You’ve spent years filling your home with furniture, memories—and probably at least one drawer of random cords. Now, you’re facing the big question: how much does it actually cost to haul it all across the country?

Spoiler: it’s not pocket change.

The going rate? Expect anywhere between $4,500 and $9,500. Yep. Big range. But it’s not arbitrary—there’s plenty feeding into that number.

Distance is the obvious culprit. But beyond mileage, your price tag depends on how much stuff you’re hauling, whether you’re letting pros handle the packing, the time of year, and—brace yourself—whether parking a moving truck near your home is even possible.

Let’s not sugarcoat it—moving isn’t just a truck and a couple of guys with dollys.

Your stuff—every couch, bookshelf, and “one day I’ll use this” box—gets weighed. The heavier, the pricier. Movers factor in labor, fuel, insurance, truck maintenance, and logistics.

A fully loaded 3-bedroom house? That’s roughly 7,000–9,000 pounds of stuff.

Factor in 1,500+ miles, hotel stays for the crew, fuel costs, and… yeah. It adds up fast.

If you want pros who can handle all that chaos, your best bet is starting with top rated long distance moving companies—they handle the headaches so you don’t have to.

Service	Average Cost
Loading + Transport	$3,200–$6,500
Packing Help	$600–$1,200
Furniture Disassembly/Assembly	$150–$400
Liability Coverage	$200–$500
Storage (if needed)	$100–$400 monthly

If you’re eyeballing a rental truck thinking, “How bad could it be?”—pause. Factor in:

Sure, renting might look cheaper at first glance. But after a thousand-mile drive and three gas station hotdogs, you may rethink things.

That’s why so many people turn to full-service movers—because sometimes, paying for convenience is paying for your own survival.

Plot twist. You’re not just moving your house—you’ve got a car (or two) that needs to make the journey.

Driving it yourself? Sure. But if the idea of adding another 2,000 miles to your odometer sounds like torture, check out the best auto transport companies. They’ll ship your car door-to-door while you fly, cruise, or collapse in the passenger seat of a moving van.

Sneaky fees you’ll want to ask about upfront:

Often, yes. Services like PODS or U-Pack charge less than full-service movers. But you’ll load and unload yourself.

Anywhere from 5 to 21 days, depending on distance, weather, and whether Mercury is in retrograde.

Check licensing (USDOT number), read reviews, and avoid companies asking for massive deposits upfront.

Absolutely. Especially if your dates are flexible or you’re moving off-peak.

Moving a 3-bedroom house cross-country costs real money. Whether you’re budgeting $4,500 or bracing for $9,500, understanding the factors behind the cost puts you in control.

The smartest move? Get quotes from multiple companies. Vet them like you’d vet someone babysitting your kids. Look at reviews. Ask about hidden fees. Compare what’s included.

When it comes to heavy lifting, outsourcing to long distance moving companies often saves your back—and sometimes your budget—in the long run.

Oh, and if your car’s not joining you for the road trip? Trust auto transport companies to get it to your new driveway, no stress, no extra mileage.