The cheapest way to ship a one-bedroom apartment cross-country is by renting a moving truck or using a moving container. Freight and small-load movers can also offer affordable options if you need extra help. We’ll explain each method, what they cost, and how to choose the best fit for your move.
Key Takeaways
- Successful small moves start by creating an inventory of your belongings, downsizing, choosing a shipping method, getting quotes, and preparing your possessions to ship.
- For one-bedroom cross-country moves, rental trucks, freight/LTL (less-than-truckload) shipments, and moving containers tend to be the most cost-effective options.
- Small-load movers, DIY hybrid, and full-service movers are good options when you don’t feel comfortable driving cross-country or need help with heavier items.
- Save money by booking early, getting multiple quotes, moving during the off-season, and DIYing as much as possible. For small moves, leaving bulky furniture behind may also save money.
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Every review is fact-checked by our editorial team to make sure our information is accurate, relevant, and up to date for your move.
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How To Ship a One-Bedroom Cross-Country
A well-thought-out moving checklist will go a long way toward helping your move go smoothly.
Begin planning your move at least eight weeks in advance with these steps:
Step 1: Take Inventory
Knowing exactly what you’re bringing helps determine the right size truck, moving container, or freight space. That way, you don’t end up paying for more room than you need, or realizing too late that you ran out of space. It also gives you a realistic idea of how many boxes and packing materials to buy.
Create a detailed list or spreadsheet that breaks items down by room. This list will also come in handy when requesting quotes from moving companies.
Step 2: Declutter & Downsize
Once you’ve taken inventory, the next step is decluttering. Go through your belongings and separate what to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. The fewer things you take with you, the smaller your move—and the lower your costs. Downsizing can save up to 30% on total moving expenses by reducing packing time, space needs, and labor.
Pay extra attention to bulky or replaceable items like old furniture or cheap appliances. Sometimes it costs less to buy replacements at your new home than to ship heavy, worn-out pieces across the country.
Step 3: Choose a Shipping Method
- Truck rental: Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, at around $1,000–$3,000. You’ll pack, load, and drive the truck yourself. We recommend Budget Truck Rental for affordability and ease of booking.
- Moving container: You load your belongings and the company handles transport. Costs average $1,500–$4,000. PODS is our pick for the best moving container company due to flexible scheduling and reliable service.
- DIY hybrid: Hire labor-only movers to load and unload your truck or container. Combined costs range from $1,500–$4,500. We recommend using Hire A Helper alongside Budget Truck Rental or PODS.
- Freight/LTL: Load your belongings into a freight trailer and only pay for the space you use, and you’ll pay about $1,200–$3,500. Transit Systems, Inc. is our top freight mover pick.
- Small-load movers: These companies offer full-service support for small moves, and cost range between $1,000 and $3,000. MiniMoves is known for quality service and nationwide coverage.
- Full-service movers: Full-service movers handle packing (with an additional fee), loading, transport, and unpacking, for $4,000–$7,000. Colonial Van Lines is our top recommendation for long-distance moves.
Colonial Van Lines
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Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Step 4: Get Quotes & Compare
Get at least three quotes from reputable companies so you can compare pricing and services. Be sure to request written estimates and review what’s included. Some movers charge by total weight, while others use cubic or linear footage. Ask about potential add-on fees for things like stairs, long carries, or packing supplies.
When comparing quotes, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. The best comparison is between companies offering the same type of move.
Step 5: Get Your Items Ready
- Gather boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and markers for labeling
- Start packing four to six weeks before moving day
- Pack non-essentials, like books and decor, first
- Use smaller boxes for heavy items and cushion fragile ones with linens
- Disassemble furniture and label all parts in bags
Step 6: Manage Your Move-Out Process
Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need. If you’re renting a truck, start early and ask friends or family to help with loading. For professional movers, stay onsite to answer questions and provide directions. Keeping water, snacks, and cleaning supplies handy can help you stay comfortable and productive.
Pack a dedicated “essentials” bag with everything you’ll need immediately, like toiletries, medications, chargers, and important documents, and keep it with you rather than in the moving truck. Before leaving, do a final walkthrough to make sure all lights are off, doors and windows are locked, and nothing was left behind in closets or cabinets.
Step 7: Track & Receive Your Items
Once your belongings are on the road, keep in touch with your moving company for updates. Most reputable movers provide GPS tracking, online portals, or text and email notifications so you know where your shipment is at all times. Delivery times can vary from seven to 21 days.
Plan to be present when your belongings arrive to direct the movers and verify that all items were delivered safely. Check for any visible damage and document issues right away in case you need to file an insurance claim. Having a copy of your inventory list on hand will make it easier to confirm that everything made it to your new home.
Compare One-Bedroom Shipping Options
| Shipping Method | Best For | Top Benefit | Potential Downside | Est. Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rental moving truck | Full DIY moves | Cheapest moving option | You do everything yourself | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Moving container | You can load but don’t want to drive | No cross-country driving | Some containers may not fit furniture | $1,500–$4,000 |
| DIY hybrid* | Getting labor help | Cheaper than full-service movers | Still responsible for transportation | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Small-load mover | Full-service support for small moves | Cheaper than standard movers | Not ideal for large loads | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Freight/LTL | Flexible moving options | Only pay for the space you use | Requires precise packing | $1,200–$3,500 |
| Full-service mover | Start-to-finish support | Saves time and energy | Most expensive option | $4,000–$7,000 |
*Refers to paying for labor-only movers in combination with a truck rental or container
How To Save on Cross-Country Moves
- Declutter early: The fewer items you move, the less you’ll pay for packing and transport
- Leave bulky furniture: It’s often cheaper to replace large items than to ship them long-distance
- Book early: Scheduling six to eight weeks ahead can lock in lower rates and guarantee availability
- Get multiple quotes: Compare at least three reputable movers
- Move during the off-season: Moves between October and April are typically much cheaper than summer moves
- Find free boxes: Use Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, or retail stores for free moving supplies
- DIY what you can: Save hundreds in labor costs
When To Consider Small-Load Movers
- You don’t want to drive a moving truck cross-country
- Your move is too small for standard full-service movers
- You need help moving heavy or bulky furniture
- You want extra care for fragile or high-value items
- You prefer start-to-finish service at a lower cost
Tips for a Stress-Free Move
- Make a moving timeline. Break your move into smaller tasks like packing, scheduling movers, and updating your address so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
- Start early. Begin preparing at least six weeks ahead to give yourself time to declutter, pack, and handle last-minute details without rushing.
- Pack room by room. Focus on one space at a time to stay organized and make unpacking easier later.
- Label clearly. Write the contents and destination room on each box. Use color-coded tape or markers to quickly identify where things belong.
- Keep important documents separate. Store passports, financial paperwork, and lease agreements in a folder you keep with you, not in a moving box.
- Set up utilities in advance. Schedule electricity, internet, and water to be turned on at your new home before move-in day.
- Plan your first night. Pack a small overnight kit with clothes, toiletries, and essentials so you can settle in comfortably after a long day.
FAQ
What’s the cheapest way to ship a one-bedroom cross-country?
The cheapest way to move a one-bedroom cross-country is to load your belongings into your own vehicle or rent a small moving truck. Doing the packing, loading, and driving yourself saves the most money. If your car can’t fit everything, consider a freight or moving container company as the next most affordable options.
While these methods require more effort, they give you complete control over your schedule and costs. Be sure to compare quotes and factor in fuel, tolls, and travel costs before choosing your method.
How much does shipping furniture from a one-bedroom cost?
Furniture shipping costs vary depending on distance, size, and the service you use. A one-bedroom move typically costs between $1,000 and $3,500 for DIY or small-load options and up to $7,000 with a full-service mover.
To get an accurate quote, provide a full inventory of furniture pieces and their sizes. Movers often charge by weight or cubic feet, so this information helps you avoid underestimates or extra fees later.
How long does it take to ship a one-bedroom cross-country?
Transit times depend on the moving method and distance. Rental trucks and moving containers typically take seven to 10 days, while full-service or freight moves can take up to three weeks depending on route and scheduling.
Some movers also offer expedited delivery options for an additional fee.
What size truck do I need for a one-bedroom move?
A 10- to 12-foot truck is usually large enough for a one-bedroom apartment. However, if you have bulky furniture or extra storage, you may need a 15-foot truck.
Most moving truck rental websites include size guides based on household size.
What’s the safest way to ship fragile items across the country?
Individually wrap fragile items with bubble wrap or foam, and fill box gaps with towels or packing paper to prevent shifting. Label boxes as fragile and keep them upright during loading.
For especially delicate items like artwork or glass tables, consider professional packing or crating through your moving company. Some movers even offer climate-controlled shipping options for valuables.
Can I share a truck or trailer to lower my costs?
Yes. Freight or LTL (less-than-truckload) shipping lets you only pay for the trailer space you use. Your belongings share space with shipments from other customers, which can significantly cut costs.
This option works best if your schedule is flexible, since shared loads may take longer to arrive.
