the country for a job, the first step is to think carefully about whether that’s the right choice for you and your family. Packing up your life and restarting it thousands of miles away is something worth considering carefully.

But there are plenty of advantages to moving out of state for a new job. “If the opportunity is amazing and not something you would be able to do in your current location (such as working on Wall Street, which is only in Manhattan), then that’s a pro for sure,” tells us Vicki Salemi, Monster.com career expert.

And don’t discount the effect of a new environment and new people. “A change of scenery and new energy may be an invigorating addition to this new job,” Salemi says. It’s cliche, but a fresh start in a new city may be just what you need to get motivated and climb the career ladder.

On the other hand, there are a ton of steps involved in moving long-distance that are easy to forget. You have to transfer your utilities, update your license and car registration, get your kids’ school records moved, find a new dentist—the list goes on. Oh, and you also have to impress your new boss and stay on top of your new job responsibilities while getting settled in your new home.

How much does moving for a job cost?

An interstate household move costs between $3,500 -$6,000 on average, depending on who you choose to move you.

Moving cross-country for a job definitely requires some time and money. But for the right position, it can be well worth it. The key is to plan for the costs and find ways to save anywhere possible, including trying to get your new employer to pay for some of that (more on that later).

Use websites to do the math on living in a new city

One of the big questions about job relocation is whether you’ll end up in a city that’s more or less expensive to live in than your previous town. “You’ll need to adjust to a new lifestyle, and in some instances, that may be a hardship,” Salemi says. For instance, if you land a job that’s in a major city, but you’ve been living in the suburbs, you might have to pay more for your mortgage or rent, or settle for a smaller place. 

Research sites that compare your current city to your potential new one.

Taxes are one component of cost of living (COL) that can have a big impact on your budget. “If you’re moving from a state with no state taxes into one with high taxes, while it won’t impact your compensation, it will net a lower amount direct-deposited into your bank account,” Salemi says. 

The opposite holds true, too. Moving to a state with no income tax (Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, Wyoming) or no sales tax (Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon) could save you thousands of dollars per year. That’s an important factor to weigh when evaluating your overall compensation package. 

“An interstate household move costs between $3,500 -$6,000 on average, depending on who you choose to move you.”

 

Another COL factor you may not consider until it’s too late is insurance. Depending on the state you move to, you may have to find new auto, home, and health insurance. You may end up with higher premiums and even a lapse in coverage if you don’t plan for it prior to the move. “Changing health insurance may leave you with a gap. Consider how you can stay covered…talk to HR,” Farrell says.

A site with comparative tools, like BestPlaces.net, can be a useful resource for comparing where you live to where you plan to move. You can compare factors such as housing costs, healthcare, utilities and more to see how local expenses measure up against what you’re used to spending.

Never ever be afraid to leverage cost of living in your negotiations

Once you have an idea of what the cost of living is in your new job’s city, compare that to your salary and benefits package. “Cost of living factors into how salary is determined, so when you’re moving to another state, determine how you’ll be impacted, whether higher or lower, and that can help you determine if this salary is equitable with the new location,” Salemi says.

If your compensation seems to fall short, use that COL data, as well as personal characteristics such as industry, skill level, and experience to negotiate a better package. And yes, you should always – virtually without exception – negotiate your salary.

Even if you can’t get your employer to budge much on the actual salary, there are ways to account for the cost of living beyond your paycheck. According to Salemi, some factors to negotiate outside of salary include:

  • Sign-on bonus
  • Relocation Bonus
  • Additional paid time off
  • Additional days working from home

Consider living outside your new job’s ZIP Code (this is attractive to recruiters)

Just because your job is located in a swanky part of the city doesn’t mean you actually have to live there. If cost of living is going to be a roadblock for accepting a new job, seriously consider moving to a more affordable neighboring town to your new job. Doing so could also help you land a job if you’re competing for a role in a major metropolitan area.

“When I recruited positions for NYC, I always received countless resumes. Competition was tight,” Salemi says. “However, when I recruited positions for Stamford and Short Hills, both 45 minutes from the NYC office, I received only a handful of applications. Candidates who applied to positions outside NYC had more of a chance of not only getting interviewed, but getting hired.”

So if you’re looking to relocate to another state for a job, research the office locations and surrounding neighborhoods. “Keep an open mind to pursue both your dream location as well as nearby one that may get less interest in and therefore, less competition,” Salemi says.

Always ask about a company’s relocation assistance 

relocation assistance

Once you considered the implications of moving to another state, it’s time to talk about the long-distance moving process. If you’re moving for a job, your employer may offer you some sort of relocation assistance. Not all do, but your chances are better if you’re moving into a high-level or specialized position, recruiters say.

“The offering of a relocation package depends on the level of the position you are seeking and or how difficult it is to find candidates that are qualified in the local area,” Diane Farrell suggests. 

She explains that relocation packages are relatively common for director or manager level roles and above, depending on the industry. “The higher the position, the more likely they will offer a relocation package,” she says. Even so, certain fields like technology and engineering tend to offer relocation assistance to all levels of employees, since their roles are often highly specialized.

What’s in a relocation package, exactly?

If an employer does offer relocation assistance, it can come in a couple different forms. Some companies offer a flat amount to cover your moving expenses, anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 is possible, according to Salemi. Others will offer to reimburse receipts from a moving company.

As far as what’s covered by a relocation package, there are a number of expenses that could qualify. Here’s a closer look at what you could get covered or reimbursed:

Professional packing and unpacking: Whether you decide to hire a full moving company or just professional packers to help you load up your moving truck, your relocation package will likely cover some or all of the cost. That includes packing up your belongings and then unpacking once you get to your destination.

Moving supplies: From boxes to tape to bubble wrap, the costs of supplies can add up. A relocation package will likely include some budget for these types of packing materials. 

Moving container: If you decide to go more of the DIY route, you may decide to pack your belongings in a moving container rather than hiring a full-service moving company. If that’s the case, your new employer may cover some or all of the cost to hire a moving container company.

Home sale: If you currently own your home, you’ll have to sell in order to move cross-country. Your relocation package could cover a variety of costs associated with that, such as the cost of listing your home to assisting with any losses you incur from selling quickly.

Lease-breaking fee: On the other hand, if you’re a renter, you may get reimbursed for any penalties paid for having to break your lease early.

House hunting: It’s not unusual for a relocation package to include some budget to send you house hunting in the new destination at least once. That may include transportation, lodging, meals, child care, and more.

Closing costs: If you end up buying a house in your new destination, your relocation package may cover closing costs and other associated fees.

Storage: You could end up in a temporary housing situation as you wait to secure an apartment or buy a home. In the meantime, you might have to store some of your belongings in storage until you lock down a lease. Relocation packages often cover this type of expense, whether it’s a storage facility or container that sits on your property until it’s ready to be unloaded.

Transportation: If you end up driving cross-country for your new job, your relocation package may include reimbursement for gas and other expenses incurred on the road. If you need to fly, you could get reimbursed for plane tickets and even shipping your car. Hotels and meals while on the road could also be included.

Keep in mind that every relocation package is different. It could include all of these costs and then some, or only a portion of these expenses. When talking to your future employer about relocation and compensation, you should ask to have any major expenses that are pertinent to your situation covered. You may be able to negotiate a better package than you originally received.

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Budget ahead of time for what your employer won’t cover

Now that you have an idea of how much it costs to live in your new city compared to your old one, plus you know how much your future employer is willing to compensate you, it’s time to figure out how much the actual move will cost. Do this as far ahead of time as possible, because you’ll likely need a couple of months or more to save up, EVEN if your employer is helping.

Moving costs will vary widely depending on where you’re going and which expenses will be covered by your employer. At the very least, you should set aside some funds to pay for the actual move.

Know your moving options

When it comes to moving your belongings (aside from doing it all with your own bare hands), experts suggest you have three main possibilities:

  • Hire professional movers: If you want to go the full-service route, hiring a professional moving company is your best bet. They will pack up your belongings, load them on the truck, and unpack everything for you. Though it’s more convenient, this option is also generally the most expensive. It can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $5,000 (or more), on average, to hire movers for a long-distance move, according to Consumer Affairs. The cost will largely depend on the size of your home (i.e., how much stuff needs to be moved) and how far you’re moving
  • Rent your own moving truck: If you want to be in control of the moving process from beginning to end, you might want to rent a moving truck. You will do the transporting yourself, but you can hire movers to do loading and unloading to save money over a full-service move. To move about 1,000 miles, a truck rental costs around $533 for a 16-foot truck (which can handle about 2-3 bedrooms), plus gas and surcharges. If you want to upgrade to a 26-foot truck, you’ll pay around $823 or more
  • Use a shipping container: The nice thing about using a shipping container (aka a “moving container”) is that you can take your time packing up! Once you’re ready, the moving container company will pick it up and drop it off at your destination. Then you have some more time to unpack at your leisure. If you need extra time unpacking, it doubles as storage (for an added fee). Shipping containers are a good combo of DIY packing with professional drivers. This option tends to cost around $2,000 to $3,000 for a long-distance move, with storage included
moving options
Sites like Moving101 can help line up all your moving options, including pros and cons, and avg. price.

Finally, don’t forget about moving supply costs! Between packing tape, bubble wrap, labels, sharpies, and other miscellaneous packing supplies, you might need to spend a few hundred dollars ensuring your belongings are safe and secure. For example, supplies to move a one-bedroom apartment cost around $69-$90. A two-bedroom home will run closer to $178-$197, and the costs increase from there. (If you get movers, oftentimes they will cover the cost of most if not all of these things.)

If you need some help with the savings side of things for all this stuff, a budgeting app such as Mint or You Need A Budget can help. These tools allow you to set savings goals and track your progress way ahead of your move.

What if I don’t have a job lined up yet?

Moving across the country for a job offer is one thing. But what if you want to move somewhere for better job opportunities, but don’t actually have anything lined up yet?

This is a matter of personal preference and risk tolerance, so it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, all the experts suggest. It definitely helps if you have family or friends you can stay with until you land a job, and in the meantime be able to network locally and adjust to the new environment. When you score that job, you won’t have to adjust to everything all at once and can focus on the new job.

 

“Candidates who applied to positions outside NYC had more of a chance of not only getting interviewed, but getting hired.”

– Vicki Salemi, Monster.com career expert

 

“Other people may feel more comfortable networking remotely and interviewing from their current location, then moving once they secure the offer of employment,” Salemi suggests. It really comes down to financials, what you’re most comfortable with, and where you can conduct the most productive job search.

(If you’re staying with your sister who has four kids and three dogs, finding a quiet space to conduct Zoom interviews may be challenging.) 

How to start the process of looking for a new job in a new city

job hunting

Get a current snapshot of the job market: It’s a good idea to do extensive research on the area you’re relocating to. Is it exploding? Shrinking? Which industries are hot? Keep this in mind, because you may not want to stay in this new job forever. “Ensure you’re moving to a location with viable opportunities beyond the one right in front of you,” Salemi streses.

Visit, do some recon: If possible, visit the new city before you make your decision to move. Photos and virtual tours just don’t tell the whole story. “If you can’t visit, use your network to see if someone you know has friends or family in that area,” Farrell says. “Arrange to talk with them about what they like about living there and any drawbacks to the area.”

Network (virtually) ahead of time: Start reaching out to locals in your industry who could be potential referrals to gigs in the area. “Use LinkedIn to find people in your field who are working in that region. Reach out to connect and see if they are willing to talk,” Farrell says.

Save up: Moving without a job lined up is a risky move, especially because you don’t actually know how long it’ll take to secure a position and start earning a paycheck. Aside from the budgeting you’re already doing for the move, you should have a few extra months’ worth of expenses saved up to float you until you get hired. “If you are renting, most property owners want to see you have employment before they will rent to you, so you need to consider where you will stay if you move before landing the job,” Farrell says. 

Create an out for your current place: If you currently own a home, timing can be tricky. Consider the housing market in your current area and price it to make sure it sells – a good real estate agent can help. If you plan to buy in the next location, begin looking well in advance. “Consider whether there will be a lag between when you arrive and when you can move into your new residence. You may need to investigate local hotels or other interim housing if you expect to experience a gap,” Farrell says.

Starting a new life hundreds of miles away is not a decision you want to make lightly.  What is an exciting opportunity for one person could feel like a scary and daunting transition for another. But if you’re ready to take on the challenge of a new job in a new city, be sure to negotiate your relocation and compensation package for a smooth long-distance move.

21 Easy to Forget Steps When Moving to A New State

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If you’re relocating to another state, it can be tough to manage the packing, organizing, and administrative steps involved in moving, given the unknowns of your new state. Fortunately, you can cut down on the confusion (not to mention the time, money, and hassle) if you know what to expect ahead of time.

Keep this cross-state moving checklist handy while you’re in the process of relocating to your new world.

Decide if you’re going the full-service or DIY route

Cost or convenience? Those are your options, but there are a lot of ways to achieve both.

For example, if you want to leave the heavy lifting and driving to someone else, you may want to hire professional movers. Of course, this option will be more expensive. But if you want to go the in-between route, cost-wise, you can also hire movers to just load and unload the truck for you, and then drive yourself to your new location to save a lot of cash.

If you still need a moving company to do the work but don’t want to pay interstate mover prices, there are highly reviewed companies like MovingPlace who will get you the best price possible for a long-distance move.

Also, keep in mind that moving container companies are another option to potentially consider, especially if you will be in-between moves for a while. This means you’ll be in charge of packing and loading the container yourself, though you can hire professional movers to help you with the heavy stuff if you need to.

Research the best moving companies for the distance you are actually traveling

If you aren’t sure about the above, here’s another way to look at it: whether you’re hiring a moving company, driving your own truck, or going with a shipping container, the distance you’re moving will make a big difference in what options you have. 

For example, some companies only do local moves, meaning a distance of 100 miles or less. If you’re moving within your state, but several hundred miles away (known as an “intrastate move”), you’ll need to budget for higher moving costs and find a company that specializes in longer distances. Moving across several states (known as an “interstate move”) will be the most expensive option and require a company that has a national presence.

Here are some of the best moving companies in 2021, based on the distance needed.

Budget for your move insanely early

The American Moving and Storage Association estimates that the average cost of an interstate household move is about $4,300, while the average cost of an intrastate move is about $2,300. 

Whatever the costs are, make sure to set aside time to plan for all of them and save up the money you need so you don’t end up with a ton of credit card debt once it’s all said and done. 

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Ask your employer about relocation assistance

Are you moving out of state to take a new job? If so, your employer may offer financial assistance for relocating and help cover the cost of expenses such as moving company costs, storage, temporary housing, and more. It’s true, it can actually cost up to $100,000 to relocate one employee, but it’s an investment some companies are willing to make for the right talent.

To find out if this is a benefit your company offers, reach out to your Human Resources department.

Find out if your new place has any restrictions for pets or plants

You don’t want to run into any trouble getting your fur babies or precious plants to their new home. Some states, such as California and Hawaii, have strict rules around transporting plants and animals. Be sure to know what those restrictions are and prepare accordingly. You can start with your state’s website (look for a “.gov” website).

Consider the season you’re moving in

season moving

If you can help it, you don’t want to spend all day unloading your belongings at the height of summer in Arizona or hurricane season in Louisiana. Research the climate for your new home and plan the move when the weather should be mild. You can look up your destination on a site like Climate-Data.org, which contains a ton of data around the average monthly temperature, precipitation, and more for cities around the world.

If possible, visit the location at least once

If you’re moving to a new city or area you’re not familiar with, it’s a good idea to spend some time in the area and check it out before pulling the trigger on a move. You’ll want to see what the neighborhood is like, including what types of shops and restaurants are nearby, how the neighbors are, how walkable it is, etc. If there’s just no way you can make the trip before the actual move, at least look around using Google Maps.

Ask businesses or people for packing supplies

Make sure you have all the necessary supplies handy for properly packing your belongings, and keep extra on hand just in case. You don’t want to run out in search of boxes or tape while you’re in the middle of packing up. Always consider any specialized supplies you may need, such as wardrobe boxes, hangers, bubble wrap, box knives, permanent markers, and dollies.

To save money on these items, see if anyone has cheap or free moving boxes on sites such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Nextdoor.

Set aside 6-12 hours to pack, per room

Packing will take longer than you think. If you hire professional movers to pack up and load your belongings, you can probably expect it to get done in a day. A two-bedroom home, for example, requires about six to 12 hours, assuming a two-person crew.

If you’re doing your own packing, you will probably need much more time, though — think two to three days for the same two-bedroom. Unless you’re able to squeeze your packing over one weekend, you might need to plan ahead and get time off of work approved. 

Figure out your new place’s move policies

Some apartment buildings and other planned communities have strict rules around moving. For example, you may not be allowed to block certain streets or driveways, or take up the elevators for too long. Be sure to know these policies ahead of time so you can plan around them. To find out, contact your building’s property manager or head of the homeowners association. 

Get your utilities transferred

The last thing you want is to show up to your new place and have no water or electricity. Call up your utility companies to let them know you’re moving! If they happen to service your new destination, you can have the service transferred. Otherwise, you’ll need to close the account (be sure to get back any deposits you paid upfront) and open new ones for your new place.

To set up a new service, first, research the options available in your new city. Once you’ve selected the provider, it’s a good idea to get the ball rolling at least two weeks in advance of your move. You can usually create an account and set up service using the provider’s website (if not, call them directly). You’ll need to know the address where you want service set up, as well as the start date. Keep in mind that for some utilities, such as electricity, the service provider may need to run a soft credit check and/or require a deposit to approve your account.

The Most Trusted Moving Checklist on the Web

The Moving Checklist: Everything You Need to Know to Move

Cancel or transfer any memberships

Belong to a gym or club? Many require at least one months’ notice before you cancel your membership, so be sure to get this done well before you move. If the organization has a location in the city you’re moving to, you may be able to transfer the membership instead.

Have your child’s school records transferred, too

If you have kids, it’s important to notify their school of the move. Be sure that their school records, along with other important records such as health information and immunizations, get transferred over to the new school. You can bring photocopies of these documents when you register them at their new school. However, you will eventually need to supply official, sealed copies of their transcripts, which include report cards and standardized test results, in order to have their permanent records moved. 

Look into transferring your professional license

If you work as a doctor, dentist, lawyer, or other licensed professional, you may need to transfer your license or apply for a new one if you’re moving to a different state. The process for transferring your license will depend on your state and profession. Some states have reciprocity agreements or other arrangements to help ease the process, but you should contact your state licensing board as soon as possible to ensure you have enough time.

Update your driver’s license or ID within two weeks

update license

Most states require you to get a new license within two weeks of relocating. You’ll need to book an appointment with your local Department of Motor Vehicles and bring along some paperwork, including your current license, additional identification (such as your Social Security card or passport), proof of residence (such as a utility bill or W-2), and payment.  Be sure to book an appointment in advance since slots tend to fill up quickly. You can find your local DMV office using this directory.

Update your vehicle registration and insurance

If you’re making an interstate move, you’ll need to register your car with your new state’s DMV as well. Each state offers a grace period to update your registration, typically between 30 to 90 days. Most states also require proof of insurance to register your car, so sign up for a new policy if you’re unable to remain with the same insurer (and don’t cancel your old one until you do) before registering. 

Along with your new ID and proof of insurance, you’ll need proof of residency and your car’s title. Keep in mind that some states, including California and Georgia, charge a tax to register your vehicle that’s based on its market value. It’s especially important to plan for this added expense if you have a newer car or luxury vehicle.

Ship your car, if necessary

If you’re not driving your own vehicle to the new location, you’ll need to have it shipped. Some moving companies will ship your car along with your belongings, but you may be able to save some money by hiring a company that specializes in shipping cars. Your vehicle’s size and condition, the distance being shipped, and the type of carrier will all factor into the price.

One of the biggest decisions to make is whether to go with open or closed transport; it’s probably better to go with a closed container if you have a newer or luxury vehicle, though the cost can be as much as 60% higher. Be sure to get several quotes before choosing a car shipping company.

Contact your banks and lenders

Don’t miss any important payments – make sure that your bank, credit card company, student loan servicer, and any other financial institutions know that you’ve moved and have your new address. You may be able to do this by logging into your online banking platform, or by calling the number on your card or statement. 

Have your mail forwarded

mail forwarded

To make sure you don’t miss any important mail in the transition, have your mail forwarded by the USPS starting a few days before your move. Don’t forget to update your new mailing address with the DMV and on any subscriptions, too.

Register to vote

Don’t let your civic duty be forgotten in the move! If you move within the same state, you can find out how to update your voter registration here. Otherwise, check Vote.gov to find instructions for registering to vote in your new state.

Get a handle on taxes

Finally, one aspect of moving that you may not have considered, but can impact your finances quite a bit, is the state income tax. In addition to paying federal taxes, most states also charge taxes. Some have a flat tax, meaning everyone pays the same tax rate. Others have a progressive tax system, which means you pay a higher tax rate on higher amounts of income. And a handful don’t charge income tax at all.

 

Here’s the latest available breakdown of state tax rates as of 2020:

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Keep in mind that if you lived and worked in the same state all year, you only need to file one state return. However, if you moved to another state during the year (or otherwise lived in one state and earned income in another) you might need to file more than one return. 

How to Use a Moving Container for a Long Distance Move

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The first time I visited Hawaii, I fell in love. After a couple of days of snorkeling, hiking, and eating some of the best food I’ve ever had, I began fantasizing about packing up my home in Los Angeles and moving long-distance to the island of Oahu to live my dream life.

For now, that’s still just a fantasy. But for thousands of people every year, moving long-distance is very much a reality. If you’re considering a long-distance move, you may be wondering how to get all your belongings to your new destination for the least amount of money and headache. That’s where a moving container company may be able to help.

How Do Moving Containers Work?

moving container long distance

Moving containers (sometimes called “shipping containers”) are large, portable storage units that can be used to store and move belongings, including over long-distances. They act as a portable storage unit while you get settled in. They are made out of either metal or wood and are weather-proofed to protect your items from the elements. 

Typically, after you book, a truck will drop off the container(s) at your home. After you’re done loading (or in some cases, within an allotted amount of days), a driver comes and picks it all up, then drives it all to your new destination. Once you’ve unpacked the container(s), a truck will come to haul everything away.

The smallest sizes hold the equivalent of a studio apartment, while the largest containers can hold three to four bedrooms worth of furniture. Depending on how much stuff you plan to move, you may need more than one container.

The cost of using a moving container is based on several factors:

  • The distance of the move
  • Size and number of containers
  • Length of time you have the containers
  • The season

One thing you should know, however, is that moving long-distance is generally more expensive than moving locally. More on that below.

What Is Considered “Long Distance,” Anyway?

Usually, any relocation over 100 miles is considered “a long-distance move”.

Here’s some lingo to know: if you’re moving within your own state, it’s known as an “intrastate move”. Moving across state lines is an “interstate move”. And if you’re relocating somewhere several states away, it’s often known as a “long-haul” or “cross country move”. 

Knowing the difference between these types of moves will help you research moving companies and get an accurate quote.

Are Shipping Containers Better than Moving Trucks?

moving container long distance

You might be wondering how using a shipping container is different from renting a moving truck. There are a few similarities, but also a few key differences.

Shipping containers allow you to take more time packing, unpacking and even storing your belongings. In fact, it’s possible to rent a moving container for several months! For that reason, moving containers usually cost a lot more than trucks, so you should really take advantage of it if you go with one. 

You also put the driving in someone else’s hands. If you don’t want to drive a big truck, this is a huge perk. Once your belongings are packed and on their way to the new destination, you can’t access them.

A moving truck, on the other hand, means you are in control of every part of the move. That could be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your goals. You are responsible for transporting your items from your old place to the new destination, but you can also access your stuff at any point if need be. Though renting a moving truck is cheaper, you also don’t have the added benefit of extra time or storage.

Pros and Cons of Using A Moving Container For Your Long-Distance Move

If you’re weighing the decision to use a moving container for your long-distance move versus going with a truck or full-service movers instead, here’s a look at the major pros and cons.

Long Distance Moving Container Pros

Cheaper than hiring full-service movers: One of the biggest benefits of using a shipping container is the savings. It can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $5,000 on average, or more, to hire movers for a long-distance move, according to Consumer Affairs. However, that cost can greatly increase if you have several rooms worth of furniture to move, many miles to travel, extra stops to make, specialty items, added materials, storage and more. Shipping containers, on the other hand, on average cost around $2,000 to $3,000, with storage included.

Storage at your new destination: Speaking of storage, it’s one of the biggest benefits to using a shipping container for your long-distance move. Not only can you pack up at your own pace, you can keep your items in storage while you get your new place in order. Renting a truck or movers, on the other hand, means you have to stick to a tighter schedule and have everything unloaded right away. No need to have to perfectly coordinate movers to the minute!

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Long Distance Moving Container Cons

You have to do the heavy lifting: Getting an entire house packed up and ready to move long-distance can be time consuming and exhausting. Not to mention, it takes strength and a few helping hands to get everything from Point A to Point B. If you want to focus on other aspects of your move and leave the major work to professionals, hiring labor from a moving company to load and unload your container may be the better choice, and might still cost less overall than full-service van lines.

They take up space: Neighbors won’t appreciate having their parking spaces or driveways blocked by the container. That means you’ll need a driveway or other large space where the moving container can sit as you pack up your home, as well as unload furniture at your new destination. Or if you’re moving to a busy city, you’ll need a permit ahead of time to place one for any amount of time. Plus, even though moving containers lock up, it’s a good idea to have yours in a secure area.

What Are The Best Moving Container Companies For a Long Distance Move?

Keep in mind that not all moving container companies will do long-distance moves. Below are some of the top companies that do!

PODS

pods long distance

Short for  “Portable On-Demand Self-Storage,” PODS is one of the more expensive companies on the list. However, they’re known for durable containers and have the most locations by far.

  • Container material: Steel
  • Container sizes: 16′, 12′, and 7’
  • Average long-distance move cost: $3,352

1-800-PACK-RAT

1800packrat long distance

This company is similar to PODS in the cost, sizes available and number of locations. However, 1-800-PACK-RAT is more spread out geographically, meaning there’s likely a facility near you to speed up pick up and delivery.

  • Container material: Steel
  • Container sizes: 16′, 12′, and 8’
  • Average long-distance move cost: $3,551

U-Pack

upack long distance

U-Pack only offers one size of moving containers through its Relocubes long-distance moving service. You also have only three days on either end of your move to pack and unload. The plus side is that this makes it much more cost-effective to move long-distance.

  • Container material: Metal
  • Container sizes: (one size) 6’3” x 7′ x 8’4”
  • Average long-distance move cost: $2,393

U-Box/U-Haul

uhaul long distance

You may know U-Haul for its orange moving trucks. For long-distance moves, the company offers its U-Box service, which only offers one size of container that’s not quite as durable as some metal options. However, it also provides flexible billing and live container tracking.

  • Container material: Plywood with weatherproof cover
  • Container sizes: (one size) 95″ x 56″ x 83.5″
  • Average long-distance move cost: $2,850
For more information on moving containers prices and money-saving tips, check out Moving101’s moving container page.

How I Moved Across the Country Completely by Myself

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Here’s the way things started: I had an opportunity, a big one, but I needed to move across the country to take it. And I had to take some of my stuff with me.

But the biggest issue? The move needed to happen in April, and I would be traveling across the northern part of the country from Idaho to Pennsylvania, plowing through late winter snows and other potential issues.

Oh, and I’d be doing it alone.

I started off with a plan, some goals, and some ideas of how things would go. And as is typical of these kinds of adventures, not everything went smoothly. Here is what I learned on my long distance solo journey.

I Went With a Rental Truck

One of the first moving related decisions you have to make is what how to move, including if you should go with a rental truck.

You ultimately need enough room, but you don’t want to pay too much. If you opt for a rental truck, you need one that is reliable the whole way across, and that gets as good of fuel economy as you hope for from a large vehicle. (You will save a lot of money driving your own truck versus a Full Service option, but it’s still roughly a $1,000 rental after expenses, on average.)

Which rental truck do you go with?

I chose to rent from Penske. According to Moving101 user reviews, it was the brand that was both the most reliable and comfortable. I had a sense this was true, thanks to my package delivery days when we had to rent delivery vehicles whenever our own trucks were in for repairs.

I got a discount right on HireAHelper’s page for booking my rental truck

How do you tell how much room you need?

There are some handy charts online made by truck companies like Budget and Penske where you can estimate based on the number and type of things you need to bring with you.

Penske.com

In my case, the most important things were in my office, like a desk, books, computers, other supplies, and books. About 1-2 rooms worth of stuff. This meant a small truck was fine for me, which would also get better mileage not being weighed down. Huge, since I’m the one paying for the gas!

Do you need movers?

Lastly, since I was by myself at one end, and then only had my cousin to help me unload at the other, I hired pros for the heavy lifting part for just a couple hundred bucks. This was a way more affordable way to move across the country, as opposed to hiring a van line for several thousands of dollars, which I didn’t have time to wait around for anyway. If you need more hands-on help (like with transportation, for instance), there are even long distance moving companies that are still pretty affordable compared to Full service movers. 

The movers I got packed my truck way better than I could do by myself, which ensured that nothing would slide around or get damaged. And the person I got on the phone at HireAHelper was invaluable from start to finish, finding me the most affordable and highest rated movers for both ends of my journey in maybe 15 minutes.

I Dealt With Weather

Long Distance Moving

Sometimes when you gotta move, you just gotta move.

Early spring is often the time for late winter in the northern United States, and snow was a real possibility—one that turned into a reality in Utah, Wyoming, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.

In Utah, the snow was almost blinding for over 150 miles!

What this ultimately meant to my move was a slower drive and a later arrival. Another unusual factor you don’t really read about while moving in those flyover states: wind. And with a moving truck that wasn’t loaded with overly heavy things, it was a larger factor than I at first imagined.

Adding to the adventure was the need to pass large semi-trucks carrying heavy loads, something that often involved those rumble strips on the side of the freeway and white knuckles on the steering wheel.

Finding Alternate Routes Actually Helped Me

Long distance moving

Besides snow and wind, early spring is often the time when states start their annual road construction projects on freeways and highways. For the most part, I let Google pick the fastest route across the country, like most people. The good thing about that is that Google Maps knows how to bypass rush hour in cities I was not familiar with. The downside? Google did generally point out road construction … but it didn’t know what kind of vehicle I was driving.

Orange cones, narrow lanes, and slow speed zones were all things I encountered along the way. Having alternate routes mapped out was seriously a lifesaver for me a couple of times on my trip.

(I’m looking at you, eastern Wyoming.)

I Didn’t Reserve Places to Sleep Ahead of Time

I decided to go with the reservation-less trip, and risk not being able to find a place to stop for the night. Since I was traveling alone, I figured at worst, I could sleep in the cab of the truck for a few hours.

As you might have predicted, this actually turned into an issue.

Long distance moving

As I passed the Chicago area, there suddenly were no vacant motels for a long time. I finally spotted a Motel 6 sign and pulled off the exit to find a large concrete structure I was convinced had once been a bunker or a hospital.  A couple of weary looking truck drivers followed me off the exit, and we all seemed to be ready for a bed, any bed.

The rug-free floors and bare walls, the old television, and the lack of other amenities did not matter as I fell onto the aging mattress.

The rest of the trip I was able to find reasonable lodging wherever I went, but I was close to cab-resting a couple of times. Next time, if there is one, I might plan things a little differently.

I Kept Eating and Drinking Alarms on my Phone

I had to eat, drink, and stay alert as I drove. Driving by yourself for a long time makes that tough to do. Here are some things I found helpful to do after my alarms went off every five hours:

  • Grocery shop: All that road food is not great, so I grabbed some healthy snacks at a grocery store each morning along the way and kept a small cooler in the passenger seat to put them in.
  • Drink wisely: I needed to stay hydrated, but didn’t want to have to stop too often to empty my bladder. On the other hand, bathroom stops offered a chance to stretch and walk around, so I eventually found the right balance of drinking only every few hours and not being afraid of semi-frequent pit stops.
  • Know your caffeine tolerance: Caffeine helps keeps me awake. But it’s is also a diuretic, and too much tears up my stomach. Caffeine is not a super great long-term plan.

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Staying alert also involves listening to the right things

Long distance moving

Silence is not good, and neither is soothing music. I rolled down the windows when possible, listened to talk radio or audio books; these were all things that kept my brain engaged. I also had to pre-download listening materials, knowing there were big sections of land with no radio reception.

Finally, I had a hands-free way to talk on the phone in order to stay in touch with people along the way. In some states, hands-free phones are the law, but in all of them it’s a good idea.

You Will Be a Magnet to Law Enforcement

As I traveled across Illinois, I was pulled over by a state trooper. Then it happened again.

Long distance moving

Not because I was doing anything wrong, but because I was driving a moving truck, plus it was windy … so I wandered over the fog line a couple of times. Okay, okay, want to know the real reason they pulled me over? Apparently, it is quite common for drug runners to use moving trucks filled with junk to disguise their shipments.

Understand that even the most minor traffic violation in a moving truck might get you pulled over. Since it quickly became clear to officers I was not a drug smuggler (the second state trooper bought one of my books from me!), they let me go. But it was still a delay.

Simply know that the police will be watching, be sure you have all of your rental paperwork in order, and don’t carry anything illegal across state lines—even if it is legal in the state you’re going to. (We’re looking at you, marijuana). You will get in trouble, the kind that can really stick with you.

Moving across the country by yourself is a challenge, and one not all people are up to. If you feel like taking an easier route, you can check out Moving Place, a long distance moving company that can take care of everything that is transportation related: booking a truck, drivers, gas, etc. You pack and they’ll get your stuff safely to you new home at a fraction of the price of traditional moving companies. 

Once I arrived at my destination (during a gentle snowfall, actually) everything was fine. The best news: I got to my unloading movers on the right day! The move was more about the journey than the destination. I am now back in Idaho, but I learned a lot along the way:

Choose your truck, your timing, and your route carefully. Have goals, but be flexible. And keep things legal. It will turn your trip into something you will never forget.

Troy is a freelance writer and author who lives, works, and plays in Idaho. When not found behind the screen toying with the alphabet, he can be found cycling, hiking, skiing, and walking his very talented dog in the great outdoors.

 

Real People: Moving Using A Penske Rental Truck and Moving Labor

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This post is part of our Real People series from Catherine H., who recently used a Penske rental truck to move with her husband from New York to Kansas.

Penske Moving Truck

Moving from New York to Kansas was a tough decision to make

I was apprehensive about moving from a highly populated area with plenty of entertainment and activities to a place that seemed to have more cows than people. Nevertheless, the company my husband works for decided to open new headquarters in the Midwest. Finding a house was simple. Packing our things from the house we were already in and moving it? Not so simple.

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