How Much Do Movers Cost? – Bob Vila

Moving is one of those life events that’s exciting in theorynew neighborhood, new coffee shop, new everything
but the actual logistics can feel like a boss-level challenge. Right in the middle of that challenge is one big
question: How much do movers cost? If you’ve ever stared at a quote and wondered whether the
moving company accidentally added an extra zero, you’re not alone.

The short answer: hiring movers can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars for a small local move to well over
$10,000 for a large long-distance or cross-country relocation. The long answer (the one that actually helps you
budget without panic) depends on distance, home size, services, timing, and a handful of sneaky fees that can
creep onto your invoice if you’re not prepared.

This guide breaks down typical moving costs in 2025, explains what movers actually charge for,
and shares real-world examples and money-saving tips so you can plan your move with fewer surprises and fewer
headaches.

Average Moving Costs in 2025

Every move is unique, but most professional moving quotes fall into some fairly predictable ranges. Think of these
numbers as ballpark figures, not hard rules:

• Local moves (under ~100 miles): about $400 to $3,000 for most households.
• Long-distance moves (100+ miles or out-of-state): roughly $2,500 to $12,000+ depending on distance and weight.
• Cross-country moves: commonly $4,000 to $15,000+ for larger homes.
• DIY or hybrid moves: a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, depending on truck or container size and distance.

Many moving companies and cost calculators also show an “average” full-service move landing somewhere around the
mid–four figures for typical 2- to 3-bedroom homes. Smaller apartments with fewer belongings tend to sit at the low
end of the range, while large houses with lots of furniture, specialty items, and packing help land at the top.

Sample Cost Snapshot

These numbers may look big at first glance, but when you break them down by what’s includedlabor, truck, fuel,
supplies, and riskit starts to make a little more sense, even if your wallet still needs a pep talk.

What Affects the Cost of Movers?

Moving companies don’t just pull prices out of a hat. They look at a handful of major factors, then plug them into
their pricing formula. Understanding those factors helps you predict how your own move will be priced.

1. Distance: Local vs. Long-Distance

For local moves, movers typically charge by the hour. A crew rate might include:

• A truck
• Two or more movers
• Basic tools, dollies, and moving blankets

Hourly rates often fall somewhere around:

• $80–$150+ per hour for a local crew and truck (varies by city and company).
• More movers or complex logistics (tight hallways, elevators, long walks) can push that higher.

For long-distance or interstate moves, the pricing shifts. Companies usually charge based on:

• Total shipment weight (or volume)
• Total distance traveled
• Level of service (basic transport vs. full packing and unpacking)

That’s why two families with similar-sized homes can get very different quotesone might have mostly lightweight
IKEA furniture, while the other is shipping solid wood everything and a baby grand piano.

2. Size and Weight of Your Home’s Contents

The larger your home and the more stuff you own, the more you’ll pay. Movers often estimate:

• Studios and 1-bedrooms at the low end of the range
• 2- to 3-bedroom homes in the “average” range
• 4+ bedrooms or heavily furnished homes at the high end

Heavier or bulkier itemssectional sofas, large dressers, safes, exercise equipment, and oversized TVscan add
cost because they’re harder to move and take up more truck space.

3. Type of Service: DIY, Hybrid, or Full-Service

Not all moves are created equal. You’ll see very different price tags depending on how much of the work you hand
off to the pros.

• DIY move: You rent a truck, do your own packing, loading, and driving. You’ll pay for the truck,
  fuel, mileage, and maybe a slice of pizza for your friends.
• Container or “pod” move: A company drops off a portable container. You load it; they transport
  it and can store it if needed. This often lands between full DIY and full-service on price.
• Full-service move: Movers handle loading, transport, unloading, and sometimes packing and
  unpacking. It’s the most convenient and the priciest.

4. Timing: Season, Day, and Time of Day

Moving companies are busiest in:

• Summer months (roughly May through September)
• Weekends
• End of the month

If you can move on a weekday, mid-month, and/or during the off-season (fall or winter), you can often shave a nice
chunk off your quote. It’s the moving equivalent of flying on a Tuesday morning instead of a Sunday afternoon.

5. Access, Layout, and Special Circumstances

Movers will also look closely at the logistics on both ends:

• Stairs vs. elevator
• Street parking vs. driveway or loading dock
• Long hallways or “long carries” from the truck to your front door
• Narrow doorways that require disassembly or creative furniture Tetris

The more challenging the access, the more time (and often the more people) your move requiresand that shows up on
the bill.

Local vs. Long-Distance Moving Costs

Local Moves

For a local move, most companies quote an hourly rate. Here’s a simplified example to give you a feel for the math:

• Hourly rate: $120 per hour for 2 movers and a truck
• Time required: 5 hours
• Base cost: 5 × $120 = $600
• Plus: possible travel fee, fuel surcharge, and taxes

That same job with 3 movers might cost more per hour but finish faster, which is why a good moving coordinator will
sometimes suggest adding a mover instead of dragging a small crew through a long, exhausting day.

Long-Distance and Cross-Country Moves

For long-distance moves, you’ll see estimates based on:

• Approximate shipment weight (for example, 5,000–10,000 pounds)
• Number of miles traveled (e.g., 500, 1,000, or cross-country)

A smaller long-distance movesay, a lightly furnished 1-bedroom going a few states awaymight land in the lower
$2,500 to $4,000 range. Larger homes traveling across the country can easily run into the five-figure range once
you factor in distance, fuel, and labor.

What’s Included in a Typical Moving Quote?

Every company structures estimates a little differently, but a standard full-service moving quote
usually includes:

• Truck and fuel for the main trip
• Labor for loading and unloading
• Basic furniture disassembly and reassembly (beds, tables)
• Use of moving blankets and straps
• Basic liability coverage (often very limited, based on weight)

What it may not include until you ask or look closely:

• Packing services and packing materials
• Special handling for fragile or high-value items
• Storage before or after delivery
• Stair or elevator fees
• Long-carry or shuttle truck fees

Always read the estimate line by line. Yes, it’s not as fun as picking out paint colors for your new place, but
it’s where you catch the fine print that affects your final price.

Common Extra Fees and “Gotchas”

Movers aren’t necessarily trying to trick youmany of these charges cover real extra workbut they can feel like
surprises if you don’t know to expect them.

• Stair fees or elevator fees: Charged when movers have to haul items up or down multiple flights.
• Long-carry fees: If the truck can’t park close to your door, movers may charge per extra foot
  they have to walk.
• Shuttle truck fees: In tight neighborhoods or urban areas, a smaller truck may be needed to
  shuttle items to a large trailer.
• Bulky or specialty item fees: For pianos, safes, pool tables, hot tubs, and similar back-breakers.
• Fuel surcharges: Often a percentage added to cover rising fuel costs.
• Storage fees: If your belongings have to sit in a warehouse or container between homes.
• Rescheduling or cancellation fees: If plans change at the last minute.

The key is to ask for a written, itemized estimate that spells out what’s included and what might
trigger extra fees, so you’re not doing mental math with a stressed-out foreman on moving day.

How to Estimate Your Own Moving Costs

You don’t need a crystal ball to estimate your moving budgetjust a little prep and some honest self-assessment
about how much stuff you have and how much help you want.

1. Make a rough inventory. Count rooms and big items (beds, couches, dressers, appliances, etc.).
2. Measure the distance. Is it across town, across the state, or across the country?
3. Decide your service level. DIY truck, container, full-service, or a mix?
4. Use a moving cost calculator. Plug in your details to see realistic ranges.
5. Get at least three quotes. Compare prices, services, and reviewsnot just the lowest number.

Once you’ve done this, you’ll have a working budget. Add 10–20% as a buffer for unexpected fees, extra packing
materials, or the “oh no, we forgot the garage” moment.

Money-Saving Tips When Hiring Movers

You may not be able to turn a $5,000 move into a $500 move, but you can dramatically reduce your costs
with some strategic choices.

• Declutter ruthlessly. The cheapest item to move is the one you donate, sell, or recycle before
  moving day. Less weight = lower cost.
• Do your own packing. Packing services are incredibly convenient but come with a premium price.
  If you have time and energy, pack most items yourself.
• Be flexible on timing. If possible, schedule your move in the off-season or mid-week when rates
  tend to be lower.
• Ask about discounts. Some companies offer price breaks for military members, students, seniors,
  or off-peak moves.
• Limit stair trips and long carries. If you can reserve parking or clear a path to the door, you
  can cut labor time and extra fees.
• Label clearly and organize. An organized home helps movers work faster and reduces billable
  hours on local moves.

Questions to Ask Before You Hire Movers

A good moving company will happily answer your questionsif they dodge them, that’s a red flag. Add these to your
pre-move checklist:

• Is your estimate binding, non-binding, or “not-to-exceed”?
• What exactly is included in this quote?
• What could cause the price to increase?
• Do you charge extra for stairs, long carries, or heavy items?
• What type of liability coverage is included, and what are my options to upgrade it?
• Are your movers employees or subcontractors?
• How do you handle claims if something is damaged?

The way a company answers these questions tells you almost as much as the numbers on the quote.

Is Hiring Movers Worth the Cost?

Whether movers are “worth it” depends on your budget, your physical ability, your timeline, and your stress
tolerance. Hiring professionals typically makes sense if:

• You’re moving a full household (not just a few boxes).
• You’re going long-distance or cross-country.
• You have heavy, valuable, or fragile items that are risky to DIY.
• You’re short on time or can’t take multiple days off work.

If you’re moving a small place, have strong friends, and don’t mind a weekend of heavy lifting, a DIY or
container-based move might be a better fit. But if you’d rather outsource the stress (and keep your back intact),
full-service movers can absolutely earn their keep.

Real-World Experiences: What People Actually Pay for Movers

Numbers on a chart are helpful, but nothing beats real-life examples. Here are a few “day in the life” snapshots
that show how moving costs play out in practice.

Case Study 1: Moving Across Town on a Budget

Jenna lives in a one-bedroom apartment and is moving about 8 miles away, still within the same city. She doesn’t
own a ton of furniturejust a bed, a small couch, a dining table, and some shelvesbut she does have plenty of
boxes and kitchen gear. She decides to hire a small local moving company for loading, transport, and unloading and
does all her own packing.

The company charges $120 per hour for two movers and a truck with a three-hour minimum. Jenna books a weekday
morning slot and reserves parking in front of both buildings so the truck can park close. The move takes about
four hours, including drive time.

• Base labor: 4 hours × $120 = $480
• Travel/fuel fee: $60
• Tax and small supplies: about $30
• Total: roughly $570

Could she have done it cheaper with a DIY truck and a couple of friends? Probably. Would it have taken longer and
cost her some pizza, drinks, and a favor she’d owe later? Also yes. For Jenna, the extra few hundred dollars were
worth the lack of chaos.

Case Study 2: Family Moving to a New State

Marcus and Alexis are relocating with their two kids from a 3-bedroom rental home to a similar-sized home about
800 miles away. They own a decent amount of furniture, plus bikes, kids’ gear, and a fully stocked garage. The move
is too big to DIY, so they compare several full-service movers and one container company.

The full-service quotes range between $6,000 and $9,000, depending on the exact weight and whether they add professional packing. The container option looks cheaper at first glanceabout $4,000but they’d still have to load and unload everything themselves or hire local labor on both ends.

After doing the math and considering their tight timeline, they choose a full-service mover with a
not-to-exceed estimate of $7,500 that includes:

• Loading and unloading
• Transport to the new state
• Basic disassembly and reassembly of beds
• Standard liability coverage

They pack their own boxes to keep the cost down, declutter aggressively, and move on a weekday to avoid a
peak-rate weekend. The final bill comes in just under the estimate, and they’re able to focus on their new jobs
and schools instead of stressed-out road tripping with a rental truck.

Case Study 3: Blending DIY and Professional Help

Carlos is moving from a 2-bedroom townhouse to a new construction home about 300 miles away. He’s pretty handy and
has a couple of friends who don’t mind helping for a day, but he doesn’t want to drive a large moving truck on
unfamiliar highways.

He chooses a hybrid approach:

• Books a moving container for about $2,500, including delivery, transport, and drop-off at the new home.
• Hires local movers for 3 hours on each end to help with loading and unloading heavy furniture (roughly $400 per side).
• Handles packing, small boxes, and fragile items himself.

His total moving cost ends up around $3,300. That’s more than a pure DIY move but significantly less than some of
the full-service quotes he receivedand he doesn’t have to white-knuckle a 26-foot truck down the highway.

Lessons from Real Moves

Across these scenarios, a few themes show up over and over:

• Preparation pays off. The more you declutter and organize before moving day, the lower your costs.
• Hybrid solutions can be smart. Combining containers, local labor, and DIY packing can offer a good balance of savings and convenience.
• Timing matters. Flexible dates can unlock better pricing and easier scheduling.
• Clarity beats guesswork. Clear estimates, written details, and honest conversation with movers keep surprises (and arguments) to a minimum.

At the end of the day, the “right” move for you is the one that fits your budget, protects your belongings, and
keeps your stress to a manageable level. Movers can be a major line item in your moving budget, but with the right
planning and questions, you can make sure every dollar is pulling its weightjust like the crew carrying your couch
up the stairs.