Long-distance moves force the question that local moves let you avoid: is this worth moving 1,200 miles? For most households, the honest answer about a meaningful portion of their belongings is no. Here's how to think through the decision systematically.
At roughly $2.50–3.50 per cubic foot for a long-distance move, a large piece of furniture that would cost $150–200 in moving costs should be evaluated against what it would cost to replace at the destination. A $300 couch that's five years old, costs $200 to move, and needs replacing in another year is a candidate for sale before the move and replacement after.
Large furniture pieces that won't fit your new space (or you're not sure will fit). Items you've been meaning to replace. Bulky items that cost more to move than to replace. List on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp 3–4 weeks before your move. Price aggressively — a piece that doesn't sell before moving day goes to donation or disposal regardless.
Items that have value but won't sell quickly: clothing, books, kitchen items, small electronics, household goods in good condition. Schedule a Salvation Army or Habitat for Humanity pickup about a week before your move — they'll take large quantities of household goods directly. This is more efficient than multiple donation drop-offs.
Storage makes sense when you're genuinely uncertain about your new space, when you have items of sentimental or financial value that you're not ready to part with, or when you need a gap solution between leaving your current home and your new home being ready. AEY Moving offers storage between pickup and delivery for exactly this situation.
Where storage doesn't make sense: paying ongoing storage fees for items you're 80% sure you'll never use again. A $100/month storage unit is $1,200 per year. If the items inside wouldn't sell for that much, you're essentially paying to defer a decision.
Instant estimate. No phone call required. Licensed carrier, binding quote on every move.
