What to Expect When You Move In-State vs State to State

03 Dec What to Expect When You Move In-State vs State to State

Are you moving within your current state, or will your upcoming move take you over state lines?

As you get ready for your next move, it’s important to know the difference between interstate and intrastate moves, and the different regulations and pricing that go along with each. Where you move and how far away it is are both important factors when deciding on a moving company and preparing your budget. Being clear on the regulations also clarifies whether state or federal agencies have jurisdiction over your move. 

Preparing yourself for these factors before your big day will save you from hassles and surprises on your final bill, and ensure your moving company is correctly registered and licensed. 

Whether you’re moving down the street or across the country, picking up your life and relocating somewhere new is always a major undertaking. While any move requires planning and effort, moving out of state adds a whole new level of considerations, logistics, and expenses.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the key differences between in-state and out-of-state moves. We’ll cover the costs, timeline, logistics, and other factors to weigh when deciding whether to stay local or go the long-distance route for your next move.

Get ready to find out what to expect when moving from state to state compared to an intrastate move. Let’s dive in!

What is the difference between an interstate and intrastate or state to state move?

An intrastate move occurs within the borders of one state. For instance, if you are moving from Miami to Orlando, this is within the same state, and is therefore an intrastate move.

An interstate move occurs when you move from one state to another state. For instance, if you moved from Chicago, Illinois to San Diego, California, this requires you to move across state lines.  

State to State Moves: What To Expect When Moving to Another State

Happy family moving state to state.

Now let’s talk about the extra factors involved when moving from state to state and relocating out-of-state.

Costs of an Out-of-State Move

You can expect to spend significantly more on an interstate move compared to an in-state relocation. Average costs include:

• • Long distance movers: $2000-$5000+ for a professional long distance moving company.
  • Truck rental: $2000+ for a large truck rental for a cross country move.
  • Flights/hotels: If flying, budget $500-$1000 for airfare, rental cars, and hotels.
  • Shipping vehicles: $500+ for a car transport service if you have more than one vehicle.
  • Supplies: $300+ for all the boxes, tape, padding, etc. needed for a full house.
  • Storage: Potentially $200+ per month if you need long term storage.
  • New housing: First month’s rent and deposits will be higher in more expensive areas.
  • Insurance: Full replacement value insurance runs $100-$300.
  • Utilities: Any connection fees or deposits to set up electricity, internet, etc.

Altogether, expect to spend $5000-$20,000+ on the actual process of an out-of-state move, varying based on distance and amount of belongings.

Logistics and Timeline of an Out-of-State Move

Moving out of state takes significantly more advanced planning, coordination, and effort. Here are some key logistics:

• • Limited trips: It’s not feasible to go back and forth multiple times – everything has to be moved in one cross country trip.
  • Scheduling: Give movers or truck rentals as much notice as possible since availability is limited.
  • Help: Getting friends/family to assist will be much harder if they have to travel. You’ll likely need to hire professionals.
  • Moving pets: You may need to use a pet relocation service or board pets during the move.
  • Kids: Kids will be switching schools and districts – more for them to process.

Here is a typical timeline for long distance interstate moves:

• • 3 months before: Give notice at your home and make new housing arrangements.
  • 2 months before: Reserve movers/truck, obtain moving insurance.
  • 1 month before: Begin extensive packing, arrange childcare or pet transport if needed.
  • 2 weeks before: Ship vehicles, cancel old utilities, have new ones set up.
  • Moving week: Do final packing and loading.
  • Moving days: Could take 2-5+ days just for the travel depending on distance. Unload upon arrival.
  • After move: A longer transition period. Update license within 30 days. Give yourself time to fully settle in.

Other Out-of-State Moving Considerations

Beyond the major differences in costs and logistics, there are additional factors to weigh with interstate relocations:

• • Researching new locations: You’ll be moving somewhere totally new and unfamiliar. Extensive research is a must.
  • Lifestyle changes: Potential culture shock, building entirely new social circles and routines.
  • Job considerations: Will you find new work? Does your employer allow remote work?
  • Out-of-state laws: Be aware of differences in state tax laws, insurance regulations, landlord policies, etc.
  • Maintaining connections: Staying in touch with important ties who remain in your original state. Video calls are your friend.

Overall, moving out of state requires much more forethought, budget, and general life adjustment. While in-state moves are fairly straightforward logistically, moving to an entirely new region brings unavoidable changes.

In-State Moves: What To Expect When Moving Within The Same State

Moving to a new city!

Moving within the same state certainly comes with its own challenges, but it’s generally less complex than moving out of state. Here’s an overview of what to expect with an in-state move:

Costs of an In-State Move

The main costs associated with in-state moves include:

• • Moving company fees: Hiring professional movers for a local or short intrastate move will run you $300-$1000 on average.
  • Truck rentals: Renting a truck yourself and moving DIY style can certainly save money compared to pro movers. Budget $50-$150 for a local truck rental.
  • Supplies: Tape, boxes, padding, mattress bags, etc. Plan on spending at least $100-$200 on supplies.
  • Storage fees: If you need temporary storage, add $50-$150 per month depending on unit size.
  • New housing deposits/fees: First month’s rent, security deposits, pet deposits, etc. Budget a few thousand dollars.
  • Utility setups: Any deposits or setup fees to get electricity, internet, etc. turned on – usually $50-$200 per utility.

All in, you can expect to spend $1000-$5000+ on the move itself, plus deposits and first month’s costs for your new housing.

Logistics and Timeline of an In-State Move

For in-state relocations, you have more flexibility and less distance to cover, making logistics like these easier:

• • Multiple trips: It’s feasible to go back and forth to move things in multiple smaller loads.
  • Scheduling: You can likely find movers or truck rentals available on short notice and be more flexible with dates.
  • Help: Getting friends or family to assist with packing or driving is much easier when they don’t have to travel from out of state.
  • Moving pets: Your pets can travel with you or stay with a local friend/family member during the move.
  • Kids: No need to worry about kids switching schools – they stay in the same district.

Timeline For In-State Moves

• • 2 months before: Give notice to your landlord, start packing non-essentials.
  • 1 month before: Schedule movers/truck rental, pack in earnest.
  • 2 weeks before: Start slowly moving smaller items yourself, change address with post office.
  • Moving week: Cancel old utilities, have new ones turned on. Do final packing.
  • Moving day: The big event! Direct movers, transport items.
  • After move: Unpack and settle in. Update your license within 30 days.

Other In-State Moving Considerations

Aside from the basic logistics, there are a few other things to keep in mind with an intrastate move:

• • You’ll need to update your address everywhere – banks, bills, subscriptions, etc.
  • Review your new neighborhood – is parking readily available? Noise levels?
  • Be aware of any state-specific landlord/tenant laws.
  • Forward your mail with USPS temporary forwarding.
  • Intrastate moves are fairly straightforward overall – you stay within the same general region. The key is organizing, packing efficiently, and staying on top of address changes.

Key Differences: In-State vs. Out-of-State Moves

Moving couple

Let’s do a quick recap of the major differences highlighted so far:

Cost Differences

• In-state moves cost $1000-$5000 on average all-in.
• Out-of-state moves average $5000-$20,000+, around 3-4x more.

Logistics Differences

• For in-state moves, multiple trips are possible, scheduling is flexible, and help is easier to find.
• Out-of-state moves require extensive coordination for single trip transport, reserved movers, and finding help is harder.

Timeline Differences

• In-state timelines can be as short as 2 weeks to 1 month.
• Out-of-state moves require 2-3 months minimum for preparations.

Lifestyle Differences

• In-state moves mean minimal disruption – you remain in the same region.
• Out-of-state relocation brings major changes – new culture, job, connections, laws, etc.

Bottom line – all moves require effort, but out-of-state moves involve way more logistical challenges and life adjustments.

How To Decide: Should You Move In-State or Out-of-State?

If you’re debating whether to relocate locally or go for the big interstate move, here are some factors to consider:

In-State Move Pros

• Familiarity – You already know the area well and have established connections.
• Lower costs – Intrastate moves are 3-4x cheaper than going long distance.
• Closer proximity – Easy to visit friends/family in same region whenever.
• No culture shock – You remain in the same overall environment.

Out-of-State Move Pros

• New experiences – Discover somewhere totally new and outside your comfort zone.
• More opportunities – Expand your options by moving to a larger job and housing market.
• Scenery change – Enjoy new sites, landscapes, weather patterns, etc.
• Achieving goals – If better aligns with lifestyle, career or financial goals.

Additional Tips for Deciding on Relocation

Here are a few more tips to help decide whether to go in-state or out:

• Consider job prospects in your current state vs. other states that appeal to you. See where the best opportunities lie.
• Research the cost of living using a cost of living calculator. Make sure you can afford the areas you’re interested in.
• Think about your ideal climate, landscape, and amenities. Don’t just go where the jobs are – make sure the location fits your lifestyle vision.
• Weigh how important being close to friends, family, and your current community ties are. Will you miss seeing them regularly?
• If possible, take an extended trip or “test run” visit to experience new locations firsthand before fully committing.

Get clear on your priorities in terms of career, finances, lifestyle, connections, and more. That will make your in-state vs out-of-state decision much easier.

Cost and regulation differences between interstate and intrastate moves

Now that you know the difference between an interstate and intrastate move, it’s time to understand their differing costs and regulation.

Intrastate moves –Intrastate moves are state-regulated. Intrastate movers are usually paid according to an hourly rate that has been filed with the state regulatory body, or by weight and miles.

The manpower and time it will take to move your items from your old home to your new one will determine the overall cost of an intrastate move. That usually means that the larger your home and number of possessions, the larger the moving crew you’ll need, and the more expensive the move will be. An intrastate move is typically solely handled by one company. 

Interstate moves – Unlike state-regulated intrastate moves, interstate moves are federally-regulated and operate using tariffs. These tariffs provide the terms and conditions of your contract with the moving company, as well as the schedule of rates and charges that your movers use to determine your final cost.

The total weight of all items and the distance travelled are also factored into your final invoice. National moving companies usually handle interstate moves. 

Legal considerations before your moving day
Before you put down a deposit or commit to a moving company for your interstate move, you need to assess the following:

• Check their paperwork – When moving interstate, ensure that your mover has a USDOT number and is registered with the FMCSA. They must also have the correct level of insurance to carry out your move. If they do not, they’re breaking the law, and you need to find a different company to work with as soon as possible.
• USDOT number – A USDOT number is required of all companies that move cargo over state lines. It also serves as a unique identifier when analysing a company’s safety information, which is collected through audits, compliance reviews, inspections, and crash investigations. 
• FMCSA – This acronym stands for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which works to prevent commercial motor vehicle accidents and fatalities. The FMCSA requires that all interstate drivers be registered with them. 

Whether you’re moving within one state or making the big move from state to state, now you know some of the legal considerations it pays to think about. This will help you identify the right mover, how moving costs are determined, regulations, and legalities.

Always double-check with your moving company that they have the proper registration and paperwork for your intrastate or interstate move. If they don’t – it’s time to find a different company.