How Much Does It Cost to Move?
It depends on hours of labor, weight and distance, and extras like stairs and packing. Here are sample ranges, then a calculator you can set to your own move.
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Sample ranges
These examples use the starting assumptions of the calculator above. They are examples of how the pieces add up, not quotes and not averages for any city.
| Move | Estimated range |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom, local, 2 movers | $400 to $1,320 |
| 3 bedrooms, local, 4 movers | $1,350 to $4,290 |
| 2 bedrooms, 1,000 miles, by weight | $2,472 to $7,508 |
| 2 bedrooms, 20 ft truck, 300 miles, DIY | $609 to $1,021 |
Change any assumption above to see how the range moves. A higher mover rate, one more flight of stairs or a heavier shipment each shift the total by a visible amount.
What changes the price most
- Time. Local movers bill the hours on the clock, plus travel. More helpers shorten the day but raise the hourly total.
- Weight and distance. Long moves are priced by pound and by miles. Fewer things move cheaper.
- Access. Stairs, a long walk from the truck and tight hallways slow the crew.
- Packing. Packing labor and boxes can be a large share of the bill for a big home.
- Timing. Month-end and summer weekends are busy.
Costs people forget
Deposits, cleaning the old place, storage between homes, utility setup fees, travel, meals, a crew tip and a buffer for surprises all land in the same weeks. Put them in the moving budget sheet so the total is not a surprise.
Getting a quote you can compare
Ask each company for a written quote based on the same inventory. Find out whether it is a binding quote or an estimate, what is included for fuel, stairs and packing, and which coverage applies. Then compare the totals with your range above. If one quote is far outside your range, ask why before you decide.
Questions
How much does it cost to move a 2 bedroom home?
With the starting assumptions, the local example above gives a range that you can read straight off the table. Your own number depends on the hourly rate in your area, the hours and the stairs.
How much does it cost to move across the country?
Long-distance moves are priced by weight and distance. Enter your distance and weight in the calculator and edit the rate per pound with a number from your quotes.
Is it cheaper to rent a truck?
Often for small moves, if you have helpers. Add the mileage fee, gas, waiver and equipment before you decide. The calculator has a DIY option for that.
Should I add a buffer?
Yes. The budget sheet adds a 10 percent buffer by default, because small extras add up.
Where do these numbers come from?
They are our own rough national starting assumptions, not survey data. Replace them with figures from your quotes.