How much do movers cost?
How much do movers cost?
$900 – $2,800 average local move cost
$1,300 – $9,500 average long-distance move cost
Average moving company cost
A moving company costs $900 to $2,800 to move the contents of a 2- or 3-bedroom home less than 50 miles. Long-distance movers cost $1,300 to $9,500 for the same size house, depending on the mileage and weight. Local movers cost $50 to $100+ per mover per hour with a 3- to 5-hour minimum.
| Home size (bedrooms) | Average local move cost (less than 50 miles) |
Average long-distance move cost (50 to 2,500+ miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $300 – $800 | $850 – $7,000 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $900 – $2,800 | $1,300 – $9,500 |
| 4 – 5 bedrooms | $1,800 – $6,000 | $1,500 – $20,000 |
A "local" move is any move under 50 miles, within the same state.
An "intrastate" move is more than 50 miles but still within the same state.
An "interstate" move is any move that crosses state lines.
Average cost of movers per hour
Most moving companies charge hourly for local moves, averaging $50 to $100+ per hour per mover, depending on the location. The company estimates the number of hours based on the size of your move and the logistics involved. A 3- to 5-hour minimum fee is also common for most moving companies.
Factors that influence moving costs
Two major factors that impact a moving company's cost estimate are the distance you're moving and the number of items you have. Still, many other factors play a role in determining your total cost, including:
Date & time: The cost to move is higher during the peak summer months when moving companies are busiest. Friday or weekend moves and moves at the beginning or end of the month also cost more, regardless of the season.
Location: Regulations for moving companies and how they charge vary by state.
Accessibility: Costs increase for moves that involve stairs, elevators, or other circumstances that make moving take longer or require more effort.
Size & weight of items: Whether a moving company charges by the hour or by the total weight, the more boxes, furniture, and other items you have, the longer it will take to pack, load, and unload, and the more it will cost.
Extra stops: If you need the movers to load items from an additional location, like storage unit or another residence, most companies charge extra for each stop after the primary location.
Rush delivery: Requesting same day movers or an expedited delivery increases the cost.
Permits & fees: Some areas require a parking permit to temporarily park the moving truck at a specific date, time, and location for loading and unloading. Permit fees range from $25 to $100 on average.
Insurance: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires moving companies to offer at least two liability insurance options—a free, minimal coverage option or a comprehensive, full-value coverage option for an extra fee. Check with your current renters or homeowners' insurance provider as you may already have some coverage.
Travel expenses: Depending on the distance you're moving, some estimates include fuel surcharges and other travel-related fees.
Gratuity: Tipping movers is generally expected and adds to your total cost.
Request a binding or "not-to-exceed" moving estimate to prevent unexpected extra charges during the move. An in-home assessment—which moving companies must offer at no cost to you—allows them to accurately assess your inventory and the projected moving costs.
Local movers cost
Most moving companies consider a local move to be a move within a city or town, or within a 50-mile radius. Local movers typically calculate your cost based on an estimated hourly rate and a minimum of 3 to 5 hours.
| Home size | Number of movers | Number of hours | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 2 | 2 – 4 | $300 – $800 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | 3 – 4 | 6 – 7 | $900 – $2,800 |
| 4 – 5 bedrooms | 4 – 5 | 9 – 12 | $1,800 – $6,000 |
Long distance moves
Long-distance or interstate moves typically take several days and require more advanced planning than local moves. The cost of a long-distance move is often based on the total weight of your items, but total mileage, home size, and included services also impact the cost.
| Home size | Average cost to move 50 to 750+ miles |
Average cost to move 1,000 to 1,500+ miles |
Average cost to move 2,500+ miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $850 – $2,500 | $1,500 – $5,800 | $2,000 – $7,000 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,300 – $6,900 | $3,000 – $8,000 | $4,500 – $9,500 |
| 4 – 5 bedrooms | $1,500 – $9,500 | $5,000 – $17,500 | $7,000 – $20,000 |
If you're moving to a different state, look for interstate moving companies and ask for their U.S. DOT number. The FMCSA requires this number for interstate moves.
Packing services
Packing services cost $280 to $2,500+ for the company to pack up your items and disassemble large furniture pieces if needed. Most companies with packing services also offer unpacking and reassembly. Moving estimates do not typically include packing or unpacking unless those services are specifically requested.
Not all moving companies offer packing and unpacking. For a company that does everything related to your move—packing, loading, transport, unloading, and unpacking—look for full-service moving companies.
Additional services and costs
If you're moving anything besides boxes and standard furniture, additional fees may apply. Consider the following add-ons and extra services that are often overlooked when budgeting for a move. Discuss any specialty items with the moving company in advance to ensure the movers have the necessary tools and expertise.
| Service type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Cost to move a hot tub | $300 – $1,000 |
| Piano moving cost | $150 – $550 (local) $450 – $2,300 (long-distance) |
| Cost to move a pool table | $300 – $800 |
| Cost to ship a car | $900 – $1,800 (1,500 – 2,000 miles) |
| House cleaning prices | $120 – $280 |
When hiring a structural house or building mover to move your entire home to a new location:
The average cost to move a house is $18,000 to $40,000 for a 1,500 to 2,500 square foot home.
The cost to move a mobile home is $1,000 to $8,000 for a single-wide or $2,000 to $15,000 for a double-wide mobile home.
DIY vs. hiring professional movers
Moving yourself saves money but costs you significant time and energy. While a DIY move is possible, professional movers have insurance, transport equipment, logistics expertise, and experience to provide a quicker, more efficient moving process, which may prove more cost-effective in the end.
A completely DIY move requires purchasing supplies, renting a moving truck, and usually more than one person for the packing, loading, and unloading.
The cost of packing and moving supplies, such as boxes, bubble wrap, and furniture pads varies, depending on how much you are moving and how delicate the items are.
Renting a moving truck costs $20 to $130 per day for local moves or $200 to $500 per day to move long distance.
PODs moving costs $300 to $600+ for local moves or $3,000 to $8,000 for long-distance moves. This option allows you to save money by packing and loading the container yourself and having PODS handle only the transport.
How to save on moving costs
Moving can be extremely expensive, but there are several things you can do to reduce your total cost. Here are some money-saving strategies to consider:
Shop around:
Get multiple binding or "not-to-exceed" estimates in writing and negotiate to find the best deal for the specific moving services you need.
Ask about military discounts, student discounts, or special deals for cash payments.
Time it right:
Book 1 to 2 months in advance for the best rates, or 3+ months in advance if you're moving in the peak summer months. Be flexible with your moving date and time.
Schedule your move mid-month and mid-week when possible as there is generally less demand during these times.
Avoid moving during the busiest moving season—mid-May through mid-September.
Reduce the workload:
Sell or donate unwanted items before the move.
Consider selling or donating extremely heavy items that cost more to move, like exercise equipment or large safes.
Pack some or all your belongings yourself to reduce the movers' work time. Ask family or friends to help.
Look for free supplies:
Use blankets instead of furniture pads and boxes where possible.
Check for free boxes at local stores or online platforms like Freecycle.
FAQs about moving company costs
Is hiring professional movers worth it?
Hiring movers is worth it for most people, even with the added upfront cost, because it saves time and reduces much of the physical and mental stress that comes with moving. Consider your schedule, ability to lift heavy items, budget, and the value of your time and safety.
If you're in the military and are moving for work, consult a local tax professional to see if any of your moving expenses are deductible. For most other taxpayers, work-related moving expenses are no longer deductible.
How do moving companies calculate costs?
Moving companies typically calculate local and intrastate moving costs based on an hourly rate per mover. They assess how many and what type of items you have to move, the logistics involved in moving them, and estimate the number of hours and movers they need to complete the job.
Most long-distance and interstate moving companies calculate the cost based on the total size and weight of your items, labor costs, insurance, and the mileage traveled.
How far ahead do you need to book a moving company?
For local moves, book a moving company at least 4 to 8 weeks in advance, or 12 weeks in advance if you’re moving in the summer. For long-distance moves, book 8 to 12 weeks ahead or as far out as possible, as these moves require a lot more planning.
Do you tip moving company movers?
While it's not required, it's customary to tip your movers. Moving is a physically demanding job and these individuals work extremely hard so that you don't have to. The amount you tip is a personal decision. Consider your budget, the difficulty of the move, and your satisfaction level with the service provided.
For percentage tipping, most people tip 5% to 20% of the total moving cost, depending on the type of move and the total bill.
For flat rate tipping, a general guideline is $5 per person per hour.
Cash tips are always preferred.
Will moving companies store your stuff?
Some full-service moving companies offer short or long-term storage options. If the closing dates on your old and new houses don't match up perfectly, ask for "storage in transit" quotes as part of your overall moving estimate.
When storing through a professional moving company, you won't have access to your items like you would at a self-storage facility. If you need access to your belongings while they are being stored, a self- self-storage unit costs $125 to $175 per month on average, depending on the type and location.
Do moving companies disassemble furniture?
Most moving companies will disassemble and reassemble furniture like beds and desks for an additional fee, usually $25 to $50 per item. Ask about this service and the associated costs when you book your move. This will ensure the company can accommodate your needs and help avoid unexpected extra charges later.
Getting estimates from moving companies
Before reaching out to moving companies near you for estimates, decide how much you plan to do yourself and determine your moving budget. Then, follow these guidelines to help you choose a reputable moving company and avoid potential scammers:
Look for active members of the American Trucking Associations (ATA).
Only deal with moving companies registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Contact moving companies that specialize in the type of move you need:
Make sure the moving company has its own website.
Read reviews from their past customers on platforms like HomeGuide and Google.
For intrastate moves, check with your state and local authorities for the regulations and requirements when moving within the state.
Confirm they offer free in-home estimates and will provide you with a moving checklist and information about your rights and responsibilities (as required by the FMCSA).
Ask about what they include in the estimate, if it's binding or non-binding, and what additional fees might come up during the move.
Don't pay in full before the move occurs. Most companies require a deposit, but no legitimate moving company will ask you to pay the entire bill up front.
Questions to ask a moving company
Ask the following questions to ensure the moving company you hire is experienced, qualified, trustworthy, and reliable:
Is your moving company licensed, bonded, and insured?
Are you a member of the American Trucking Association or any other organizations?
What is your U.S. DOT number?
What is your website address?
Do you have references I can contact?
Do you offer a free in-home estimate?
Will you provide a moving checklist?
Can you provide a breakdown of everything included in the estimate?
What add-on services do you offer, and how much does each service cost?
Do you offer packing services?
What is your cancellation policy?
How much deposit do you require?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.