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Use our free moving cost calculator above to figure out how much your move will cost. Plus, find helpful tips to save on your next move.

Key takeaways

  • Your moving costs will depend on the type of mover you choose. Full-service moves with the best moving companies mean less work for you, but you’ll pay significantly more than you would for a more DIY option like using moving containers or renting a truck.
  • The average cost to hire full-service movers for a three-bedroom home is $2,100 locally and $5,500 long-distance
  • Costs for moving containers range from $1,200 for a small local move to more than $7,500 if you have a lot of stuff to move long-distance. 
  • Rental moving trucks will run anywhere from $20 to $100 per day, with an average daily cost of $60.
  • In addition to the type of mover you choose, factors that affect your moving costs include how far you’re moving, the amount of belongings you have, and any additional services — like insurance or packing and unpacking – you opt to purchase.

How much do movers cost?

Moving costs can vary widely depending on the type of mover you choose, the size of your home, and the distance of your move.

Full-service moving companies like Mayzlin Relocation and Safeway Moving handle most aspects of the moving process for you — from loading and driving the truck to delivering your items and unloading your furniture and boxes in your new home.

Here is a breakdown of average costs by move type and distance.

Type of mover ≤50 miles 250 miles 1,000 miles 2,500 miles
Full-service $300–$2,240 $1,050–$5,200 $1,700–$8,900 $2,200–$12,700
Moving containers $225–$650 $760–$1,970 $2,110–$4,110 $3,060–$4,960
Truck rental $130–$190 $710–$1,750 $1,780–$2,410 $2,450–$3,500
*Moving company price ranges are rough estimates based on historical pricing. Pricing and availability are affected by seasonal and economic conditions that these estimates may not reflect. The actual cost of your move will vary. The best way to get accurate pricing is to request a free quote from a professional moving company.
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Cost of Local Moves

Movers cost from $25 to $100 per hour for local moves, depending on the number of movers needed for the job. So, if you’re hiring a two-person team for a four-hour move, you can expect to pay $200 to $800, but the final cost will depend on factors such as distance, size of your belongings, and any additional services you require. A studio or small one-bedroom apartment typically requires 2 workers. And it takes 2-4 hours to complete, with an estimated cost of $455 to $1,370. A larger 2-3 bedroom home may take 6-10 hours, require 3-5 workers, and cost $799 to $3,000 for the move.

Local Moving Company Pricing (Updated 2024)
Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $340 $120 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $460 $120 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $725 $170 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $1,625 $235 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $1,860 $235 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $2,850 $330 5 movers 10 hours
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Cost of Long Distance Moves

Long distance moving companies charge by the amount of household goods you’re moving and the distance traveled. The approximate cost of moving a house long distance can range from $1,000 up to $14,000+ depending on the size and distance of the move. The best long distance moving companies will give you a free estimate over the phone or through a virtual or in-home walkthrough. A small one-bedroom apartment will typically weigh around 2,000 pounds. The cost to move will range anywhere from $1,050 for a few hundred miles to $3,500+ for a cross-country move. A 2-3 bedroom, 2,000 square foot home will typically weigh 5,000 pounds with approximate costs ranging from $1,800 to $9,000+ depending on the distance. For example, the cost of moving a 2 bedroom from New York to Florida using a professional moving company will typically range from $3,457 to $10,501 for the 1,200 mile move. The cost of moving a 2 bedroom from New York to California using long distance moving companies will typically range $4,400 to $13,220 for the 2,900 mile move. Other fees like shuttle trucks, specialty packing, crating fragile items, bulky items (pool table), and more can add significant amounts to a moving quote. Moving in or out of less populated areas like Montana or the Dakotas will typically cost more since fewer movers travel to these areas. Popular moving routes will be more competitively priced. Don’t hire random companies off Craigslist or Reddit. Check out our list of the best interstate moving companies to get quotes from different moving services. Note: Our free moving cost calculator at the top of this page works great for estimating the cost of long distance moves.

Average cost of movers by state

State Local move* ~50 miles Interstate move ~500 miles
Alabama $1,140 $4,100
Arizona $660 $3,970
Arkansas $650 $4,050
California $995 $3,950
Colorado $980 $4,030
Connecticut $1,090 $3,680
Delaware $1,220 $3,810
Florida $960 $3,500
Georgia $870 $4,030
Idaho $860 $4,660
Illinois $1,380 $3,800
Indiana $1,120 $3,960
Iowa $1,700 $4,000
Kansas $890 $4,120
Kentucky $740 $4,070
Louisiana $1,220 $3,960
Maine $1,180 $4,660
Maryland $910 $3,690
Massachusetts $1,010 $3,880
Michigan $1,160 $3,960
Minnesota $860 $4,050
Mississippi $910 $4,200
Missouri $1,000 $3,920
Montana $1,050 $4,660
Nebraska $910 $4,000
Nevada $850 $3,850
New Hampshire $1,570 $4,470
New Jersey $1,090 $3,690
New Mexico $660 $4,310
New York $1,070 $3,500
North Carolina $900 $3,730
North Dakota $850 $4,740
Ohio $950 $4,080
Oklahoma $840 $4,040
Oregon $1,020 $4,470
Pennsylvania $1,050 $3,810
Rhode Island $880 $3,690
South Carolina $1,100 $3,730
South Dakota $1,500 $4,660
Tennessee $990 $4,080
Texas $880 $3,960
Utah $1,310 $4,000
Vermont $1,780 $4,470
Virginia $890 $3,730
Washington $1,470 $4,470
West Virginia $1,310 $4,080
Wisconsin $1,170 $4,040
Wyoming $880 $4,660

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How To Calculate Moving Costs

To calculate the cost of a local move, you’ll need to take the Number of Hours estimated to complete the move and multiply that by the Hourly Rate the movers charges. You may also have to add on additional charges for things like Travel Time, Packing Materials, and Tips for the movers if you so choose. If math isn’t your thing, plug in your details in our moving cost calculator. Estimating moving costs of a long distance move is harder to calculate. We recommend using the moving calculator at the top of the page as a starting point. Here are some major cost factors for intersate moves.

  • Move size – larger moves are more expensive
  • Distance – the longer the distance the more the move will cost
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover – DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress
  • Time of yearsummer pricing is higher because it’s peak season and movers are busy
  • Moving date – moving prices tend to be more affordable middle of the week and middle of the month
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Additional moving costs and fees to consider

Full-service movers have a lot of additional fees that can come up depending on the details of your move. Below is a list of the biggest costs to consider when estimating the cost of a move.

  • Specialty items – pianos, pool tables, hot tubs, motorcycles, safes, and other bulky items are expensive to move and will add to your overall cost. Companies usually charge a few hundred dollars to haul these “bulky items.”
  • Packing supplies – if a mover has to use moving supplies like bubble wrap, mattress covers, TV boxes, packing paper, or any other packing supplies, they will charge you for the supplies. It’s a good idea to coordinate with the moving company ahead of time on which supplies will be needed.
  • Long carry fees – if the mover can’t park their truck within 100-150 feet of your front door, they may charge a long carry fee. Depending on the size of the move, long carry fees can add up to several hundred dollars.
  • Stair carry fees – if you have several long staircases to get to your items the moving company may charge a stair carry fee for each additional staircase beyond the first one. Depending on the size of the move, stair carry fees can add up to several hundred dollars.
  • Elevator fees – some movers will charge an elevator fee if your residence is located on a floor that requires a lengthy elevator ride or if your building has a narrow elevator requiring a lot of trips.
  • Unpacking Service – although it’s rarely purchased, you can pay a full-service mover to unpack all your boxes and put everything away for you. Full unpacking and disassembling will typically cost a few hundred dollars for a one-bedroom apartment up to a few thousand dollars for a larger home.
  • Shuttle service – if the moving company has to use a smaller truck to park close to your property, the company will usually charge a shuttle fee to “shuttle” items from the smaller truck to the tractor-trailer. Shuttle fees can be significant.
  • Storage – most full-service movers offer the option to store your items. For short term storage, moving companies are a good option. For longer term storage, it’s much cheaper to use a local personal storage facility.
  • Extra Stops – need the movers to stop by a local storage unit or your in-law’s house? Movers will typically charge a fee for additional stops beyond the primary residence.
  • Expedited delivery – for an additional cost, movers will agree to expedite your delivery and have your items delivered on or before a specific date.
  • Tipping – moving is a tough job and many customers give their movers tip for the hard work. The amount you should tip movers can vary depending on the move.
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What is the average cost of a “do-it-yourself” move?

If you’re willing to do all the heavy lifting and driving a moving truck you can usually save yourself a good chunk of change on the total cost of the move. You’ll also have more control over the moving process which some people prefer. The two main DIY options are moving trucks and moving containers. Let’s take a quick look at the estimated costs for each option.

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How much does it cost to rent a portable storage container?

Moving containers are like a portable storage unit that can be delivered to your house, loaded, and then shipped or stored locally or long distance. This “DIY move” option does not include labor or any packing services. Although, you can hire local movers to help with the loading as an additional service. The average total cost to move within 50 miles with a portable moving container is typically around $400 to $700 for one container. For local moves, most companies charge a fee every time you move the container. The typical move involves 3 container charges: a drop-off fee, a transfer fee, and a pick-up fee. If you plan on moving the container more than 3 times, costs can add up quickly. For interstate moves, average moving container prices can range from $900 to $4500+ depending on the distance and size of the move. Generally, the longer the distance, the more expensive things get. If the company doesn’t have a nearby location at your destination, that can also ramp up the price. Ideally, find a company that has nearby locations on both ends of your move. Most portable storage companies, such as PODS, offer 30 days of free storage included in PODS pricing. Container sizes range from 7 feet long up to 20 feet. Larger containers will cost more to rent and move. If you’re moving to a large home, it’s likely you’ll need more than one container which can add significantly to your overall cost. Moving containers are a good option for moves requiring storage. Check out our list of the best moving container companies to get price quotes.

How much do moving truck rentals cost?

The average price for a local moving truck rental can range anywhere from $30 to $500 Depending on the size of the truck and the duration of the rental. For instance, Budget Truck Rental typically charges $20-$60 per day as their base rate to rent a truck. The average price for a one-way moving truck rental can range from $200-$300 if you’re moving a few hundred miles to $2,000 – $4,000+ if you’re moving cross-country. Long distance move truck rental rates are based on the distance between locations and the size of the moving truck you need. Rates typically include a set number of allowable miles and days. For instance, if you’re moving long distance from New York to California, the rental truck rate would most likely include around 3,200 miles for driving and 6-8 days rental time. Additional rental days and mileage can be purchased for a fee. Another, major cost you’ll want to calculate ahead of time is fuel. Moving rental trucks typically get on average 8-12 miles per gallon depending on the size of the truck and whether it’s full or empty with home goods. For example, a fully loaded 26-foot moving truck is likely to get no more than 7 or 8 miles per gallon, while an empty 10-foot truck will get closer to 12 to 15 MPG. Fuel costs can easily add up to hundreds of dollars.

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What size moving truck do I need?

The size of the trailer or moving truck you’ll need, by feet, is quickly estimated by the square feet of your current space. For example, you’d be okay with a 6 foot long trailer or moving truck if you have 600 or fewer square feet, but you’d need a 35 foot long moving truck if you’re moving from a 2,800-3,200 square foot home.

Moving Truck Length in Feet Current Home Size in Square Feet
6 600 or fewer
7 600 – 1,000
13 1,200 – 1,500
17 1,500 – 1,800
23 2,000 – 2,400
35 2,800 – 3,200
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Why the costs of professional movers might make sense

Professional moving services offer efficiency and expertise in tasks such as packing, loading, transport, and unloading of items. They facilitate quicker and cost-effective relocation compared to self-organized moves.

  • Efficiency: Professional movers are trained in moving tasks, enabling them to complete the job quickly, whether it’s local or cross-country. This leaves you with more time for other relocation-related tasks.
  • Cost-Efficiency: The cost of hiring a professional moving service is usually lower than self-managed moves that involve truck rental and hiring local help. The movers’ expertise in safe packing and moving also helps prevent costly damages.
  • Smooth Transitions: A professional moving service ensures a seamless moving experience by handling all the heavy lifting and addressing potential challenges such as fragile items or complex layouts. They provide a smooth transition by adjusting to your schedule and ensuring careful handling of your belongings.
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How to cut costs during a move

There are a lot of ways to save money while moving. Here are some of our favorite:

  • Sell, donate, or trash: downsizing is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to reduce moving costs. The less you move, the less you’ll pay. Take time to consider which items are actually worth moving. Sell, donate, or trash anything not worth moving.
  • Adjust your move date: moving companies charge more during popular times to move. If you can, avoid moving around holidays or near the end of the month. The summer months can also be 20-30% more expensive so if you can avoid a summer move, do it.
  • Get multiple moving quotes : it’s not unusual for moving company estimates to differ by thousands of dollars, especially if you’re moving long distance. Get at least 3 estimates to ensure you’re getting a fair price on your move.
  • Flexible pickup & delivery: moving is a tough business and movers often face unexpected delays like weather or traffic issues. Customers with flexible move dates enable moving companies to build some cushion into their schedules. Often resulting in a better price for you.
  • Book early: book your mover 30-60 days in advance. Full-service movers will increase prices for moves booked last minute or worst case they may not have any availability. If you plan on moving during the summer or around a holiday consider booking 90 days in advance to be safe.
  • Consider DIY moving services: moving companies take a lot of the work out of moving but they also are expensive. “Do-it-yourself” moving options like rental trucks and moving containers can be significantly more affordable if you’re willing to do some of the heavy lifting yourself. If you’re unable to do the heavy lifting that comes with moving or simply don’t want to, you can always hire labor only moving helpers to assist with the loading and unloading.
  • Ask for price matching: the moving industry is competitive and most companies will have some kind of price matching policy to try and win your business. Don’t hesitate to ask for a price match if you’ve found a cheaper quote elsewhere.
  • Get free packing supplies: when budgeting for a move people frequently overlook the cost of packing supplies. Boxes, packing paper, and tape can all add up to hundreds of dollars of expense. A lot of supplies can be found for free online from people who just finished moving. Check out our article on finding free boxes for a lot more options.
  • Insurance coverage: check with your existing homeowners or renters insurance to see if moving is covered under your policy. If moving is covered you can avoid spending money insuring your items through a moving company for your next move.
  • Weight equals money: consider selling or giving away heavy items like fitness equipment and book collections. If you have old appliances moving may be a good time to get rid of them.
  • Cancel services: transfer or cancel all your utilities one to two days after your move date to avoid paying any unnecessary bills.

Check out our article on how to save money when moving for more cost saving tips.

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Frequently asked questions about moving costs (FAQs)

How do I estimate my moving costs?

Use our free moving cost calculator to quickly estimate your moving costs. Simply input your starting point, destination, move size (by bedrooms), and move date. We’ll provide an accurate quote from licensed, insured movers.

Can you negotiate with professional movers?

Yes, you can definitely negotiate with moving companies. Moving companies usually have some discounts or options to lower your quote. You can also bring them quotes from competitors to see if they’ll outbid other companies or offer price matching. You can also use the moving cost calculator at the top of this page to get an idea on what your move should cost. Ask your sales rep for advice on further reducing your costs. Examples, such as being flexible with your move dates or ditching high-cost items like pool tables or heavy safes, can help reduce overall moving expenses.

How much does car shipping cost?

If you have vehicles to ship you’ll want to factor car shipping costs into your overall moving budget. The distance, type of car, and whether you want an open or enclosed trailer are the biggest factors that determine car shipping cost. For more accurate vehicle shipping quotes check out our best car shipping companies page. The table below lays out some average costs for different distances.

Car Shipping Costs (Updated 2024)
Distance Open trailer Enclosed trailer Average cost
<500 miles $605 $935 $760
500-1,000 miles $915 $1,155 $1,005
1,000-1,500 miles $1,190 $1,715 $1,315
1,500-2,500 miles $1,505 $2,020 $1,710
2,500+ miles $1,700 $2,305 $2,005

How much does insurance cost for a moving company?

The cost of moving insurance will depend on which type of insurance you elect to get and how valuable you declare your items to be. The cost to insure a one bedroom apartment at Full Value Protection will typically cost around $500 to $700 depending on how valuable the items being moved are.

What is the cheapest moving company?

Moving companies are expensive. If budget is your primary concern then you’ll want to consider some alternative options to full-service movers. Luckily, we have an article that lists a ton of cheap ways to move out of state. To give you a few ideas:

Will a moving company move one piece of furniture?

If you’re trying to ship a single piece of furniture like a couch or mattress moving companies will not be your best option. Most moving companies have weight minimums and won’t be interested in shipments this small. Better options for shipping single items include LTL carriers or shipment marketplaces. Check out our list of the best moving companies for single item moves.

How much does it cost to store furniture with a moving company?

Storing your furniture with a moving company is a great way to avoid the hassle of moving everything in and out of storage. The monthly cost to store with a mover will depend on the size of your move. The typical one bedroom apartment move will cost around $90 to $150 a month to store with a moving company. A 3 or 4 bedroom house will cost anywhere from $300 to $700 per month for storage. Keep in mind, moving companies will store the items in their warehouse so you won’t have access to any items while stored.

How much does it cost to have a moving company pack you?

Full packing services on average cost $900 to $1,500. Packing costs are calculated based on the size of the move. Specialty items like chandeliers or expensive art can significantly increase packing costs. For example, full packing for a one bedroom apartment will range from $250 to $500. The cost of packing for a 3 bedroom home will range from $1,000 to $1,800 depending on how much is being packed. One major benefit of having a mover pack all your items for you is insurance. If you pack your boxes they are not covered under the mover’s insurance. But if the mover packs the boxes for you, then the mover will be liable for any damages.

How much should you tip movers?

Many people forget to include the cost of tipping your movers when calculating their move budget. The general rule is to tip movers about five dollars per person for every hour the move takes. So if your move takes five hours, each worker should get a $25 tip at the end. Tipping certainly isn’t required. And if the movers do a bad job by all means, do not tip. But keep in mind how hard lifting furniture all day can be. If the movers do a good job, you should tip them.

Do movers charge by weight or volume?

Moving companies can charge by weight or volume. But if you haven’t worked with the mover before, then it’s best to avoid volume (cubic footage) based estimates. We recommend weight-based, binding estimates because they can be verified by the Department of Transportation. Most of the national van line moving companies like Mayflower Transit charge by weight. For more info, we’ve also written a full article on weight vs cubic footage estimates.

How do I get the best deal on movers?

The best way to ensure you’re getting a good price on your move is to get at least 3-4 estimates from reputable moving companies with years of experience in the industry. Similar to airlines, moving company pricing can vary drastically from company to company and prices are always changing. To compare estimates fairly, you’ll also want to make sure every company lists the same details. The item list, weight, volume, packing requirements, and any other details should be listed on every quote so you can be sure you’re making an apples-to-apples comparison.

How much does international moving cost?

International move pricing is complicated and prices can range from $1,000 to $20,000 depending on the countries involved, the size of the move, and whether you ship by land, sea, or air. For example, moving a one bed apartment from New York City to Paris by sea shipping will cost $5,400 to $7,400. Moving a one bedroom from New York City to Sydney will cost $6,200 to $9,900. For accurate international move pricing, we recommend getting a free quote from the companies on our best international movers list.

How much should I budget for moving expenses?

The average person will spend roughly $10,000 on moving related expenses during a move. Expenses include hiring a mover, buying packing supplies, replacing furniture, paying security and utility deposits, and the many other expenses that come up while moving. The amount you need to budget for moving really depends on your situation. If you’re moving a big house long distance, your moving budget may be way higher than $10,000. If you’re moving a studio apartment across town; you may be able to only spend a couple hundred bucks to move.

What items can’t I move with professional movers?

Certain items should be moved personally or not at all, even when employing a commercial moving service. This includes perishables, living plants, hazardous or flammable substances (e.g., paint, propane), explosives (e.g., fireworks), and high-value items like cash, fine jewelry, and important documents.

What is the cost of movers per hour?

The average hourly rate for local moving companies ranges from $25 to $100.

Can you deduct moving expenses?

While you used to be able to deduct moving expenses, that benefit went away with tax reform. The moving tax deduction no longer exists as the 2017 tax law removed these benefits for most users — with exceptions for military members. Depending on the state you live in, moving costs may still be deductible on your state tax return.

How much does it cost to move a mobile home?

The average cost to move a mobile home ranges from $3,000 to $9,000. Moving a double-wide or triple-wide mobile home can cost upwards of $15,000.

When is the cheapest time to move?

The cheapest time of year to move is outside the months of May through September. Summer is peak moving season and rates are higher while mover availability is also lower. If you’re flexible, try moving between fall and spring. Read more about the best time to move.

Should I try to move myself and save money?

If money is your main focus, you can certainly try to move by yourself. Be aware that while you’ll save money, your move with cost you in terms of time and effort. If you’re note sure about doing all the moving yourself, consider a moving container company where you pack and load yourself and they do the driving for you.

How much do moving containers cost?

The average cost of moving containers ranges from $2,000 to $4,000. The cost of moving containers depends on the size of the container, how far you’re moving, and how long you need the container for. Some companies include 30 days of free storage while others charge for both short-term and long-term storage.

When should I book a moving company?

You should aim to book a mover about six weeks before your desired moving day. You should start researching moving options for your upcoming move around eight weeks in advance. Be sure to get at least three quotes from different movers to compare prices.

Is it cheaper to hire professional moving companies or local movers?

Hiring professional moving companies is going to be more expensive more often than not, but if you’re moving from one state to another, it may be the best option. For local moves, however, local movers are usually going to be the best value unless, of course, you want to do it yourself. To get the most accurate cost estimate for a local move or a long distance move, use our moving cost calculator for an instant cost estimate.

Is the moveBuddha moving cost calculator reliable?

Our moving cost calculator is designed to capture all the relevant details about your move, transforming these inputs into a reliable cost range. Its accuracy and dependability are a result of years of refinement based on real-world data and moving cost trends.

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