Moving out of state will be an expense, but it doesn’t have to be overly expensive.
The key is balancing cost with convenience to navigate the cheapest way to hire movers when you are heading out of state.
Let’s take a closer look at your options, their costs, and how they will affect the overall moving experience.
Remember, the options below rely on a single question: “How much stuff do I need to move?”
The 3 Cheapest Moving Options
If you are looking to save money on a long-distance move, you have to know where to start.
Professional moving companies, moving containers, and DIY moving truck rental are the three ways to move out of state.
However, there are pros and cons to each of these.
It is best to start by requesting a quote from a long-distance moving service in Denver to get an itemized list of charges upfront, then compare it with other options.
Hiring full-service movers may not seem like the cheapest option at first, but the fees for pods and the DIY route add up quickly.
1. Moving Containers or Freight Trailers for a Long-Distance Move
With moving container services, a pod is dropped off at your pickup location, which you will need to pack and load; the company will handle the driving.
Moving containers let you load at your own pace while someone from the moving container company handles the driving, which can reduce stress.
Companies like PODS and U-Pack provide these kinds of services, amongst others, none of which are local businesses.
You will inevitably save on general labor costs by doing that portion yourself, but the fuel surcharges and transport still apply.
The average cost of this kind of long-distance relocation will range anywhere from $ 2,000 to $ 8,000, depending on the size of the pod you require and any details of the process.
2. DIY Truck Rental for Your Out-of-State Relocation Journey
Locating a budget rental truck seems like one of the easiest ways to save money, but there is a lot that comes with the process.
Renting a moving truck is often considered the cheapest option for minor, straightforward local moves.
You are responsible for renting the truck, packing materials, labor, and fuel costs.
You are essentially footing the bill for everything.
When renting a moving truck, you bear full responsibility for packing, loading, and driving.
Things seem low-cost initially, but it is not always easy to figure out how much space you will need.
You may end up with a larger truck than necessary, among other considerations.
Be aware of hidden costs:
- Fuel
- Mileage fees
- Insurance
- Tolls
- Packing supplies
- Hired labor
The typical cost of a budget truck rental for a DIY long-distance move ranges from $1,000 to $5,000.
3. Hiring a Full-Service Moving Company in Denver
Professional movers get an immediate reputation.
If you know how to negotiate with moving companies, when to book, and are working with a local business that works with your budget, it can be the cheapest way to move.
Let’s face it, booking locally is the key.
There will always be plenty of long-distance moving companies to choose from.
Sticking to Denver-owned-and-run companies will help you get the best bang for your buck.
You won’t be surprised by any extra costs after booking.
You don’t need to deal with labor, since everything is included in your full-service move quote.
Hiring professional movers from Denver provides all the benefits and a full-service relocation option.
The average long-distance move with a moving company ranges from $2,500 to $12,900, with the median cost around $4,300.
Essential Strategies to Slash Your Out-of-State Moving Budget
A tight budget means cutting corners where needed, but never on the quality of service.
The cheapest way to hire movers is to stay in tune with things every step of the way and take notes from our cross-country moving tips and checklist!
Strategizing helps you secure a more cost-effective move, so you aren’t stressed about the cost and don’t have to resort to a DIY move.
Strategic Timing: Move Off-Peak
The secret is to move long-distance during the cheaper winter months or off-peak season.
Moving services inevitably cost more when demand is high.
- Avoid: Summer (May-Sept), weekends, and the first/last days of the month.
- Save By Moving: Mid-week and mid-month during the off-season (Late Fall/Winter). The cheapest moving times are typically during the off-peak season (October to April) and on weekdays.
Declutter Ruthlessly (The “Don’t Move It” Method)
Pair down, donate, or consider holding a garage sale to get rid of additional items you no longer use, need, or have use for.
Downsizing your household belongings before a long-distance move can significantly cut costs.
To understand how transparent pricing works with long-distance movers, consider the following:
- Rule: Less weight/volume = Lower cost (for all options).
- Action: Sell, donate, or trash items that cost more to move than they are worth.
Get a Minimum of 3 Different Quotes (and Compare Apples to Apples)
Sticking with legitimate moving companies locally in Denver can help you save money, especially once you have a cost comparison.
Most moving companies near you will provide a free quote. Getting at least 3 is the general rule of thumb.
Here are a few items to watch for when shopping for affordable rates:
- Focus on Binding Estimates to avoid surprise charges and avoid moving brokers at all costs.
- Upfront deposit: Never pay more than $200 before your move date.
- Warning: Be wary of quotes that are dramatically lower than the others (potential bait-and-switch).
Minimize Supplies Costs
Opt for affordable packing supplies and boxes when moving long-distance.
There are plenty of options to cut costs further, so you aren’t stuck buying everything brand-new.
- Free Boxes: Check Craigslist, Nextdoor, liquor stores, and grocery stores.
- DIY Packing Materials: Use towels, clothing, and blankets to wrap fragile items instead of buying bubble wrap.
Hidden Costs to Avoid with Cheap Movers
There are some more things to know before moving out of state.
The biggest being possible moving scams with broker companies attempting to disguise themselves as full-service movers.
This is why it is best to verify moving companies locally before booking.
There are potential add-on services that may be associated with the delivery to your new location, such as:
- Shuttle Service Fees: If the main moving truck can’t access your street, they may charge you extra to move items to a smaller van.
- Long Carry Fees: Charges for having to carry items over a specific distance (e.g., more than 75 feet from the door to the truck).
- Stair Carry/Elevator Fees: Extra charge for moving items up or down flights of stairs.
- Fuel Surcharges: Especially relevant for DIY truck rentals—factor in current gas prices.
Always stick with moving services that disclose any extra fees up front, providing honest estimates with an itemized list of charges for the long-distance move.
How to Vet Professional Moving Companies to Ensure Quality for Your Move Out of State
Unfortunately, things can get expensive when you aren’t booking with the best out-of-state movers in Colorado.
You don’t want to get stuck in a situation where you have to do the heavy lifting financially just to hire long-distance movers.
Stick to independent family-owned movers locally in Denver.
This allows you to vet the candidates easily.
As you begin the process, be sure to review the following:
- Verify Federal Licensing: Check the FMCSA’s Movers’ database for a valid USDOT number (this is mandatory for interstate moves).
- Check Reviews: Look on multiple sites (BBB, Google, Yelp). Pay attention to complaints about hidden fees or delivery delays.
- Insurance: Understand the difference between Released Value Protection (free, minimal coverage) and Full Value Protection (paid, comprehensive coverage).
The Bottom Line for an Affordable Out-of-State Move
You may be able to save a little money with a rental truck, but staying aware of pertinent details for the moving process is essential.
In the end, local moving companies are the only logical answer.
At The Denver Moving Company, we always put our best foot forward, providing professional service that supports clients as they prepare for a significant life change.
Our team understands the financial strain and works to keep pricing for long-distance moves affordable.
Contact us today to get a realistic picture of your upcoming moving costs and stick with the cheapest way to move, without ever sacrificing quality of service!