8 Best Ways to Move Boxes Across the Country

The 8 Best Ways to Move Boxes Across the Country (From DIY Shipping to Full-Service Movers)

Planning a long-distance move involves a major decision: how will you get your belongings from point A to point B? The process can feel like a complicated puzzle, balancing cost, effort, and security. This guide is your methodical plan to solve that puzzle. We will break down the eight primary ways to ship boxes across the country, from the cheapest DIY shipping methods to the complete convenience of full-service moving companies.

Finding the right moving solution is about matching the service to your budget, timeline, and how much work you want to do yourself. Whether you plan to ship a few boxes or move an entire household, this comprehensive comparison will help you understand your options, avoid costly mistakes, and connect with the right services to get a precise, no-obligation quote.

Understanding the Key Factors That Determine Moving & Shipping Costs

Before comparing specific services, it’s crucial to understand what drives the price of a long-distance move. The final cost isn't arbitrary; it’s calculated based on a few core metrics. Being aware of these will help you pack smarter and get more accurate quotes from any provider.

Here are the primary factors that influence your bill:

• Weight & Volume: For professional movers and freight, the total weight of your shipment is a primary cost driver. For container services and rental trucks, the volume—or how much space your items take up—is more critical.
• Distance (Shipping Zone): The farther your belongings have to travel, the more it will cost in labor, time, and fuel. A move from Los Angeles to New York City will be significantly more expensive than a move from Los Angeles to Phoenix.
• Labor & Services: This is the biggest difference between DIY shipping and hiring professional movers. Do you want to do the packing, loading, and unloading yourself? Services like packing, unpacking, and furniture assembly are convenient but will add to the total cost.
• Speed & Timing: Urgency costs money. A dedicated truck from a full-service mover will be faster than a consolidated freight shipment. Moving during the peak season (summer months, weekends) is also more expensive than moving during the off-season.
• Insurance and Valuation Coverage: All licensed movers provide basic liability coverage, but it's minimal (e.g., $0.60 per pound per item). For true peace of mind, you’ll want to purchase Full Value Protection, which ensures items will be repaired or replaced if damaged.

The Spectrum of Moving: From DIY Shipping to Professional Movers

Let's dive into the specific methods available for moving boxes and furniture to another state. We’ll start with the most hands-on, budget-friendly options and move toward the most convenient, full-service solutions.

1. USPS (United States Postal Service)

For a very small move consisting only of boxes, USPS is an accessible and affordable starting point. It’s best suited for shipping a handful of items rather than an entire household.

• USPS Retail Ground: This is the postal service's slowest but most economical option for packages up to 70 lbs. It's ideal for non-urgent items.
• USPS Media Mail: An incredibly cheap but highly restricted service for shipping educational materials like books and printed music. Packages are subject to inspection.

Best For: Students moving out of a dorm, or shipping a few boxes of personal items or books.

2. Parcel Shipping: UPS vs. FedEx

When you have several medium-to-large boxes, private carriers like UPS and FedEx offer a step up in tracking and service. Their ground services are competitive for moving a "room's worth" of boxes.

Quick Tip: The key to saving money with UPS and FedEx is to open an account online and print your own shipping labels. The discounts are significant compared to the full retail price at a storefront.

Best For: Moving the contents of a single room, or shipping 5-15 boxes that are too heavy for USPS.

3. Consolidated Freight (LTL Shipping)

When your shipment is too large for parcel services but you don't need a full moving truck, consolidated freight is the solution. Known as Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), this service lets you share space on a large semi-truck, and you only pay for the space your items use. This is a common way to ship a few pieces of furniture and boxes. You'll typically need to stack your items on a pallet and wrap them for transport.

Best For: Shipping a few pieces of furniture plus boxes; moves where the total weight is over 500 lbs but not enough for a dedicated moving truck.

4. Moving Containers (e.g., PODS, U-Haul U-Box)

Moving containers offer a hybrid approach, blending DIY packing with professional transport. This is a highly popular option for moving a studio or small apartment without having to drive a truck. The process is simple: a container is delivered, you load it, the company ships it, and you unload it at your new home.

The main competitors are PODS (sturdy, steel-framed containers) and U-Haul U-Box (cheaper, plywood containers).

Best For: Moving a studio or 1-2 bedroom apartment; those who want storage flexibility and to avoid driving a rental truck.

5. Rental Trucks (e.g., U-Haul, Penske)

The classic DIY move gives you complete control over your timeline. While the daily rental fee seems low, you must calculate the true cost: the truck, fuel (a 15-ft truck gets ~10 MPG), insurance, lodging, food, and your time.

Best For: Those on the tightest budget who can supply their own labor for packing and heavy lifting.

6. Bus Freight (Greyhound Package Express)

A lesser-known but surprisingly cheap option for shipping individual boxes. Greyhound uses the empty luggage space on its passenger buses to transport packages. You drop off and pick up at the station, but the cost for medium-to-heavy boxes can beat traditional carriers.

Best For: Budget-conscious moves of 1-5 boxes where sender and receiver live near participating Greyhound stations.

7. Amtrak Express Shipping

Similar to bus freight, Amtrak offers station-to-station shipping using its passenger rail network. It's another excellent, cost-effective alternative for moving a few boxes long-distance, with a generous total weight allowance (up to 500 lbs).

Best For: Multi-box shipments where both cities are on a major Amtrak line with freight service.

8. Hiring Full-Service Movers

This is the most hands-off, stress-free way to move across the country. A professional, full-service moving company handles every single aspect of your relocation. Their goal is to provide a seamless door-to-door experience, freeing you to focus on your travel and settling into your new home.

What's Included in a Full-Service Move?

• Packing and Unpacking: Trained professionals carefully pack all your belongings, from dishes to clothes, using high-quality materials. They can also unpack everything at your destination.
• Furniture Disassembly/Reassembly: They will take apart beds, tables, and other large items and reassemble them in your new home.
• Loading and Unloading: A professional crew handles all the heavy lifting, loading the truck securely and efficiently to prevent shifting and damage during transit.
• Transportation: Your belongings are transported by professional drivers in a dedicated moving truck.
• Valuation Coverage: You get access to comprehensive insurance options (Full Value Protection) for your peace of mind.

Reputable national brands include Allied Van Lines, North American Van Lines, Mayflower Transit, and United Van Lines. The best way to find a reliable mover is to compare quotes from several pre-vetted companies.

Best For: Anyone who values time and convenience over pure cost savings; families with children; corporate relocations; people moving large homes (3+ bedrooms).

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Long Distance

Choosing the right method is only the first step. To ensure a smooth process, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Using Weak Boxes: For a cross-country trip, always invest in new, double-walled moving boxes. The small cost is worth preventing crushed belongings.
• Not Getting In-Home or Video Estimates: For a full-service move, insist on an in-home or detailed video estimate. A quote given over the phone without seeing your items is likely to be inaccurate. This results in surprise charges on moving day.
• Ignoring the All-In Cost: When comparing a rental truck to a moving container, factor in fuel, insurance, and lodging. When comparing movers, ensure the quote is "binding" or "binding-not-to-exceed."
• Under-Insuring Your Valuables: The default liability coverage is not enough. Always opt for Full Value Protection when using movers and purchase adequate insurance for any other shipping method.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Balance of Cost and Convenience

The best way to move boxes and furniture across the country is the one that fits your budget, timeline, and tolerance for physical work. From the pure DIY effort of a rental truck to the complete convenience of a full-service moving company, there is a solution for every need.

For some, the savings from packing boxes and using a container service is worth the effort. For others, the time saved and stress eliminated by hiring professional movers is an investment in a smooth transition to a new home. By understanding the full spectrum of options, you can make an informed choice.

The first step to a confident move is getting clear, accurate pricing. If you’re considering a hands-free move, take the next step.

Ready to see how affordable a stress-free move can be? Get free, no-obligation quotes from our network of pre-vetted, long-distance moving companies today and compare your options with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much do full-service cross-country movers cost?

The cost of a full-service move varies widely based on the size of your home (weight of belongings) and the distance. A 1-bedroom apartment move might cost $2,000-$4,000, while a 3-bedroom house could range from $6,000 to $12,000 or more. The only way to know for sure is to get a formal estimate.

Is hiring movers worth the money?

It depends on your priorities. If you value your time and want to avoid the physical strain and stress of moving, then yes, professional movers are absolutely worth the cost. They provide expertise, efficiency, and insurance that DIY options can't match.

How do I find a reputable moving company?

Look for movers with a long history in the business, positive online reviews, and a valid USDOT number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Always get at least three in-home estimates before making a decision. Using a trusted comparison service can connect you directly with pre-vetted carriers.

What is the cheapest option for moving to a 3-bedroom house?

For a large move like a 3-bedroom house, the two most cost-effective options are typically a DIY rental truck or using multiple moving containers. However, both require you to do all of the packing and loading yourself. A full-service mover will cost more, but the value in saved time and labor can often justify the price difference.