Moving Cost Calculator
Learning the average cost of a long-distance or local move before getting free quotes from movers can help you make an accurate moving budget and plan effectively. We’ve created a moving cost calculator to help you estimate the cost of your move. Enter your information below, and read the guide for a breakdown of moving costs and additional fees.
Note that this calculator is intended for estimates only. We recommend requesting a quote directly from our recommended moving providers for the most accurate pricing information.
Breakdown of Moving Company Costs
Understanding moving cost factors before hiring a full-service mover will help you make informed decisions and determine which moving companies offer fair prices. Both local and long-distance moving quotes take the following factors into account:
- Move distance
- Service requirements
- Time of year
- Total inventory
Local Moving Costs
Local moves are priced at hourly rates. Some moving companies place a cap on total mileage for local moves. However, most movers consider any move that can be completed within a day and within one state to be local. Local movers must be registered with their home states’ moving regulatory organizations. Moving companies that also service interstate moves must register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
- Local movers often have minimum charges, which apply to small moves. Minimum charges typically equal two to four hours of service at the agreed-upon hourly rate. You pay the full minimum charge even if your move is completed in less time.
Long-Distance Moving Costs
Long-distance movers calculate costs differently than their local counterparts. When you request a moving quote from a long-distance mover, you’ll receive a pricing figure based on your move distance and shipping weight. All initial estimates based on shipping weight are estimated costs, even if the mover advertises flat rates. Quotes can change on moving day when your shipment is weighed after loading.
Compare Moving Company Quotes
The table below includes sample quotes from our top moving companies. Compare the price ranges to get a sense of how much quality movers cost for an interstate move.
| Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Estimate Info | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | $2,500–$4,300 | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| A+ | $3,200–$3,500 | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| B | $2,800–$4,000 | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| B- | $6,300–$7,500 | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| A+ | $7,550 | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| A+ | $4,730–$5,380 | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| A+ | $4,700–$5,350 | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| B | $2,968–$5,668 | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| A+ | $5,169–$7,003 | GET ESTIMATE |
Note: The estimate info above is for a two-bedroom move between Chicago, Illinois, and Atlanta, Georgia.
What Makes Moves More Expensive?
Beyond basic moving charges, the following factors can inflate total move costs.
Additional Services
Add-on services have a significant impact on your final cost. Even if you prefer a DIY approach, professional moving companies offer a range of services that homeowners and renters may find difficult to tackle themselves. Here are add-ons that will inflate your final cost:
- Assembly and disassembly of furniture and other items
- Custom crating for antiques or fragile items
- Heavy lifting for items such as pianos and pool tables
- Packing and moving supplies
- Packing and unpacking services
- Storage services
- Valuation coverage
- Vehicle shipping
Some services, such as piano moving ($150–$2,000* per unit) and vehicle shipping ($0.60–$1* per mile) have average rates that you can research online. Other offerings, such as full-service packing, depend on the cost of packing supplies from your mover and its hourly rates.
*Pricing data in this section was sourced from Angi.
Booking Date
Your booking date relative to the date of your move could affect your price. Some movers charge extra fees for bookings close to your move date. You could also face elevated costs if you book your move during peak moving season. Movers face increased demand from May to September, which often leads to higher rates for any moving service.
Move Distance
The distance between your current residence and your new location is a primary determining cost factor. The longer the move, the more it will cost.
Moving Coverage
All moving companies have to provide released liability coverage ($0.60 per pound per item) at no additional cost. Full value protection is available at up to $6 per pound per item. For instance, this would equal $60,000 in total protection for a 10,000-pound shipment. Your premium would total between 4% and 6% of this amount. If you have items that are worth more than this, most movers will allow you to fill out high-value inventory forms with added coverage.
Total Inventory
The size of your move affects your total cost, whether you’re moving a studio apartment within the same town or a five-bedroom house across the country. Added inventory increases your shipping weight and the number of hours your movers spend loading and unloading.
How To Save Money on Your Move
Consider these tips to save money for a more budget-friendly move.
- Downsize: Start the moving process early, especially if you plan to downsize. Begin by writing out a full inventory of your home. At least eight weeks before your move, go through your things room by room and keep lists of what you plan to keep and what you plan to get rid of. Arrange a yard sale, donate, or schedule dump runs to throw out or recycle unwanted goods.
- Self-Pack: Packing your own home is a great way to save money on your upcoming move. Full-service packing can add thousands of dollars to your bill. You can procure your own packing materials, including boxes, bubble wrap, and packing paper, at a lower cost than what movers charge. However, you may want to consider paying for professional packing if you have numerous fragile or high-value items.
- Rent a Moving Truck: Staging a DIY move with a moving container or truck rental is another viable option to save money on an upcoming move. If you’ve decided that movers aren’t worth it for you, handling the job on your own can dramatically reduce costs. You can still hire professionals to lift bulky items into your rental or pack fragile items.
Our Conclusion
Set clear expectations for your moving budget before you book, whether you’re considering a full-service carrier or a DIY container rental. Our cost calculator tool above and the general cost information we’ve provided can help you determine a fair moving price. If you find yourself interested in a full-service moving company after determining an estimated cost, please refer to our recommended companies below.
FAQ About Moving Costs
What registrations do cross-country movers need?
Cross-country or interstate movers must be registered in their home state and with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can look up an interstate mover’s registration status on the FMCSA database using its U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers.
Do I have to purchase moving supplies from a mover?
No, you don’t have to purchase moving supplies from a mover. Ensure that your boxes and other materials are sturdy enough to withstand the conditions of a move. If you buy used boxes that are damaged and you hire movers to pack your goods, your movers may not pack your goods in the boxes you’ve purchased for insurance reasons.
Do moving quotes ever cost money?
Moving quotes should never cost money. Reputable movers offer free quotes and only require payment after booking, either as a deposit or payment at pickup or delivery.
How do I pay for a long-distance move?
You pay for a long-distance move in two or three stages. If your mover requires a deposit, you will pay this immediately after booking. Half of the remaining total is due when your goods are loaded onto the truck, and the rest is due at delivery.
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