7 Moving Methods Ranked by Cost:
Company-by-Company Breakdown
Updated 30 March 2026
Every cross-country moving method compared with specific company names, real pricing for a 2-bedroom apartment moving 2,000 miles, and guidance on when each method makes the most sense for your situation.
Sell Everything and Buy New ($500 - $2,000)
This method works best when your furniture is inexpensive (IKEA, thrift store, hand-me-down) or worn enough that you would replace it within a year or two anyway. The process: list everything on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist 3 to 4 weeks before your move date. Price items at 30% to 50% of what you paid. For a 2-bedroom apartment with $4,000 worth of furniture, expect to sell for $1,200 to $2,000 if you price competitively.
At the destination, furnish with a mix of IKEA (new bed frame $150 to $300, bookshelf $70, desk $100), Facebook Marketplace (used couch $100 to $300, dining table $50 to $150), and thrift stores. A couple can furnish a 2-bedroom apartment from scratch for $1,500 to $3,000 if they buy smart. Add $200 for a one-way flight and you are looking at $1,700 to $3,200 total, minus $1,200 to $2,000 from selling your old stuff.
Real example for 2BR, 2,000 miles: Sell furniture for $1,500. Fly to new city for $200. Buy replacement furniture for $2,200. Net cost: $900. Compare that to $3,000+ for a DIY truck rental.
Ship Boxes Only via UPS/USPS/FedEx ($800 - $2,000)
Best for studios and 1-bedrooms when combined with selling larger furniture. USPS Priority Mail large flat rate boxes hold up to 70 lbs for $23.50 each. UPS Ground charges $30 to $60 per 50-lb box over 2,000 miles. FedEx Home Delivery is similar to UPS pricing. USPS Media Mail ships books at $3 to $8 per box (extremely cheap, but limited to books, CDs, and educational materials).
Company Comparison: Shipping 25 Boxes (50 lbs each), 2,000 Miles
25 boxes x $23.50. Delivery in 1-3 days.
$35-$50/box. Delivery in 5-7 days.
$32-$48/box. Delivery in 5-7 days.
When it makes sense: You have fewer than 30 boxes, no large furniture to move, and you are flying to your new city. Pair with the sell-and-rebuy strategy for furniture. USPS flat rate boxes are the best deal for heavy items under 70 lbs.
Rent a Cargo Trailer ($1,000 - $2,500)
Requires a tow-capable vehicle (truck, large SUV, or sedan with a factory tow package). U-Haul is the main provider for one-way trailer rentals. Their 6x12 enclosed trailer (largest option) holds roughly 400 cubic feet, enough for a studio or small 1-bedroom.
U-Haul Trailer Options (2,000 miles, one-way)
~250 cu ft. Studio apartment.
~400 cu ft. Small 1BR apartment.
For towing a front-wheel-drive car.
Real example for 1BR, 2,000 miles: 6x12 trailer rental $550. Fuel (SUV at 15 MPG with trailer, down from 22): $560. Insurance $50. Supplies $100. Total: $1,260.
Rent a Moving Truck ($1,500 - $4,500)
The most popular DIY option for 2+ bedroom homes. Three major companies compete for your business, and prices vary significantly by route, date, and season. Always get quotes from all three.
Truck Rental Comparison: 26-ft Truck, 2,000 Miles, Off-Peak
| Company | Base Price | Mileage | Truck Quality | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | $1,500 - $2,800 | Included | Variable (mixed fleet ages) | Most drop-off locations nationwide |
| Penske | $1,800 - $3,200 | Unlimited on one-way | Good (newer fleet) | Best truck condition, roadside assist |
| Budget | $1,400 - $2,600 | Included | Good | Often cheapest base rate, AAA discount |
Real example for 2BR, 2,000 miles (Budget, off-peak): Truck rental $1,800. Fuel (2,000 mi / 8 MPG x $4.20/gal) $1,050. Insurance $150. Supplies $200. Hotels (2 nights) $250. Meals $200. Tolls $75. Total: $3,725.
Penske trucks are generally newer and better maintained but cost 15% to 25% more than Budget. U-Haul has the most locations (making one-way drops easiest) but truck condition varies widely. Budget often has the lowest advertised rate and accepts AAA and military discounts.
Moving Container / Pod ($2,500 - $5,500)
A container is delivered to your driveway. You pack it on your schedule. The company picks it up and drives it to your new address. You unpack on your schedule. Built-in storage if your dates do not align.
Container Company Comparison: 2BR, 2,000 Miles
Most well-known. 30 days free storage. Wide coverage.
10-20% cheaper than PODS. Sturdier containers.
Mid-range. Good customer service ratings.
Smaller cubes. Pay per cube. Good for smaller loads.
When it makes sense: You need flexibility in your timeline (pack over several days), you want built-in storage, or you do not want to drive a truck. The cost premium over truck rental ($1,000 to $2,000 more) buys you significant convenience and reduced stress.
Freight Trailer Sharing ($1,800 - $3,500)
ABF U-Pack is the dominant player. They deliver a 28-foot trailer. You load your belongings into one end, install a divider wall, and they fill the rest with commercial freight. You pay only for the linear feet you occupy, at $200 to $250 per foot depending on route.
ABF U-Pack Pricing: 2,000 Miles
Real example for 2BR, 2,000 miles: 10 linear feet at $230/ft = $2,300. Delivery in 5 to 8 business days. No fuel costs, no driving, no hotels. You only handle loading and unloading. The trade-off: less schedule predictability (3 to 10 day window) and your items share a trailer with commercial freight.
Full-Service Movers ($3,500 - $10,000+)
They handle everything: wrapping, packing, loading, driving, unloading, and even unpacking if you pay for the premium service. The most convenient and the most expensive option.
Major Full-Service Movers: 2BR, 2,000 Miles
One of the largest. Extensive network. Good tracking.
Largest US mover by volume. Strong reputation.
Competitive pricing. Part of SIRVA network.
Historic brand. Sister company to United.
Always get binding estimates (guaranteed price) rather than non-binding estimates. A non-binding estimate is a guess that can increase when the truck is loaded and they weigh the shipment. Verify the company is registered with the FMCSA by checking their USDOT number at protectyourmove.gov. Check reviews on the BBB, Google, and Yelp. Be wary of any company that requires a large deposit, gives a quote over the phone without seeing your home, or has a generic website with no physical address.
When it makes sense: Your employer reimburses moving expenses (making the cost irrelevant). You have high-value items that need professional handling. You have physical limitations. You have a large home (4+ bedrooms) where DIY is impractical. Your time is worth more than $65/hour.
Quick Reference: All Methods at a Glance
| Method | 2BR Cost (2,000 mi) | You Drive? | You Pack? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sell and rebuy | $500 - $2,000 | No | No | Minimalists, cheap furniture |
| Ship boxes | $800 - $2,000 | No | Yes | Studios, flying to destination |
| Cargo trailer | $1,000 - $2,500 | Yes | Yes | 1BR with tow vehicle |
| Truck rental | $1,500 - $4,500 | Yes | Yes | Budget 2BR+ moves |
| Freight trailer | $1,800 - $3,500 | No | Yes | Partial loads, no driving |
| Container/pod | $2,500 - $5,500 | No | Yes | Flexible timeline, storage |
| Full-service | $3,500 - $10,000+ | No | No | Large homes, employer-paid |