Moving Cost Calculator for Moving Estimates

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does it cost to move?

  If hiring professional movers for a relocation, you can expect to pay at least $1,000. As mentioned above, the average cost of a local household move is $1,250, and the average cost of a long distance move is $4,890. Of course, the cost of your move will depend on a number of factors including distance traveled, weight of belongings, move date, labor costs and any additional services needed such as insurance or packing.
  
• How much does valuation coverage cost?

  All interstate movers are required by federal law to offer Released Value Protection and Full Value Protection to customers. The cost of Full Value Protection varies by mover, so be sure to ask your moving company for details. The most basic level of liability, Released Value Protection, is automatically included in the cost of your move. This basic protection covers 60 cents per pound per item. While this type of coverage won’t cost you anything extra, it is considered the bare minimum. Those looking for more comprehensive coverage should opt for Full Value Protection. This level of liability means that if the mover damages or loses a belonging, the mover must either replace your item or reimburse you for its current cash value.
  
• Are moving costs tax-deductible?

  The majority of taxpayers can no longer claim a deduction on moving expenses. Military personnel is the exception. According to the IRS, if the move was due to a military order and permanent change of station, you may be able to deduct your unreimbursed moving expenses.
  Remember: if you’re planning to purge belongings before a move, you can still claim a tax deduction on donated items. Save those receipts when donating household items to a charity and be sure to itemize all belongings (and their current cash value) on the donation receipt. Read more information on how tax reform affected IRS moving deductions.
  
• What should I consider before hiring a moving company?

  Before hiring a pricey moving company, be sure to consider whether or not the expense is worth the money. If the answer is no, consider less expensive DIY alternatives such as truck rentals or moving containers. However, if your budget is more flexible, and you’d like to save time and energy on the move, then hiring movers may be worth the price. Whatever you do, be sure to weigh the pros and cons of each choice carefully before deciding on a move method.
  
• How are moving costs calculated?

  The cost of an interstate or long distance move is determined by the weight of the shipment, the mileage between the origin and destination, and the labor costs. Calculating the cost of a local move is slightly different. Intrastate moves are based on a flat dollar amount per hour. Factors that affect this hourly rate include labor costs, services such as packing or climbing an excessive number of stairs, assembling furniture and extra add-ons. In addition, many local movers also offer customers a flat rate option. A flat rate is typically the moving company’s estimated number of hours the move will take, multiplied by their hourly rate. Many times this fixed price includes the cost of add-ons as well.
  
  
• How much does a DIY move cost?

  DIY moving costs vary depending on how you move, how far you move and how much you move. Every move is different, so you can expect the cost of every move to be different. While moving yourself is certainly cheaper than hiring a full-service moving company, it might still cost you money. Whether you’re renting a moving truck and hiring labor-only movers or using a moving container and paying movers to transport it to your home, you’ll likely have to pay at least several hundred dollars for a DIY move. Read our cost estimates for different types of DIY moves.
  
• How do you estimate moving costs?

  Our Moving Cost Calculator gives you an accurate cost estimate based on several factors. Keep in mind that the more stuff you move, and the heavier the shipment – the higher your moving costs. In addition, those moving farther will pay more than those moving down the street. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of packing supplies and moving boxes as well. Finally, your method of moving will dramatically impact the moving cost. For instance, those hiring a full-service moving company or using a moving container will pay a lot more than those renting their own moving truck.
  
• How much should I budget for moving?

  If you’re hiring full-service movers for a long-distance move, we recommend budgeting at least several thousand dollars. The larger the move, the more expensive it will be. You’ll also need to budget for moving supplies, such as moving boxes, packing tape and packing paper. These supply costs add up quickly – especially when packing up a large household. If your move requires short-term storage, be sure to ask the moving company how much they charge for storage-in-transit. Read about other moving costs you’ll need to factor into your moving budget.
  
• What is the best way to cut back on your moving cost?

  There’s no doubt about it – moving is expensive. Fortunately, there are many ways to cut back on moving costs. Several tried-and-true ways to decrease moving costs include purging unnecessary belongings, taking advantage of moving discounts, choosing a less expensive moving date and packing all items yourself. Additionally, it’s important to obtain moving quotes from multiple movers before hiring a company to move your belongings. This allows you to compare moving estimates, so you can get the best deal.
  
• How do you calculate relocation costs?

  When it comes to calculating relocation costs, you’ll need to consider both your moving costs and your cost of living after the move. That means researching housing costs, rental rates and typical salaries in your new city to see what you can afford. To calculate moving costs, we recommend using our Moving Cost Calculator at the top of this page.
  
• What are the cheapest ways to move across the country?

  While hiring a full-service moving company isn’t the cheapest way to move, it’s certainly the most convenient. For those willing to compromise convenience in order to save some serious bucks, consider these budget-friendly cross-country moving methods: Renting a moving truck and driving items yourself; using a freight trailer; hiring labor-only movers for moving day; enlisting friends to help with the move; and renting a portable moving container.
  
  
• Why is moving so expensive?

  No matter how you move, chances are good it’s not going to be cheap. The reason: moving is a time-consuming, labor-intensive process that often requires a good deal of materials and assistance. Moving company costs typically include the cost of labor, fuel, materials and equipment. In addition, long-distance moving companies charge customers based on the weight of the shipment. So, the more belongings you move, and the heavier the shipment, the more expensive the move. Moving often means having to buy a new home as well, which means paying expensive Realtor fees and closing costs. Read why moving to a new home is so expensive.
  
• How much do movers cost for a local move?

  The average estimated cost of a local move is $1,250, based on a two to three-bedroom move of approximately 7,500 pounds. Local moving companies typically charge by the hour. As with long-distance moves, keep in mind that rates fluctuate based on the time of year and demand for services.
  
• How much do movers cost for a long-distance move?

  On average, long-distance movers charge around $4,890 for a two to three-bedroom move of approximately 7,500 pounds with a distance of 1,000 miles. Unlike a local move, the price of a long-distance move is largely based on the weight of the shipment. Other cost factors include the cost of gas, distance traveled, labor costs, packing services and insurance.
  
• How much does renting a portable moving container cost?

  For a long-distance move, expect to pay between $2,000 and $3,000 to rent a portable moving container. The cost of renting moving containers varies by company. Factors that influence the cost include the length of the rental, distance moved, number of containers and size of the container. Read about moving containers and how they work.
  
• How much do moving boxes cost?

  You’ll likely spend around $2 for a medium-sized cardboard box. You can purchase moving boxes online easily. You can also buy them at a local home improvement store, self-storage facility, truck rental company or moving company. Cardboard moving boxes that you assemble yourself are typically cheaper than plastic bins. In addition, you can expect specialty boxes, such as picture boxes and wardrobe boxes, to cost more than your run-of-the-mill cardboard box. For pricing and numbers, read more information on the cost of moving boxes.
  
• When is the most expensive time to move?

  Moving company costs are typically higher from May to September. Given the large number of people who choose to move during these warm weather months, movers refer to this time frame as peak moving season. Here are the reasons why summer is an expensive time to move. If your move dates are flexible, we recommend aiming for an off-season move between fall and spring. Other move dates that tend to be cheaper times to move include mid-week and mid-month dates. Read about the best times to move.
  
• How much does it cost to move a mobile home?

  The cost of moving a mobile home is affected by many factors, including the distance of the move, the size and weight of the mobile home and moving materials – just to name a few. A transport-only move typically costs between $700 and $3,500, while a full-service move costs between $3,000 and $14,000. Read about the cost of moving a mobile home in the U.S.
  
• How much does it cost to ship a car across the country?

  When shipping a car across the country, you can expect to pay anywhere from $600 to upwards of $3,000 or more. Auto transport costs largely depend on the type of car you’re shipping, the vehicle’s condition, the time of year, the distance of the move and the chosen method of auto transport. While enclosed car carriers cost more than open car carriers, they make sense for transporting valuable vehicles that need special care and attention. Those on a budget should opt for the open car carrier method, as these carriers tend to be readily available and less expensive than enclosed carriers. On an open car carrier, a vehicle is loaded onto an open-air trailer with multiple cars.
  
  
• Will my employer cover my relocation costs?

  Possibly. If you’re moving for a job, you’ll need to check with your employer about their relocation packages (if any). Oftentimes, companies will pay for an employee’s moving costs and relocation expenses. If you do receive a relocation package, be sure to save all receipts from moving service providers. You’ll need to keep track of moving expenses, including moving supplies, fuel costs, truck rental costs, flight expenses, temporary lodging and restaurant bills during the move.
  
• Should I save money by moving myself?

  When deciding whether to hire movers or move yourself, you should consider a number of factors, including your budget, complexity of the move, the amount of stuff you’re moving, and how far you’re moving. If you’re on a tight budget and not moving far, then a DIY move with a truck rental might be the right call for you. However, if you’re dealing with a complicated, long-distance move and have money to spare, then hiring full-service movers is the most efficient way to move.
  
• Is it worth it to hire professional movers?

  Although hiring professional movers to execute your move can be expensive and less flexible than a DIY move, it is absolutely worth it under certain circumstances, and if you can afford it. Think about it: You won’t have to lift a finger. No heavy lifting, straining your muscles, damaging your floors, and so on. Your move will be a more efficient and less stressful moving experience overall.
  
• How far in advance should I book a moving company?

  You should start researching moving services 8 weeks before your move, get at least three moving quotes from the professional moving companies seven weeks before your move, and schedule the movers six weeks in advance. See our Moving Checklist for the timeline and tips on move planning.
  
• How do I estimate moving costs?

  Try our free Moving Cost Calculator to find out. Let us know where you’re moving from and the destination of your new home. Use the drop-down function to select the size of your move (in bedrooms), the packing services that you’ll need, and your move date. We’ll take all of these factors into consideration to give you an accurate cost estimate from licensed and insured movers.
  
• What if I only need to move one piece of furniture?

  For small moves, you’re probably better off using a moving container, rental truck, labor-only movers, or moving yourself. Most full-service moving companies have minimums, so no matter how small your move is, you’ll still have to pay the minimum amount. If you’re looking to save money on a small move, hiring full-service movers is not the right call.
  
• How much should I tip the movers?

  For a simple move where you have everything packed and ready to go and the movers just load, transport and unload your items within a close distance, a $20 tip per mover is more than sufficient. If your move is a little more intense than the aforementioned scenario, you can tip a little more—think $30-$50 per mover. It really all depends on your budget and satisfaction with the job.