Moving Cost Calculator
Estimate your moving costs based on distance, home size, service type, and time of year. Get a cost range, packing materials estimate, and money-saving tips for your upcoming move.
How Moving Costs Are Calculated
Moving costs depend on several key factors. Understanding each one helps you budget accurately and find ways to save.
- Distance: Local moves (under 50 miles) are charged hourly ($80-$200/hour for a crew). Long-distance moves are charged by weight and distance, typically $0.50-$0.80 per pound per 1,000 miles.
- Home size / weight: More rooms mean more stuff and more weight. A studio averages 2,000 lbs, while a 4-bedroom house averages 10,000-12,000 lbs.
- Service level: DIY truck rental is cheapest. Full-service movers handle loading, driving, and unloading. Hybrid options (you pack, they load/drive) are a middle ground.
- Season: Peak season (May-September) costs 20-30% more due to high demand. Moving mid-week and mid-month saves money.
- Special items: Pianos ($200-$1,000 extra), hot tubs ($300-$1,000), pool tables, and safes require special handling fees.
Average Moving Costs by Home Size (2026)
- Studio / Room: Local $300-$800, Long-distance $1,000-$2,500
- 1 Bedroom: Local $500-$1,200, Long-distance $1,500-$3,500
- 2 Bedrooms: Local $800-$2,000, Long-distance $2,500-$5,500
- 3 Bedrooms: Local $1,200-$2,500, Long-distance $3,500-$7,500
- 4 Bedrooms: Local $1,500-$3,500, Long-distance $5,000-$10,000
- 5+ Bedrooms: Local $2,000-$5,000, Long-distance $6,000-$15,000
Packing Materials Checklist
- Small boxes (16x12x12): Books, kitchen items, heavy items. 10-15 per room.
- Medium boxes (18x18x16): Clothes, toys, general items. 8-10 per room.
- Large boxes (24x18x18): Linens, pillows, lampshades. 5-7 per room.
- Wardrobe boxes: 1-2 per closet for hanging clothes.
- Packing tape: 3-5 rolls for a 2-bedroom apartment, 6-10 for a house.
- Bubble wrap: 100-200 ft for fragile items.
- Packing paper: 5-10 lbs for dishes and glassware.
Money-Saving Tips for Moving
- Move off-season: October through April rates are 20-30% lower than summer peak.
- Mid-week, mid-month: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days. Avoid end-of-month when most leases end.
- Declutter first: Every 1,000 lbs you eliminate saves $200-$400 on a long-distance move. Sell, donate, or trash items you do not need.
- Get multiple quotes: Get at least 3 in-home or virtual estimates. Avoid phone-only quotes which tend to be inaccurate.
- Pack yourself: Self-packing saves $300-$1,000 compared to full packing service.
- Free boxes: Ask liquor stores, bookstores, and grocery stores for free boxes. Check local Buy Nothing groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move a 3-bedroom house locally?
A local move (under 50 miles) for a 3-bedroom house typically costs $1,200-$2,500 for full-service movers including labor, truck, and basic insurance. DIY moves using a rental truck cost $200-$600 plus fuel. Costs increase with stairs, heavy items like pianos, and peak summer months. Average weight for a 3-bedroom home is 7,500-10,000 lbs.
How much does a long-distance move cost?
Long-distance moves (over 100 miles) typically cost $2,500-$7,500 for a 2-3 bedroom home. Costs are based on weight and distance. A cross-country move (2,500+ miles) for a 3-bedroom house averages $4,500-$8,000. Prices increase 20-30% during peak season (May-September).
What is the cheapest month to move?
The cheapest months to move are November through February (excluding holidays). Moving companies offer lower rates during the off-season because demand drops significantly. Mid-month and mid-week moves are also cheaper than end-of-month or weekend moves. You can save 20-30% by moving during the off-season.
How many boxes do I need to move?
As a general rule, plan for about 10-15 small boxes, 8-10 medium boxes, and 5-7 large boxes per room. A studio apartment needs 20-30 boxes total. A 2-bedroom home needs 40-60 boxes. A 3-bedroom home needs 60-80 boxes. A 4-bedroom home needs 80-120 boxes. Always get extra boxes since unused ones can be returned.
Should I hire movers or do it myself?
DIY moves save 40-60% on costs but require significant physical labor and time. Hire movers if you have heavy furniture, are moving long-distance, have limited help, or are on a tight timeline. DIY is best for small local moves, if you have friends to help, and when budget is the top priority. For mid-range budgets, consider a hybrid approach: hire movers for heavy items and move boxes yourself.