($1,522) Cost of Moving From California to Montana

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moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 278 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Montana will cost between $1,522 and $5,612. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to MT will range from $3,248 to $7,920, and a large move from California to Montana will cost from $5,544 to $10,655.

Moving containers from California to Montana will cost you $1,121 to $2,719 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,004 to $3,917. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,829 to $5,529. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $994 to $1,787. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,064 to $2,170, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from California to Montana costs from $1,365 to $2,838.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

There are many factors that influence California moving costs. The cost to move from California to Montana will depend on these factors:

• Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
• Time of year: The peak moving season in California is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
• DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

• Weather: Montana has a lot of variation in geography, topography, and elevation, and the climate is equally varied. The western half is mountainous, interrupted by numerous large valleys. Eastern Montana comprises plains and badlands, broken by hills and isolated mountain ranges, The Continental Divide has a considerable effect on the climate, as it restricts the flow of warmer air from the Pacific from moving east, and drier continental air from moving west. The area west of the divide has a modified northern Pacific Coast climate, with milder winters, cooler summers, less wind, and a longer growing season. Low clouds and fog often form in the valleys west of the divide in winter, but this is rarely seen in the east.
• HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
• Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
• Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
• State licensing: In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can verify a Montana moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
• Moving permits: Montana does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Montana. Get started here.
• Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. Opt for Released Value Protection, a no-cost option from movers with basic coverage. Movers assume liability for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable painting weighing 20 pounds, you would only receive $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for the full value of your items, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

While you’re in Montana, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

• Glacier National Park
• Yellowstone National Park
• Lewis & Clark Trail
• Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
• Museum of the Rockies
• Lake McDonald
• Montana Historical Society Museum
• Montana State Capitol
• The C.M. Russell Museum Complex
• Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
• The World Museum of Mining
• Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
• The Moss Mansion
• Big Sky Resort
• ZooMontana
• Conrad Mansion Museum
• Tizer Botanic Gardens & Arboretum
• Garden of One Thousand Buddhas
• Ringing Rocks
• American Computer & Robotics Museum
• Whitefish Mountain Resort
• Big Hole National Battlefield
• Western Heritage Centre
• Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa