Making a cross-state move can feel like turning the page to an exciting new chapter. New city, new home, new go-to taco spot! But before you toss everything in boxes and cue the road trip playlist, it’s important to talk numbers. Because the cost of starting over? It’s not just about gas money and pizza for your helpers (though both are crucial!).
From moving trucks and movers to closing costs and setting up utilities, cross-state moves come with a price tag. Trust me, it’s way easier to handle when you’ve got a game plan. And lucky for you, I love a good plan. Let’s break it all down together!
What Really Goes Into the Cost of a Cross-State Move?
Let’s break down the main categories that tend to add up when you’re relocating.
First, we’ve got the actual moving part — transporting your belongings from one state to another. If you’re renting a moving truck and doing it yourself, expect to spend between $1,000 to $2,500 depending on the distance, truck size, and fuel. Going full-service with movers who pack, drive, and unload for you? That could run anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000 or more. (Pro tip: those travel fees, insurance add-ons, and fuel surcharges can really sneak up, so always read the fine print!)
Next up: the real estate side of things. If you’re both selling and buying, you’ll want to factor in closing costs, usually 2% to 5% of the sale or purchase price. You might also need to budget for prepping your home to sell — like repairs, cleaning, or staging — and don’t forget deposits or earnest money when buying your new home. It’s a lot of little things, and they can add up faster than you think.
And let’s not forget the “getting there” part. Whether you’re flying or driving, you’ll need to factor in travel costs, gas, hotels, meals on the go, and maybe even temporary housing if your timelines don’t line up just right. (Sometimes there’s a gap between when you leave one home and close on the next. I help my clients plan for this all the time!)
Finally, there are the setup costs. Turning on utilities, buying new furniture, replacing pantry staples, and restocking cleaning supplies are all the things no one remembers until they’re standing in a new kitchen without a broom.
How to Build a Relocation Budget That Works
The best way to handle all these moving parts (pun fully intended) is to create a solid, slightly padded budget. Start by getting a few quotes from movers or truck rental companies so you can compare real numbers, not just estimates from your best friend’s cousin’s neighbor who moved to Reno once.
Once you have an idea of what your move might cost, build a “moving fund” with a 10–15% buffer for the surprises, because you will run out of tape, or need one more night in a hotel, or end up ordering takeout three times in a row while you figure out your new oven.
Track everything! From the big stuff like movers to the small stuff like bubble wrap and coffee runs. And if spreadsheets make your brain hurt, don’t worry, there are so many budget tracker tools out there (come complete with color coding because, obviously).
Most importantly, work with a Realtor who knows how to juggle both sides of the move — selling one home and buying another — while coordinating closing dates, navigating new market norms, and helping you time everything just right. (That’s me, friend. Your relocation ride-or-die.)
Planning Now = Peace of Mind Later
Moving across state lines can feel like a big leap, but with a plan, it becomes totally doable and dare I say… fun? The key is knowing what to expect and having a friendly, organized partner to guide you through it.
So whether you’re heading to Las Vegas for palm trees and pool days or just looking for a fresh chapter, I’m here to make sure you arrive not only with your boxes, but with your budget intact and your peace of mind in place. Let’s make your big move the beginning of something beautiful.
Anytime between “now” and “right now” is a good time to take action on shaping your best life, and that includes where you live. Let’s get the ball rolling on your next steps.
(702) 374-6807. Or drop me a line here.
