How to Save Money for a Cross-Country Move

Moving across the country to be with your partner is exciting, but it can also be expensive. The average cross-country move costs between $4,000 and $10,000, depending on the distance and amount of belongings. With proper planning and smart strategies, you can significantly reduce these costs and start your new life together on solid financial footing.

Understanding the True Cost of Moving

Before you start saving, you need to know what you're saving for. Cross-country moves involve multiple expenses:

• Professional movers or truck rental: $2,000-$7,000
• Packing materials: $200-$600
• Travel costs: $500-$1,500 (gas, flights, hotels)
• Deposits on new housing: First month, last month, security deposit
• Utility setup fees: $100-$300
• Storage (if needed): $100-$300 per month
• Insurance: $200-$500
• Miscellaneous expenses: $500-$1,000

Check out our complete moving budget template to calculate your specific costs.

12-Month Saving Strategy

Ideally, you should start saving 12 months before your planned move date. Here's how to break it down:

Months 12-9: Assessment and Planning

• Calculate your total moving costs using online moving calculators
• Set a realistic savings goal (aim for 120% of estimated costs for buffer)
• Review your current expenses and identify areas to cut
• Open a dedicated "moving fund" savings account
• Set up automatic transfers from checking to your moving fund

Months 8-5: Aggressive Saving Phase

• Implement cost-cutting measures (see below)
• Sell belongings you won't move
• Take on extra work or side hustles
• Redirect windfalls (tax refunds, bonuses) to moving fund
• Track your progress monthly and adjust as needed

Months 4-1: Final Push and Optimization

• Get multiple moving quotes and book the best option
• Purchase packing materials on sale
• Plan travel routes to minimize costs
• Coordinate with your partner to share expenses
• Build in final buffer for unexpected costs

Smart Ways to Cut Moving Costs

1. Downsize Ruthlessly

The less you move, the less you pay. Moving costs are typically calculated by weight and volume, so every item you eliminate saves money.

2. Choose the Right Moving Method

Compare all your options:

• Full-service movers: Most expensive but least stressful. Get quotes from at least three companies. Compare moving company rates here.
• Moving containers (PODS, U-Pack): Mid-range price, you pack and unpack, they transport.
• Rental truck: Cheapest but most labor-intensive. Remember to factor in gas, insurance, and potential helper costs.
• Freight trailers: Budget-friendly for flexible timelines.

3. Time Your Move Strategically

Moving during off-peak times can save 20-30% on costs:

• Move mid-month instead of month-end
• Choose weekdays over weekends
• Avoid summer months (May-September are peak season)
• Book 6-8 weeks in advance for better rates

Learn more about when's the right time to close the distance.

4. Source Free Packing Materials

Don't buy boxes when you can get them free:

• Check liquor stores, grocery stores, and bookstores for sturdy boxes
• Ask on neighborhood apps like Nextdoor or Facebook Marketplace
• Use suitcases, laundry baskets, and bins you already own
• Wrap items in towels, linens, and clothing instead of bubble wrap
• Use newspaper or shredded paper for padding

5. Pack Yourself

Professional packing services add $500-$1,500 to your bill. Save money by packing yourself:

• Start 6-8 weeks before moving day
• Pack one room at a time
• Label boxes clearly with room and contents
• Take photos of electronic setups for easy reassembly
• Keep essentials box for first night in new place

Additional Income Strategies

Sell What You Don't Need

Turn your unwanted items into moving funds:

• Facebook Marketplace: Best for furniture and large items
• Poshmark or Depop: Clothing and accessories
• eBay: Electronics, collectibles, and specialty items
• Book buyback sites: Textbooks and recent releases
• Garage sale: Everything else, price to move

Side Hustles for Moving Funds

Generate extra income in the months before your move:

• Freelance your professional skills online
• Drive for Uber or deliver for DoorDash
• Pet sit or house sit through Rover
• Tutor students in your area of expertise
• Take on extra shifts at your current job

Expense Reduction Tactics

Cut Non-Essential Spending

Temporarily reduce discretionary expenses:

• Cancel unused subscriptions (streaming services, gym, apps)
• Eat out less frequently and meal prep at home
• Postpone major purchases until after the move
• Reduce entertainment spending (movies, concerts, events)
• Use the library instead of buying books
• Cut cable and switch to basic streaming

Negotiate Your Current Bills

Free up monthly savings by reducing recurring costs:

• Call your cell phone provider for a better rate
• Shop around for car insurance quotes
• Negotiate lower interest rates on credit cards
• Review and reduce energy usage

Coordinating Finances with Your Partner

If you're moving to be together, discuss financial responsibilities early:

• Decide who pays for what (50/50 split, proportional to income, or one person covers certain expenses)
• Create a shared spreadsheet to track moving expenses
• Consider opening a joint account for shared moving costs
• Discuss how you'll handle deposits and initial setup costs
• Be transparent about your individual financial situations

For more guidance, read our article on deciding who moves fairly.

Tax Deductions and Employer Assistance

Moving Expense Deductions

While federal moving expense deductions were eliminated for most people in 2018, some situations still qualify:

• Active-duty military members moving due to military orders
• Some state tax deductions may still apply
• Keep all receipts regardless, in case tax laws change

Employer Relocation Assistance

If you're moving for a job, your employer might help:

• Direct payment or reimbursement of moving expenses
• Temporary housing assistance
• Travel cost coverage for house-hunting trips
• Spousal job search assistance
• Signing bonuses that can offset moving costs

Learn how to approach this conversation in our guide on telling your employer you're relocating.

Emergency Fund Considerations

Don't deplete your entire emergency fund for your move. Experts recommend:

• Maintain at least 3 months of expenses in emergency savings
• Keep emergency fund separate from moving fund
• Plan to rebuild emergency fund within 6 months of moving
• Account for higher initial expenses in new city

Cost-Saving Moving Checklist

Final Thoughts

Saving for a cross-country move requires discipline, planning, and sacrifice, but it's absolutely achievable. By starting early, cutting unnecessary expenses, and maximizing your income, you can save enough to make your move without going into debt. Remember, this move is an investment in your relationship and your future together.

The key is to view saving as a team effort with your partner. Share your goals, celebrate milestones, and keep your eyes on the prize: finally being together in the same place. With these strategies, you'll be ready to close the distance without financial stress.

Ready to create your complete moving budget? Check out our moving budget template and 6-month moving timeline.