You have plenty of options for how to move your belongings. You could move yourself with a DIY move, packing up your home on your own, loading it onto a moving truck, and driving cross-country. Or you could opt for a container service, where you pack your things into a container, and a company moves that container for you. And then there's the option of hiring full-service movers, who will pack up everything for you and move it for you, too.

A DIY move might sound like the least expensive option. But it's important to keep in mind that cheap up front often doesn't mean cheap in the end. So what's the most affordable way to move long distance? Keep reading as we explore these options

DIY Truck Rental

A DIY truck rental is a popular way to move. In this scenario, you'll pack up your own belongings, rent a moving truck, load it up, maybe with the help of friends, and drive it cross-country. This is by far the most labor-intensive option. And many first-time movers think it's a great way to save money, too. However, this is often not the case. When you add up the costs, labor, and stress, you'll quickly realize this may not be the cheapest way to move cross-country.

One big difference between DIY moving vs. professional movers is that you'll need to pay for packing supplies, like packing paper, boxes, tape, and bubble wrap. With professional movers, you'll have the option to pay for packing services that include these, though, if you're looking for low-cost moving options, this will be pricier.

With a DIY move, you'll also pay for the rental truck. But the cost of the moving truck goes far beyond this fee. In addition to the rental fee, you'll also pay for mileage, fuel, tolls, lodging while you drive the truck, meals while on the road, and the additional time off work that you'll need. You'll also need to think about moving your own vehicle or vehicles long distance, in addition to driving the rental truck across the country. Moving trucks aren't known to allow you to maximize fuel efficiency, especially when you consider that they'll be packed with your belongings during the moving process. Don't forget to add in one-way truck rental costs, too.

Then come the risks, which can add to the cost. Driving a large truck, especially for hours or days on the highway, can be stressful and challenging, especially if you're inexperienced. If the rental truck breaks down, you could be stuck even longer.

A DIY truck rental will run you anywhere from $2,000 to upwards of $15,000, depending on the distance of your move and how large a truck you need. Many people assume that their costs will be on the low end of that spectrum, but the costs will add up faster than you think. If you're looking for cheap ways to move cross-country, this likely isn't your best option.

Portable Moving Containers 

Some people think that a full DIY move or a full-service move is the only option.But there are actually a few alternative moving methods that fall somewhere in the middle. This includes some more budget-friendly long-distance move options. A portable moving container is one such option. There are multiple moving companies that offer long-distance moving container services, such as PODS and U-Pack.

This hybrid option has some benefits. While you'll provide packing materials, pack your own belongings, and load the portable moving container, the company you choose will move the container for you. This means not having to drive a large rental truck, take extra time off work to drive, or deal with the mileage and fuel costs. You can also move at your own pace to pack the moving container.

Instead, you'll pay for a moving container rental and the delivery fee. Often, these are time-based charges, which means that the longer you need the pod, the more you'll pay. One benefit of this option is that it's flexible. If you prefer to take a few weeks to pay for the storage container, you can do so. But the downside is that the longer you take, the more expensive it will get. 

Even with some space-saving techniques, you may need multiple containers, which will increase your overall moving costs. Depending on how much stuff you have, you could need multiple moving containers. Additionally, delivery of storage containers is sometimes delayed, which may mean waiting to unpack in your new home.

If you need to move quickly or have a very large volume of belongings to move cross-country, this might not be a good option.

Freight Trailer Services

Similar to the moving container option are freight trailer services. With this option, you'll still pack your own belongings. But instead of packing them into a pod, you'll pack them into a freight container. This freight will then be transported cross-country for you. Many companies offer freight-moving container services, such as Old Dominion household services.

You'll typically pay a fee per foot of freight space that you need. This option is usually cheaper than a full-service move, but can be even more challenging in terms of timing, as you have no control over when your belongings will arrive in your new home. To get your belongings loaded and unloaded, you may need to hire additional help or ask friends and family to lend a hand. These labor costs and the added stress can make your relocation to a new state more expensive and challenging.

Full-Service Movers

If it's your first time moving, you might assume that a full-service move will be the most expensive option. You aren't alone, as many people assume that if they want to save money moving, they shouldn't hire moving companies! But while the upfront costs are higher, when you weigh everything that's included, you'll quickly see that hiring professional moving companies may be the most cost-effective solution among the moving methods on this list.

Unlike a DIY move or container move, you'll pay just one price for your move. This cost will cover the cost-per-hour for labor of loading and unloading the truck, the truck rental, fuel, and even extras like padding to protect your furniture.

This option is ideal for busy families, professionals, seniors who may be unable to lift boxes or furniture, or anyone looking for a less stressful moving experience.

If you do decide to choose a full-service move, it's important to choose a moving company that offers clear upfront pricing and quotes. That way, you won't wind up with surprise fees or expenses later in your move. Muscular Moving Men offers straightforward pricing and free quotes to help you plan ahead and budget for your move. If you're someone who likes to have a detailed moving budget ready ahead of your cross-country move, you'll love our transparent quotes

Hidden Costs That Make Cheap Options Expensive

Think you know the most affordable way to move long distance? When you consider the many hidden costs that could arise, you might discover that the significant savings you weren't expecting really aren't there.

Even with careful planning,these hidden costs can still pop up during your move across the country. Some common hidden costs include fuel surcharges from your moving truck rental, moving supplies, and the time you have to take off work. If something changes during your long distance move, you could wind up having to pay rescheduling fees for your cross-country movers.

One easy way to avoid these hidden costs is to hire a full-service moving company that builds these costs into its cross-country moving estimate, like Muscular Moving Men. There are also plenty of ways you can lower your moving expenses without adding stress during your cross-country move.

With all of the above options, you can gather packing materials on your own. You may be able to source free packing materials by asking local grocery stores for boxes or scavenging a garage sale for inexpensive blankets to use as padding and other moving supplies. You could also help cut costs before your move by purging any belongings you no longer need.

One of the best money-saving long-distance moving tips is to ensure you want all the furniture you plan to move. The last thing you want to do is pay professional movers or move your own large couch or dining room table, only to discover that it doesn't fit in your new home.

Choosing the Most Affordable Way to Move Long Distance

Now that you know some of your options for your cross-country move, it's time to decide which option is right for you. Whether you decide to DIY your long-distance move or hire full-service cross-country movers, it's important to consider the actual moving expenses that you may be facing. 

While hiring professional movers may seem like the more expensive option, when you consider the stress and physical labor you'll avoid, you'll quickly see the value in this option over different moving methods like hiring a moving container company or planning a DIY move.

Keep in mind that the cost of your cross-country move depends not just on the moving method you choose, but also on the size of your home, how much stuff you have, how long your move will take, and exactly how far your cross-country move is. If you need to cut costs or are looking for a more budget-friendly cross-country move option, don't assume that moving yourself is the best choice. Instead, look for more cost-effective ways to make a full moving service more affordable, such as sourcing free packing materials.

Get in Touch with Muscular Moving Men Today

Looking for the most affordable way to move long distance, and want to know exactly what your move will cost — no guesswork, no hidden fees? Get a fast, transparent quote from the trusted Phoenix movers at Muscular Moving Men. Give us a call today at (877) 434-8668 to get started with a free estimate!