Moving Cost Calculator
Estimate your moving costs based on distance, home size, service type, and time of year. Get a cost range, packing materials estimate, and money-saving tips for your upcoming move.
How Moving Costs Are Calculated
Moving costs depend on several key factors. Understanding each one helps you budget accurately and find ways to save.
- Distance: Local moves (under 50 miles) are charged hourly ($80-$200/hour for a crew). Long-distance moves are charged by weight and distance, typically $0.50-$0.80 per pound per 1,000 miles.
- Home size / weight: More rooms mean more stuff and more weight. A studio averages 2,000 lbs, while a 4-bedroom house averages 10,000-12,000 lbs.
- Service level: DIY truck rental is cheapest. Full-service movers handle loading, driving, and unloading. Hybrid options (you pack, they load/drive) are a middle ground.
- Season: Peak season (May-September) costs 20-30% more due to high demand. Moving mid-week and mid-month saves money.
- Special items: Pianos ($200-$1,000 extra), hot tubs ($300-$1,000), pool tables, and safes require special handling fees.
Average Moving Costs by Home Size (2026)
- Studio / Room: Local $300-$800, Long-distance $1,000-$2,500
- 1 Bedroom: Local $500-$1,200, Long-distance $1,500-$3,500
- 2 Bedrooms: Local $800-$2,000, Long-distance $2,500-$5,500
- 3 Bedrooms: Local $1,200-$2,500, Long-distance $3,500-$7,500
- 4 Bedrooms: Local $1,500-$3,500, Long-distance $5,000-$10,000
- 5+ Bedrooms: Local $2,000-$5,000, Long-distance $6,000-$15,000
Packing Materials Checklist
- Small boxes (16x12x12): Books, kitchen items, heavy items. 10-15 per room.
- Medium boxes (18x18x16): Clothes, toys, general items. 8-10 per room.
- Large boxes (24x18x18): Linens, pillows, lampshades. 5-7 per room.
- Wardrobe boxes: 1-2 per closet for hanging clothes.
- Packing tape: 3-5 rolls for a 2-bedroom apartment, 6-10 for a house.
- Bubble wrap: 100-200 ft for fragile items.
- Packing paper: 5-10 lbs for dishes and glassware.
Money-Saving Tips for Moving
- Move off-season: October through April rates are 20-30% lower than summer peak.
- Mid-week, mid-month: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days. Avoid end-of-month when most leases end.
- Declutter first: Every 1,000 lbs you eliminate saves $200-$400 on a long-distance move. Sell, donate, or trash items you do not need.
- Get multiple quotes: Get at least 3 in-home or virtual estimates. Avoid phone-only quotes which tend to be inaccurate.
- Pack yourself: Self-packing saves $300-$1,000 compared to full packing service.
- Free boxes: Ask liquor stores, bookstores, and grocery stores for free boxes. Check local Buy Nothing groups.
How to Reduce Moving Costs Without Cutting Corners
If your estimate feels high, the best way to save money is to reduce labor time, shipment weight, and last-minute add-ons rather than choosing the cheapest possible mover. The calculator above gives you a baseline, but your final bill often depends on how organized you are before moving day.
- Book early when possible: Movers often raise prices when trucks and crews are nearly full. Reserving 4-8 weeks ahead gives you better scheduling options and more room to compare quotes.
- Downsize before you request quotes: Donate old furniture, expired pantry items, duplicate kitchen gear, and unused decor first. Fewer boxes and lighter loads can reduce both local labor hours and long-distance shipment weight.
- Separate must-move items from replaceable items: Cheap particle-board furniture, worn rugs, or bulky décor may cost more to move than to replace after you arrive.
- Pack high-risk fragile items yourself: Full packing service is convenient, but handling your books, clothes, and non-breakables yourself can reduce the premium while still leaving specialty packing to professionals.
- Avoid peak timing triggers: Summer weekends, the last week of the month, and holiday periods are usually the most expensive windows. Even shifting your move by two or three days can materially lower the quote.
- Ask every mover about extra fees up front: Carry charges, stair fees, long-walk fees, shuttle fees, bulky item handling, and fuel surcharges can change the real price more than the headline estimate.
For local moves, time is the biggest lever. Disassemble furniture in advance, label rooms clearly, reserve elevators if needed, and keep pathways open so the crew can work quickly. For long-distance moves, weight is the biggest lever, so aggressive decluttering usually has the highest payoff.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move a 3-bedroom house locally?
A local move (under 50 miles) for a 3-bedroom house typically costs $1,200-$2,500 for full-service movers including labor, truck, and basic insurance. DIY moves using a rental truck cost $200-$600 plus fuel. Costs increase with stairs, heavy items like pianos, and peak summer months. Average weight for a 3-bedroom home is 7,500-10,000 lbs.
How much does a long-distance move cost?
Long-distance moves (over 100 miles) typically cost $2,500-$7,500 for a 2-3 bedroom home. Costs are based on weight and distance. A cross-country move (2,500+ miles) for a 3-bedroom house averages $4,500-$8,000. Prices increase 20-30% during peak season (May-September).
What is the cheapest month to move?
The cheapest months to move are November through February (excluding holidays). Moving companies offer lower rates during the off-season because demand drops significantly. Mid-month and mid-week moves are also cheaper than end-of-month or weekend moves. You can save 20-30% by moving during the off-season.
How many boxes do I need to move?
As a general rule, plan for about 10-15 small boxes, 8-10 medium boxes, and 5-7 large boxes per room. A studio apartment needs 20-30 boxes total. A 2-bedroom home needs 40-60 boxes. A 3-bedroom home needs 60-80 boxes. A 4-bedroom home needs 80-120 boxes. Always get extra boxes since unused ones can be returned.
Should I hire movers or do it myself?
DIY moves save 40-60% on costs but require significant physical labor and time. Hire movers if you have heavy furniture, are moving long-distance, have limited help, or are on a tight timeline. DIY is best for small local moves, if you have friends to help, and when budget is the top priority. For mid-range budgets, consider a hybrid approach: hire movers for heavy items and move boxes yourself.
What day of the week is cheapest to move?
Weekdays, especially Tuesday through Thursday, are usually the cheapest days to move. Demand is lower than Friday-through-Sunday moves, and some companies price weekend labor at a premium. If your schedule is flexible, aim for a mid-week, mid-month date for the best combination of crew availability and lower rates.
How much does it cost to move a piano?
Moving a piano typically adds about $200-$600 for an upright piano and $400-$1,000 or more for a baby grand or grand piano. Final cost depends on stairs, tight turns, distance from the truck, and whether hoisting or specialty equipment is required.
Are moving quotes binding or non-binding?
Some movers offer binding estimates, which lock in the quoted price if the inventory and scope do not change. Others provide non-binding estimates, where the final bill can increase if your shipment weighs more or requires extra labor. Always ask which type of estimate you are receiving and request the terms in writing.
Does renters or homeowners insurance cover moving damage?
Sometimes, but coverage varies. Movers usually include basic released-value protection, which pays only a small amount per pound. Your renters or homeowners policy may help in some cases, but you should verify exclusions, deductibles, and whether the policy applies during transit.
How far in advance should I book movers?
For local moves, booking 2-4 weeks ahead is often enough in off-peak months. For summer moves, end-of-month dates, and long-distance relocations, 6-8 weeks ahead is safer. Earlier booking improves your odds of getting better prices and your preferred moving date.