The Cheapest Way to Move Out of State

Finding affordable long-distance movers

When you’re moving out of state and every dollar matters, it's crucial to book a moving service that can help without breaking your budget.  

Finding the cheapest way to move may seem overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. Thankfully, U-Pack® makes long-distance moving easy and affordable with a specialized service that eliminates the guesswork.  

Let’s see how prices compare between three DIY moving solutions and learn more about how U-Pack offers cheap out-of-state moving. 

Comparing prices to find the cheapest long-distance mover 

DIY moving is usually the cheapest option, but there can still be big price differences between companies that fall into that category. U-Pack is an easy DIY solution where you don’t have to drive a rental truck. 

Check out these price comparisons for two example moves: 

Studio apartment moving example  

Moving from Carson City, NV, to Austin, TX, in August 2024 using each company’s recommended equipment. 

• U-Pack: $2,541 (all-inclusive price for 5 linear feet in a moving trailer) 
• U-Haul®:  $2,719.48 ($2,210.52 rental for 10’ truck + $508.96 estimated gas costs for 1,750 miles*) 
• Budget®: $3,104.38 ($2,330.04 rental for 12’ truck + $774.34 estimated gas costs for 1,775 miles**) 

*Fuel costs were calculated using AAA’s average gas prices at the time of posting using the MPG listed on U-Haul’s website. 

**Fuel costs were calculated using AAA’s average diesel prices at the time of posting using the MPG listed on Budget’s website. Note: The nearest Budget location is 100 miles away from Sallisaw.

3-bedroom home moving example

Moving from Portland, OR, to Sallisaw, OK, in August 2024 using each company’s recommended equipment. 

• U-Pack: $4,946 (all-inclusive price for 17 linear feet in a moving trailer) 
• U-Haul®:  $6,464.85 ($5,731.95 rental for 26’ truck + $732.90 estimated gas costs for 2,100 miles*) 
• Budget®: $11,660.33 ($10,607.08 rental for 26’ truck + $1,053.25 estimated diesel costs for 2,200 miles**) 

*Fuel costs were calculated using AAA’s average gas prices at the time of posting using the MPG listed on U-Haul’s website. 

**Fuel costs were calculated using AAA’s average diesel prices at the time of posting using the MPG listed on Budget’s website. Note: The nearest Budget location is 100 miles away from Sallisaw.

How U-Pack offers the cheapest way to move out of state 

U-Pack pricing is simple and transparent, with no hidden fees. The price you see on the quote is what you’ll pay as long as your moving details don’t change. Equipment, fuel and standard liability coverage are all included in the rate.

With U-Pack, you save money by packing, loading and unloading, just like with rental trucks, but you’re not stuck paying out-of-pocket fuel costs. And that’s only one way U-Pack keeps prices affordable.

U-Pack also keeps transportation costs reasonable because of our efficient network. We ship commercial freight in the empty trailer space and pass along the savings to you. Learn more about how U-Pack offers the best service for long-distance moves.

Save even more money on your U-Pack move 

U-Pack is already one of the most economical ways to move long distance, but you can save even more by using one or more of the following tips:  

Be flexible with your moving date  

If possible, consider moving during off-peak times to get a cheaper rate. The lowest prices are usually from October to April, when fewer people relocate. If you’re moving during peak times of May to September, aim for the middle of the month and week, when prices are often lower than rates for the beginning of months or weekends.  

Get a free quote online or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak with one of our helpful moving consultants to find the best time and rate for your long-distance move. 

Compare prices for different equipment  

U-Pack offers two types of equipment — space in a moving trailer or a ReloCube® moving container — and rates vary by type. If both equipment options are available, you can toggle between them on the quote to see which best meets your needs and budget. 

Load or unload at a local service center  

Although U-Pack quotes typically include door-to-door delivery, you can save money by loading and unloading at a local service center. While this option is a bit more work, it can help significantly lower the cost of a move. Check out our delivery options to find the right solution for your needs.

Move less stuff  

Since your price is determined by the amount of space used in the trailer or the number of ReloCube containers filled, loading fewer things means paying less. Before packing, clean out your belongings by hosting a garage sale or donating unwanted items. Don’t forget to pack and load well to maximize space in the moving equipment.

Use a discount code

Reserve a U-Pack move using the code BLOG25 for a $25 discount. Thank you for reading the U-Pack blog! When you confirm the details, look for the price reduction on the reservation summary. See if you qualify for other discounts. 

There is no deposit, and you’re not charged until your shipment is in transit.

Get a U-Pack quote for your cheap out-of-state move

Request your free, no-obligation quote online or call us at 844-362-5303844-594-3077. If you have questions about how U-Pack long-distance moving service works, let us know in the comments. We’re here to help!

Still curious? Learn why customers choose U-Pack for long-distance moving.

Budget® is a registered trademark of Budget Truck Rental, LLC. U-Haul® is a registered trademark of U-Haul International, Inc. Use of third-party trademarks or registered trademarks does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by such third-party.