This guide aims to help you anticipate little-known moving costs before your cross-country move, so you can budget accurately and avoid surprise fees. At Wheaton, we’re your trusted out-of-state moving experts—so read on for our best-kept interstate moving tips.
Hidden Costs of Moving Out of State
Packing Supplies & Labor
Moving materials like boxes, tape and bubble wrap add up fast. And specialty items, like TVs, art and antiques can require custom crating and special packing.
Luckily, Wheaton offers boxes and supplies and specialty item moving to take some stress out of moving day.
Storage Fees During the Transition
Often, you’ll have to store items during your cross-country move. Whether your new home isn’t ready or you need extra time to unpack, storage unit fees aren’t cheap. And climate-controlled options can come with a higher price.
Wheaton offers both long-term and short-term storage options. No matter which you need, your items will be kept in a secure, monitored location, ready for you whenever you can take them back. When you bundle your storage as part of your move, you can save money compared to using an independent storage unit facility.
Utility Disconnects & Setups
Don’t forget to factor in activation and cancellation fees for gas, water, internet and electricity. And some providers require deposits to start service in your new location, especially state-to-state.
Travel, Lodging & Meals
People moving between states should factor in costs like fuel, hotel stays and meals on and off the road. You may also consider airfare tickets for family members or secure mail for important documents. Cross-country moves face more add-on costs than traditional local moves.
Vehicle Shipping or Multiple Car Moves
You’ll need to decide whether you’re shipping your vehicles cross-country or bundling them in with your moving company. When moving more than one vehicle, you should expect to pay per car. In addition, insurance gaps and added fees for enclosed transport are often-missed fees.
When creating your moving estimate, consider bundling your vehicle shipping with your long-distance move package to save money.
Insurance Coverage Gaps
While Wheaton offers valuation protection coverage, you may want to add additional insurance to your move. Basic coverage from van lines may not cover high-value items, so moving insurance can bridge the gap and protect your items during the transition.
Pet Travel & Boarding
Moving with pets is stressful—and costly. Temporary pet boarding can cost hundreds of dollars, and airline fees can be just as expensive. When flying with your pet, you’ll need to provide an airline-approved crate and the required vaccination records. Research requirements by state and airline well before your moving day.
Lost Work or Missed Income
Between packing, moving and settling in, cross-country moving often results in multiple missed work days. These lost wages can add up to a serious financial impact in your paycheck, so be sure and factor them into your budget.
How To Avoid Surprise Moving Costs
Get a Moving Quote
So, how much does a moving company cost? The best way to get accurate information is by getting a quote.
Don’t rely on ballpark figures or moving cost calculators, which can miss important factors and aren’t personalized to your move.
Get a moving quote that’s based on your household’s needs, like the one Wheaton provides.
Schedule an In-Home or Virtual Walkthrough
Wheaton’s moving cost estimate is completely free and no-obligation. A virtual or in-person estimate means meeting with a real Wheaton agent who can help you determine your needs and your overall moving cost. This way, there are no incomplete move details that can lead to hidden fees.
It’s just one way Wheaton aims to make your moving day stress-free, with zero surprise fees.
Ask the Right Questions
No matter who you move with, you’ll want to ask smart questions to make sure you’re getting the most accurate quote possible. Ask whether the out-of-state moving company charges extra for stairs, elevators or long carries. Determine whether parking permits and packing services are included in your quote.
Wheaton’s moving coordinators can guide you through every question so you avoid surprise charges.
Choose a Reliable, Nationwide Mover
Not all moving companies that move out of state are the same. You’re likely to encounter varying moving fees, standards of care with your items and communication levels between van lines.
The best out of state moving companies are the ones backed by decades of experience and quality assurance standards. Wheaton has a trusted reputation and comprehensive options for every type of move. With Wheaton’s coast-to-coast agent network, you’ll always be in good hands, no matter where you call home.
Moving Out of State Checklist: Don’t Forget These Essentials
Keep this list handy, or download Wheaton’s free moving checklist to stay organized during your move.
- Important documents: Organize your IDs, medical records and legal paperwork, and keep track of them throughout your move.
- Budget tracking: Before your move, determine how much you’re willing to spend on your move, and devise a tracking system to ensure you stay within budget.
- Choose the right moving company: Get quotes from multiple out-of-state moving companies and build your services bundle. Choose the one that fits your needs best.
- Specialty moving supplies: Prepare for large, awkward items like TVs and mattresses by securing the necessary moving supplies in advance.
- Plan your route: Avoid long stretches without fuel stations and inconvenient roads by planning your route before hitting the road.
- Turn off utilities: Stop service in your previous home so you’re not double-paying after you’ve moved.
- Confirm storage unit access: If needed, you’ll want to make sure you can access your storage unit when you need it. Save day-of stress by confirming access in advance.
- Update your info: When you’re settled in your new home, don’t forget to update your driver’s license, car registration and voter records.
- Notify various institutions: You’ll want to let USPS, insurance companies and your financial institutions that you’ve moved out of state.
Why Choose Wheaton for Your Interstate Move
With Wheaton, you’ll receive our signature compassionate, full-service approach—after all, we move your life. Our benefits include transparent pricing, customized solutions and a national network of agents for consistency and support in your long-distance move.
Many hidden costs can be avoided with the right planning. Schedule your free, no-surprise Wheaton moving estimate today and take the stress out of moving day.
