Moving a one-bedroom apartment across the country sounds exciting—new city, new job, new life. But the price tag? Not so exciting.
The good news is you don’t have to choose between going broke and doing everything yourself. With smart planning and the right strategy, you can cut your moving costs big time while still protecting your furniture, boxes, and sanity.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the cheapest ways to move a one-bedroom apartment cross-country, compare popular options, and share practical money-saving tips. You can also compare all of these against a custom quote from My Fast Movers to see what really fits your budget.
Understand Your Moving Options (and What Really Costs What)
Before you start packing, you need to know your choices. For a one-bedroom apartment moving cross-country, these are the main options:
Full-Service Movers
They pack (if you want), load, transport, and unload everything. This is the most convenient—but usually not the cheapest option for a tight budget.
Moving Container Companies
The company drops off a portable container, you load it, they transport it to your new city, and you unload it. This is often a sweet spot between cost and convenience.
Rental Moving Truck
You rent a truck, load it, drive it across the country, and unload it yourself. This can be cheaper on paper, but add fuel, lodging, tolls, and your time, and it’s not always the lowest-cost option overall.
Freight Trailer or Partial Load
Some companies let you rent part of a truck or trailer and pay only for the space you use. This can be cost-effective for a one-bedroom apartment.
Hybrid / DIY + Help
You handle packing and maybe rent a truck or container, but hire pros just for loading and unloading through a company like My Fast Movers. This often keeps costs low while saving your back (and your friends).
To find the true cheapest way, you’ll want to compare at least two or three of these options using real quotes, not guesses.
Cheapest Moving Options for a One-Bedroom: Pros & Cons
Let’s break down which options are usually cheapest for a one-bedroom apartment moving cross-country—and what you give up or gain with each.
Rental Truck – Often the Lowest Upfront Price
For many people, a rental truck looks like the cheapest option because:
- You pay a base fee plus mileage.
- You control the schedule.
- You can pack the truck any way you like.
Pros: Low initial cost, flexible timing, good for people who don’t mind driving long distances.
Cons: You pay for fuel, insurance, tolls, food, and hotels on the road. You also handle all the driving and all the heavy lifting. Depending on fuel prices and distance, a container or hybrid option might actually be cheaper overall.
Moving Containers – Cheap + Convenient Middle Ground
Moving containers are one of the best cheap options for a one-bedroom cross-country move. You pack your belongings into the container, the company drives it to your new city, and you unpack there.
Pros:
- No long-distance truck driving for you.
- Often cheaper than full-service movers.
- Flexible timing—you can load over several days.
- Storage option if you’re not moving in right away.
Cons:
- You still do the packing and loading yourself (unless you hire help).
- Some companies add fees for longer storage or difficult access.
You can compare container pricing with a custom moving estimate from My Fast Movers to see which wins for your route.
Freight / “You Pack, They Drive”
Some freight companies let you load your belongings into a section of a large trailer. They move it across the country, and you unload it at your new place.
Pros: Often cheaper than full-service movers, great for long-distance moves, no driving for you.
Cons: You share trailer space, timing can be less flexible, and access may be trickier in tight neighborhoods.
Hybrid Approach – Often the Smartest Cheap Option
Many budget-conscious movers choose a hybrid solution: use a container or rental truck, but hire pros only for the hard parts:
- Loading heavy furniture and appliances.
- Protecting fragile items.
- Unloading at your new place.
With a company like My Fast Movers, you can request just the services you need and keep control of the rest to save money.
How to Cut Costs Before Moving Day (Declutter & Plan)
The cheapest way to move a one-bedroom apartment cross-country starts before moving day. The less you move, the less you pay—simple as that.
Declutter Aggressively
Walk through your apartment and ask yourself:
- Do I really need this in my new place?
- Is it cheaper to replace this than to move it?
Things to consider selling, donating, or recycling:
- Old or bulky furniture that’s not worth the cost to ship.
- Clothes you haven’t worn in a year.
- Duplicate kitchen items, decor, and small appliances.
- Books, old electronics, and random clutter.
The more you eliminate, the smaller truck or container you’ll need—and the cheaper your move becomes.
Sell, Donate, and Recycle
- Sell larger items on marketplaces to earn some cash.
- Donate usable items to local charities.
- Recycle broken or unusable things responsibly.
Think of this as getting paid to reduce your moving bill.
Measure Your Furniture and Space
Knowing how much space your furniture and boxes take up will help you:
- Choose the right container size.
- Decide between a small truck vs. medium truck.
- Avoid overpaying for unused space.
If you’re not sure, you can describe your inventory when requesting a quote from My Fast Movers and get guidance on what size makes sense.
Smart Packing & Timing Tips to Make Your Move Cheaper
Even after you pick the right moving method, how you pack and when you move can change the total cost.
Use Free or Cheap Packing Supplies
- Ask local grocery, liquor, or retail stores for free boxes.
- Use suitcases, backpacks, and storage bins you already own.
- Use towels, linens, and clothes as padding around fragile items.
You don’t have to buy every packing supply from a moving store. Just make sure boxes are sturdy enough for long-distance travel.
Pack Efficiently
- Fill boxes fully to avoid collapsing, but don’t make them too heavy.
- Heavy items (books, tools) go in small boxes.
- Light items (pillows, blankets, decor) can go in larger boxes.
- Label each box with the room and a few key items (e.g., “Kitchen – pans, utensils”).
Efficient packing means you need less space, which usually means a smaller and cheaper container or truck.
Choose Off-Peak Days and Seasons
Moving prices often go up when demand is high—like weekends, the end of the month, and summertime. To save money:
- Move on a weekday instead of Saturday or Sunday.
- Aim for mid-month rather than the 1st or 30th/31st.
- If possible, avoid peak summer months.
Companies like My Fast Movers can often offer better rates on off-peak days because their schedule isn’t fully booked.
Avoid Last-Minute Bookings
Booking late often means:
- Higher prices.
- Fewer options in truck or container sizes.
- Less flexible delivery and pickup times.
Try to book 3–4 weeks ahead for a cross-country move, especially if your dates aren’t flexible.
Compare Real Quotes: Containers vs Trucks vs Movers
The cheapest way to move a one-bedroom apartment cross-country is different for everyone. Your distance, route, timing, and how much you own all matter. That’s why comparing real quotes is essential.
What to Compare in Each Quote
When you request quotes from container companies, truck rentals, and movers (or from My Fast Movers), make sure you compare:
- Base price: The main transport cost.
- Fuel (for trucks): Estimated cost for your distance.
- Taxes and fees: Extra charges that might sneak in.
- Insurance/coverage: Protection for your belongings.
- Storage fees: If you need time between move-out and move-in.
- Labor costs: If you’re hiring help to load/unload.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
- Mileage overages (for rental trucks).
- Extra days with a container or truck.
- Parking or permit fees in busy areas.
- Elevator or long-carry fees in apartment buildings.
A “cheap” option that racks up add-on fees can end up more expensive than a slightly higher but all-inclusive quote from a professional company.
When a Hybrid Option Wins
For many one-bedroom cross-country moves, the best value comes from a hybrid approach:
- Use a container or budget-friendly transport option.
- Hire pros only for loading and unloading.
- Pack yourself with mostly free supplies.
This way, you don’t pay full-service prices, but you also don’t risk injury or damage by trying to move everything completely on your own. A provider like My Fast Movers can help build this kind of customized plan.
Final Tips: Build the Cheapest, Safest Plan for Your Cross-Country Move
Let’s pull everything together so you can move your one-bedroom apartment across the country for as little as possible—without cutting corners where it matters.
Step-by-Step Summary
- Declutter hard: Sell or donate bulky and non-essential items.
- List your inventory: Furniture, boxes, special items (TV, mattress, etc.).
- Get multiple quotes: From truck rentals, container companies, and at least one professional mover like My Fast Movers.
- Compare total cost: Include fuel, fees, insurance, and any storage.
- Pick off-peak dates: Mid-week, mid-month if possible.
- Use free or cheap packing supplies: Reuse boxes, fabrics, and bins.
- Consider a hybrid solution: DIY packing + pro loading/unloading.
When to Choose Each Option
- Rental truck: Best if you’re okay driving long distances, your route is straightforward, and fuel is affordable.
- Container: Best if you don’t want to drive a truck but still want to save compared to full-service movers.
- Freight/partial load: Best if your one-bedroom apartment is fully furnished and you’re going a very long distance.
- Hybrid with pros: Best if you want to protect your back, your time, and your belongings while still keeping costs low.
Ready to Plan Your Cross-Country Move?
The cheapest way to move a one-bedroom apartment cross-country is the one that balances price, effort, and safety for your situation. Instead of guessing, get real numbers, compare your options, and build a plan that works for you.
If you want help comparing costs or designing a budget-friendly hybrid move, you can start with a customized quote from My Fast Movers. With the right planning and smart choices, you can move cross-country without emptying your bank account.
