877-412-1344 TL;DR
Cross-country moves typically cost $3,500 to $6,500 for full-service relocations, but prices swing wildly based on timing, weight, and which company you hire. This guide ranks eight inexpensive cross-country movers that balance affordability with legitimacy, explains how to avoid the bait-and-switch scams that cost victims an average of $754, and shares proven tactics to cut your moving bill by 20-30%. AmeriSafe Van Lines tops our list for its dual carrier-broker authority and coordinator-led approach to nationwide moves.
How We Chose These Movers (and What “Inexpensive” Actually Means)
“Inexpensive” is not the same as “cheapest.” The cheapest cross-country movers are often the riskiest. Practitioners on Reddit’s r/moving community repeat this warning constantly: the company that quotes $2,000 below everyone else is usually the company that holds your furniture hostage for more money on delivery day.
Instead, we evaluated inexpensive cross-country movers based on value, meaning a reasonable price backed by real accountability. Our criteria:
FMCSA licensing verified through the SAFER database
Binding estimates available (not just vague phone quotes)
Transparent deposit policies published before you sign
Real pricing data from consumer quotes, not “call for details” language
Carrier vs. broker status disclosed, because who actually moves your stuff matters
For context, a typical full-service cross-country move for a 2-3 bedroom home runs between $3,060 and $5,280 based on 2026 pricing data, though larger homes or peak-season moves can push well past $7,000. The numbers below reflect real quote ranges collected from each company.
Get a free cross-country quote to see how your move compares to these benchmarks.
At-a-Glance Comparison Table
Company | Est. Cost (3BR Cross-Country) | Deposit Required | Binding Estimate | Carrier or Broker | Free Storage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AmeriSafe Van Lines | Custom-quoted | Yes (within 72-hr refund window) | Yes | Both (carrier + broker) | Available | Coordinated cross-country moves with a single point of contact |
Allied Van Lines | $4,500–$7,000 | No deposit | Yes | Carrier (agent network) | No | No-deposit booking with virtual surveys |
Safeway Moving | Mid-range (flat-rate) | 10–18% | Yes (binding) | Carrier | 30 days free | Budget-conscious movers wanting fixed pricing |
National Van Lines | $2,000–$7,500 | Varies | Yes | Broker | No | Legacy brand shoppers |
International Van Lines | $4,200–$6,150 | Yes | Yes | Carrier | Yes | Moves with international legs or specialty items |
North American Van Lines | Mid-to-high | Varies | Yes (multiple types) | Carrier (agent network) | No | Large-home relocations with flexible pricing |
Mayzlin Relocation | Mid-range | 25% (refundable up to 7 days before) | Yes | Broker | No | Transparent deposits and live GPS tracking |
Colonial Van Lines | $5,500–$9,000 | Yes | Yes (binding) | Broker/Coordinator | No | App-based booking with price-match guarantee |
The 8 Best Inexpensive Cross Country Movers
1. AmeriSafe Van Lines
Best for: Customers who want a single coordinator managing their cross-country move with carrier-level accountability
AmeriSafe Van Lines holds dual authority as both an FMCSA-authorized carrier and a licensed interstate moving broker. This distinction matters and is often overlooked. It means AmeriSafe can deploy its own trucks and drivers on certain routes while partnering with vetted carriers for others, giving you nationwide coverage without the impersonal feel of a massive van line.
Key features:
Dual carrier and broker authority (authorized for household goods under FMCSA), with 6 power units and drivers listed in the most recent SAFER snapshot
Dedicated coordinator for each move rather than a rotating call center
Full and partial professional packing services with materials included
Short-term and long-term storage options for staggered timelines
Dedicated senior moving services and specialty item handling
Published arbitration process, FMCSA consumer-rights documents, and clear refund policy (deposits non-refundable after 72 hours from signing)
Separate sales and customer service phone lines, so you’re not stuck in a queue meant for new leads when you need post-booking help
Pricing: Custom-quoted based on your inventory, distance, and add-on services. Phone and instant online quotes are both available.
Tradeoffs:
No standardized package tiers published on the website, so you’ll need to request a quote for exact pricing
The 72-hour refund window on deposits is shorter than some competitors
Why it stands out among inexpensive cross-country movers: The dual-authority model is uncommon. Most companies are either pure carriers (they own trucks but have limited route coverage) or pure brokers (they book you and hand you off to someone else). AmeriSafe bridges that gap. The coordinator-led experience means one person knows your move inside and out, which reduces the communication breakdowns that plague broker-only operations.
Request your free moving estimate from AmeriSafe
2. Allied Van Lines
Best for: Households wanting no-deposit booking and virtual in-home estimates
Allied has been moving families since 1928, and its key selling point for budget-conscious movers is simple: no deposit required to book. That’s rare in an industry where many companies ask for 10-25% upfront.
Key features:
No deposit required at booking
Virtual in-home estimates available (no need to schedule an in-person walkthrough)
Network of over 400 agents across the United States
Nearly a century of operational history
Pricing: Quotes collected for a 3-bedroom cross-country move came in between $4,500 and $7,000, while regional interstate moves ranged from $3,500 to $6,500. Larger moves from high-cost metros run significantly higher; one quote for a Brooklyn-to-LA move was $12,554 to $13,886.
Tradeoffs:
Your actual experience depends heavily on which local Allied agent performs the work, and quality varies between agents
Not known for rock-bottom pricing or a spotless customer complaint record
The virtual estimate process, while convenient, may miss items that lead to price adjustments
3. Safeway Moving
Best for: Budget-conscious movers who want flat-rate, binding pricing with no surprises
Safeway Moving is a veteran-owned carrier that has built its reputation around pricing predictability. Their triple-check process, which includes virtual surveys, aims to lock in a binding estimate before moving day.
Key features:
Binding estimates through a triple-check verification process
30 days of free storage included on all interstate and long-distance moves
Real-time GPS tracking on moving trucks
Veteran-owned and operated
Pricing: Mid-range for full-service cross-country movers. Deposits run 10-18% for long-distance moves, 15% for local.
Tradeoffs:
Some customers report delayed communication updates, particularly around storage-related delivery timelines
The deposit percentage (up to 18%) is higher than several competitors
Binding estimates are only as accurate as the initial survey, so be thorough when reporting inventory
One detail worth noting: the 30 days of free storage is genuinely useful if your move-in and move-out dates don’t align perfectly. Many companies charge $150-$300 per month for this service, so it represents real savings.
4. National Van Lines
Best for: Customers who want a legacy brand name with broad coverage and no deposit
National Van Lines has been operating since 1929 and claims over one million completed relocations. They offer a Movement Tracker tool that lets you monitor your shipment during transit.
Key features:
No deposit required for booking (on select moves)
Movement Tracker shipment monitoring technology
Coverage across all 48 contiguous states
Long-distance pricing that ranges from $2,000 to $7,500 depending on move size and distance
Pricing: The $2,000-$7,500 range is broad, reflecting everything from studio apartments to 4-bedroom houses. For a standard 2-3 bedroom cross-country move, expect the middle of that range.
Tradeoffs:
Functions primarily as a broker, coordinating with independent agents and contracted movers rather than running its own fleet everywhere
Quality can be inconsistent because the crew that shows up at your door may not be a National Van Lines employee
The wide pricing range makes it harder to benchmark your quote against others
Discussions on Reddit frequently highlight the inconsistency issue with agent-based networks. The company itself may have good policies, but the local partner performing your actual move might not uphold the same standards. Always ask which agent will handle your route and check their reviews independently.
5. International Van Lines
Best for: Cross-country moves that might also involve international legs or specialty items
If your relocation involves shipping belongings overseas (or you’re moving specialty items like cars, art, or pianos), International Van Lines handles both domestic and international logistics under one roof.
Key features:
A+ BBB rating
Relocation services to more than 180 countries
Full-service packing, storage, and auto transport available
Comprehensive service menu for specialty item handling
Pricing: A quote for a three-bedroom home from Boston to Atlanta came in at $4,200 to $6,150. Cross-country routes will typically run higher.
Tradeoffs:
Premium pricing compared to budget-focused competitors
The international infrastructure means you’re partially paying for capabilities you may not need on a purely domestic move
Not always the most competitive for straightforward point-A-to-point-B cross-country relocations
6. North American Van Lines
Best for: Large-home moves and customers who want multiple pricing structures to choose from
North American Van Lines distinguishes itself with three distinct pricing options: bottom-line (lowest cost, less flexibility), not-to-exceed (price cap with possible savings), and fully customized.
Key features:
Three pricing tiers offering different tradeoffs between cost and flexibility
Competitive pricing on shorter interstate moves (45-mile range)
Strong infrastructure for large, complex relocations
Long operational history as part of the SIRVA network
Pricing: Quote data suggests pricing on the lower end for short interstate moves, but NAVL is not typically the cheapest option for full cross-country hauls. The three-tier system means your final cost depends on which option you select.
Tradeoffs:
Not positioned as a budget mover; the pricing tiers can be confusing for first-time movers
Agent-based model means your experience varies by location
The “bottom-line” tier may come with restrictions on scheduling flexibility
7. Mayzlin Relocation
Best for: Transparent deposit terms and live tracking during transit
Mayzlin stands out on two points that matter to price-sensitive movers: a lower deposit requirement and a generous refund window.
Key features:
25% deposit, which is more affordable than companies charging 35-50%
Full deposit refund available up to seven days before your moving date
Live tracking so you can follow your truck in real time
Binding estimates available
Pricing: Mid-range for the inexpensive cross-country movers category. The lower deposit and refund window reduce the financial risk of booking early.
Tradeoffs:
Operates primarily as a broker, so the crew performing your move may be a third-party carrier
Smaller operation with less brand recognition than legacy van lines
Fewer published reviews compared to larger competitors, making it harder to gauge consistent quality
8. Colonial Van Lines
Best for: Customers who prefer an app-based booking experience with price-match guarantees
Colonial Van Lines offers a modern booking experience with a price-match guarantee that appeals to shoppers comparing multiple quotes.
Key features:
Price-match guarantee (they’ll match a competitor’s binding quote)
Binding quotes based on weight, locations, and moving dates
End-to-end coordination including packing, unpacking, and furniture assembly
Fully licensed with a strong track record for on-time moves
Pricing: Quotes of $9,000 for cross-country moves and $5,500 for regional moves have been reported. The price-match guarantee means you can negotiate if you have a lower competing bid.
Tradeoffs:
Base pricing tends to run higher than many competitors before the price-match kicks in
Operates as a coordinator/broker model, so confirm who will actually perform the move
You need documented competing quotes to use the price-match, which requires extra legwork upfront
Full-Service vs. Container vs. DIY: Which Is Actually Cheapest?
Not every cross-country move requires a full-service company. Here’s how the three main approaches compare on cost:
Method | Average Cost | You Handle | They Handle |
|---|---|---|---|
Rental truck (U-Haul, Penske) | $2,000–$4,000 | Driving, loading, unloading, fuel | Truck rental |
Portable container (PODS, U-Pack) | $3,000–$5,000 | Packing and loading | Transport |
Full-service movers | $3,500–$8,500+ | Nothing (or minimal) | Everything |
The rental truck route saves the most money, but the hidden costs add up fast: fuel for a 26-foot truck across 2,500 miles, hotels for multi-day drives, potential helpers for loading and unloading, and the physical toll of doing it yourself. Practitioners on YouTube walkthroughs of DIY cross-country moves consistently report spending $500-$1,000 more than the truck rental quote alone.
Portable containers sit in the middle. You pack and load at your own pace, then the company drives. It’s a genuine hybrid that works well for organized households willing to do the physical labor. The tradeoff is that you’re working on the container company’s pickup schedule, not yours.
Full-service movers cost the most but eliminate virtually all physical work. For families with children, seniors, or anyone on a tight timeline, the premium is often worth it. If you want to reduce the full-service price, consider self-packing and hiring movers only for transport. Learn more about what packing services actually cost before deciding.
How to Spot a Scam When You’re Shopping for Cheap Movers
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: the lower you push on price, the more likely you are to encounter fraud. The BBB received 5,918 complaints against moving companies in 2023, and victims lost an average of $754 per scam incident.
Nearly 57% of respondents in a 2025 This Old House Moving Survey said their mover either didn’t offer a binding estimate or they weren’t sure if they received one. That ambiguity is where scams thrive.
Red Flags Checklist
Refuse to do a virtual or in-person survey. A physical or virtual survey is the only way to ensure an accurate quote. Any company estimating your move based on a brief phone call is guessing, or worse, deliberately lowballing.
Unusually large deposit demands. Companies asking for 50% or more upfront, especially via cash or wire transfer, are a major risk. Legitimate inexpensive cross-country movers typically require 10-25%.
No USDOT or MC number listed. Every legitimate interstate mover must be registered with FMCSA. Verify their numbers on the SAFER database before signing anything.
Vague or verbal-only estimates. Always get a written, binding estimate. If a company won’t put numbers on paper, walk away.
Generic business name with no physical address. Scam operations frequently change names after accumulating complaints. Check BBB and FMCSA complaint records.
For a deeper look at warning signs specific to Florida-based moves, read this guide on recognizing moving company red flags.
The Broker vs. Carrier Distinction You Need to Understand
This is the single most misunderstood concept in the moving industry, and it directly affects your risk when hiring inexpensive cross-country movers.
A moving carrier handles your move directly. Their team, their trucks, their schedule. You know exactly who’s touching your belongings.
A moving broker takes your booking and hires another company to perform the actual move. The problem isn’t brokering itself. Brokers can connect you with excellent carriers you’d never find on your own. The problem is poor handoffs, weak vetting of subcontractors, or vague pricing that changes when the actual carrier shows up.
Some companies hold dual authority as both carrier and broker. This hybrid model lets them run their own trucks where they have capacity while partnering with vetted carriers for routes outside their fleet’s reach. AmeriSafe Van Lines operates under this dual-authority structure, which is why they can offer nationwide coverage while maintaining direct accountability on select routes.
When comparing quotes, always ask: “Will your company perform this move, or will you dispatch a third-party carrier?” The answer changes your level of recourse if something goes wrong. For more on how moving contracts and paperwork protect you, that guide walks through the details.
5 Ways to Make Any Cross-Country Move Cheaper
1. Move During Off-Peak Season (October Through April)
This is the single biggest cost lever available to you. Peak season runs May through September, and rates jump 30-50% above baseline. A move that costs $4,000 in February might run $6,000 in July. January and February are generally the cheapest months, with potential savings of up to 30%.
One exception: Florida sees elevated winter inbound demand from retirees and snowbirds, which keeps rates higher from November through March on routes into the state. If you’re moving to Florida, early fall or late spring may be your best window.
2. Choose Midweek Pickup Dates
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday moves typically cost 10-25% less than weekend moves. On interstate jobs, that translates to $500 to $1,000 in savings. If you can take a weekday off work, the math almost always favors it.
3. Downsize Before You Pack
Long-distance moving costs are calculated based on weight, volume, or container space. Most professional movers estimate 1,000 to 1,500 pounds per room, and rates run roughly $0.50 to $0.80 per pound for truck transport. Every 100 pounds you eliminate saves $50-$80. A serious pre-move purge of a 3-bedroom home can easily shed 1,000+ pounds. Check out this practical guide on how to purge your home before moving day.
4. Get at Least Three Binding Estimates and Negotiate
Quotes from inexpensive cross-country movers vary significantly for the same move. Getting three or more binding estimates gives you the data to negotiate. Some companies, like Colonial Van Lines, explicitly offer price-match guarantees. Others will often come down if you show a documented lower bid from a comparable competitor.
5. Self-Pack and Hire Only Transport
Full-service packing adds $500-$2,000+ to a cross-country move. If you have the time and energy, packing your own boxes and hiring movers strictly for loading, transport, and unloading cuts one of the largest line items from your bill.
Understanding Estimates: Binding vs. Non-Binding vs. Not-to-Exceed
The type of estimate you receive determines whether your final bill matches the quote or spirals upward on moving day.
Non-binding estimate: The mover’s best guess. Your actual cost can be higher based on the shipment’s final weight. This is how most bait-and-switch scams operate.
Binding estimate: A locked-in price. Even if your shipment weighs more than estimated, you pay the quoted amount. The catch: if it weighs less, you still pay the binding price.
Binding not-to-exceed estimate: The gold standard. You won’t pay more than the quoted price, but if your shipment weighs less, you pay the lower amount. This protects you in both directions.
Always insist on a binding or binding not-to-exceed estimate in writing before signing. Learn what to look for in your moving contract so you’re protected.
Hidden Fees That Make “Cheap” Movers Expensive
Even legitimate inexpensive cross-country movers may charge fees that don’t appear in the initial quote. Watch for these:
Fuel surcharges: Typically 10-20% of the base cost, but they can spike to 25-30% when gas prices surge
Stair and long-carry fees: Moves involving stairs, elevator restrictions, or long distances between the truck and your door often carry $75-$150+ surcharges per flight or per 75 feet
Shuttle fees: If a full-size truck can’t access your street (narrow roads, gated communities), a smaller shuttle truck adds $300-$500
Credit card processing fees: Some companies charge 1-3% to pay by credit card rather than cashier’s check
Storage-in-transit fees: If there’s a gap between pickup and delivery, storage costs $150-$300+ per month at most companies (though some, like Safeway, include 30 days free)
Ask every company for a complete fee schedule before signing. If they can’t provide one, that’s a red flag.
FAQ
What is the cheapest way to move cross country?
Renting a truck and driving it yourself is the cheapest option at $2,000-$4,000, but you’ll need to add fuel, lodging, tolls, and loading help. Portable containers ($3,000-$5,000) are the next cheapest. Full-service movers run $3,500-$8,500+ but handle everything. The overall average falls between $3,100 and $7,300 depending on which method you choose.
How much does it cost to move a 3-bedroom home cross country?
Most data points converge around $3,060-$5,280 for a standard 2-3 bedroom full-service move, though larger homes with more belongings can push into the $6,700-$9,250 range. Your specific cost depends on total weight, distance, season, and add-on services.
Are moving brokers safe to use?
Moving brokers are legal, licensed, and often useful for connecting you with carriers on routes a single company doesn’t cover. The risk comes from brokers who don’t vet their partners, don’t provide binding estimates, or disappear after handing you off. Always verify the broker’s FMCSA registration, get a binding estimate, and confirm which carrier will actually perform the move. Companies with dual carrier-broker authority, like AmeriSafe Van Lines, offer more direct accountability than pure brokers.
When is the cheapest time to move cross country?
October through April is off-peak season, with January and February being the cheapest months (potential savings of up to 30%). Within any month, Tuesday through Thursday moves save an additional 10-25% compared to weekends. The one exception: if you’re moving into Florida, winter demand from snowbirds keeps prices elevated November through March.
What should I look for in an inexpensive cross-country mover?
Five things: a valid USDOT and MC number verified on the FMCSA database, a binding or binding not-to-exceed estimate in writing, a virtual or in-person survey of your belongings (not just a phone estimate), transparent deposit and refund policies, and real customer reviews on third-party sites like BBB or Google. The cheapest quote means nothing if the company isn’t legitimate. For more on the full vetting process, read our interstate moving FAQ.
How far in advance should I book an inexpensive cross-country mover?
Four to eight weeks is the standard recommendation. Booking earlier gives you more leverage to negotiate, more available dates (especially midweek slots), and time to compare binding estimates from multiple companies. During peak season (May-September), eight weeks minimum is advisable.
Can I negotiate with cross-country movers?
Yes. Moving quotes are not fixed retail prices. Once you have three or more binding estimates, you can present the lowest to your preferred company and ask them to match or beat it. Many legitimate movers will adjust pricing, reduce deposits, or add extras like free packing materials to win your business. The key is having documented competing quotes as leverage.
Planning a cross-country move and want to see where your costs actually land? Get a personalized quote from AmeriSafe Van Lines to compare against the benchmarks in this guide.
