Estimate the total cost of your local or long-distance move based on home size, distance, and services.
Moving costs depend on several factors. The biggest drivers are the size of your home (which determines how much stuff you have), the distance of the move, and the level of service you choose. Local moves are typically priced by the hour, while long-distance moves are priced by weight and mileage.
Local moves (under 100 miles) typically cost between $400 and $4,000, depending on home size. A studio or one-bedroom apartment averages $400 to $1,200, while a four-bedroom house can run $2,000 to $4,000. Most local movers charge $80 to $150 per hour for a two-person crew with a truck.
Long-distance moves (over 100 miles) range from $1,500 to $8,500 or more. A cross-country move of 2,000+ miles for a three-bedroom house averages $4,500 to $7,500. Long-distance moves are usually charged by the pound, with rates of $0.50 to $0.80 per pound being common.
Declutter before you move. Every pound costs money on a long-distance move. Selling, donating, or tossing items you no longer need is the single most effective way to lower your moving costs. A good rule of thumb: if you have not used something in a year, let it go.
Move during off-peak times. Moving rates are 15-25% lower from October through April. Within any month, mid-month dates are cheaper than the first or last few days, when most leases start and end. Moving on a Tuesday or Wednesday can also help.
Get at least three quotes. Prices vary significantly between moving companies. Get in-home or virtual estimates from at least three companies to compare. Be wary of estimates that seem unusually low, as they may not include all fees.
Pack yourself. Professional packing services can add $500 to $2,000 to your total. If you have the time, do your own packing. Start collecting free boxes from grocery stores, liquor stores, and online marketplaces weeks before your move.
Some moving companies add charges that are not always included in the initial quote. Common extras include stair or elevator fees ($75-$150 per flight), long-carry charges if the truck cannot park close to your door ($150+), shuttle fees if a smaller truck is needed for your street, and fuel surcharges. Always ask for an itemized quote and read the contract carefully before signing.
Renting a truck yourself costs $50 to $2,000 depending on size and distance, but you will need to do all the loading, driving, and unloading. Portable moving containers (like PODS) run $1,500 to $5,000 for a long-distance move. Full-service movers cost more but handle everything, including loading, driving, and unloading. For short local moves, DIY can save a lot. For long-distance moves, the convenience and insurance coverage of professional movers often justify the extra cost.