How much does it cost to hire movers?

Local moves (under 100 miles) typically cost $800–$2,500 for a 2-bedroom home, at $100–$150/hour for 2-3 movers. Long-distance moves cost $2,000–$7,500+ depending on distance and home size. These estimates exclude packing services, insurance, and storage.

When is the cheapest time to move?

Moving in fall (September–November) or winter (January–March) is typically 20–30% cheaper than summer moves. Mid-week moves (Tuesday–Thursday) are less expensive than weekends. Avoiding the last and first days of the month also helps, as these are peak demand times.

What is the average cost of moving across the country?

A cross-country move (2,000+ miles) for a 2-bedroom home typically costs $3,500–$9,000 with professional movers. A 3-4 bedroom home can cost $6,000–$14,000+. Renting a moving truck and doing it yourself costs $1,500–$3,000 but requires more effort and time.

📦 Housing & Real Estate

Moving Cost Calculator

Estimate your total moving budget based on distance, home size, services needed, and timing. Get a realistic low-to-high cost range to plan your move confidently. Free, no signup.

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Professional packing

Movers pack all your items

Storage (1 month)

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Piano, hot tub, art, antiques

Full-value insurance

Complete replacement coverage

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Money-saving tips for your move:

📅

Move off-peak

Fall/winter moves and mid-week bookings save 20–30% vs summer weekends.

📦

Pack yourself

DIY packing saves $500–$3,000 depending on home size. Start 4–6 weeks early.

🗑️

Declutter first

Less to move = lower cost. Sell, donate, or trash 20% of your belongings before pricing.

📋

Get 3 quotes

Always get at least 3 in-home estimates. Prices can vary 30–50% between companies.

Average Moving Costs by Scenario

Local moves (under 100 miles)

Local movers typically charge $100–$150/hour for 2–3 movers plus a truck. Expect:

Studio/1-bedroom: $300–$900 (3–6 hours)
2-bedroom: $700–$1,800 (6–12 hours)
3–4 bedroom: $1,200–$3,000 (10–18 hours)

Long-distance moves (over 100 miles)

Long-distance rates are typically based on weight and distance rather than hourly:

1-bedroom (2,000–3,000 lbs): $1,500–$3,500
2-bedroom (4,000–6,000 lbs): $2,000–$5,500
3-bedroom (6,000–9,000 lbs): $3,500–$8,000
4-bedroom (9,000–12,000 lbs): $5,000–$12,000

DIY options

Renting a moving truck (U-Haul, Penske, Budget) costs $30–$90/day for local moves, plus $0.69–$0.99/mile for long-distance. A 1,000-mile cross-country truck rental runs $1,000–$2,500 including fuel. Portable containers (PODS, 1-800-Pack-Rat) run $1,500–$4,000 for cross-country moves and offer flexible loading/unloading time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I tip movers?

Standard tip is $20–$50 per mover for a local move, or $50–$100 per mover for a long-distance move. For exceptional service or particularly difficult moves (stairs, heavy items, extreme heat), tip more generously. Tips are cash and given directly to each mover at the end of the move, not to the company.

What is released value protection vs full-value protection?

All licensed movers must offer "released value protection" free — but it only pays $0.60 per pound per item. A 50-lb TV worth $1,000 would get just $30 in compensation if damaged. Full-value protection (typically 1% of declared value) covers actual replacement cost. Get full-value protection for any valuable or irreplaceable items.

How far in advance should I book movers?

Book 4–8 weeks in advance for summer moves (peak season). 2–4 weeks is usually sufficient for fall and winter moves. Last-minute bookings (under 2 weeks) during peak season are harder to find and often come at premium prices. Get multiple quotes as early as possible — don't wait until you have a definite closing date.