Moving Cost Calculator

Instantly estimate your moving costs and find the best moving companies

Average amount

How the moving cost calculator works

Step 1: Tell us about your move

Enter your pickup and delivery address, size of your move (number of bedrooms), and how much stuff you have.

Step 2: Get your instant moving estimate

See your expected moving cost based on your move details.

Step 3: Connect with a moving company

When you are ready to move, let us recommend the best moving companies near you, and get free quotes from companies that you select.

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We value your privacy and only share your moving quote request with the companies that you select.
Rest assured that if you use our tools and services we will only give out your contact details to companies if you specificly request us to do so. We do not sell your data.

What affects the cost of moving?

  • Move size: The more stuff you have to move, the longer the move will take. A large move will require a larger truck and more movers in order to complete the move in a reasonable time. For local moves, the move size is the primary cost determining factor.
  • Distance: The longer the distance, the higher the moving cost. For local moves that are usually less than 50 miles, the distance is usually not factored into the price. For long-distance moves, the distance to the destination is the primary cost determining factor.
  • Type of service: Using a DIY service, such as a container company, often saves money but requires you to handle all the packing and unpacking. Hiring full-service movers is more convenient, as they manage loading, unloading, and transportation.
  • Furniture assembly and disassembly: Most companies offer help with taking apart and reassembling furniture like beds, and washers and dryers. More complicated installs of items like dishwashers or mounting TVs will usually require a speciality mover or plumber or AV technician. The more items that require assembly and disassembly, the longer your move will take.
  • Distance from door to truck: The distance from the where the truck can park and the door to your home will determine how long it is going to take to load or unload the truck. If this is more than 100 ft, then the time and cost can increase significantly.
  • Stairs: Moving furniture up and down stairs is difficult and takes time. If the stairs are narrow and you have heavy or large furniture, then this can significantly slow down your move and cost more.
  • Packing and Unpacking Services: Opting for full-service movers who will unpack and arrange all your belongings costs more because it takes much more time. Most of the time people will pack their own stuff into boxes and prepare as much as possible before the moving company comes to load the truck. You can also opt to get cheaper packing help from gig workers, and leave the moving to the professionals.

    • Other factors that can affect the moving cost

  • Heavy and cumbersome items: Transporting large or uniquely shaped belongings—such as pianos, pool tables, hot tubs, motorcycles, or safes—generally comes at a premium. Movers often charge a few hundred dollars extra for handling these heavy, cumbersome pieces.
  • Expensive items: If you have expensive furniture or art, then you will need a premium mover that has the experience to move your items safely and sufficient insurance to cover any potential damages that might occur.
  • Packing Supplies: If your movers need to use materials like bubble wrap, mattress protectors, TV boxes, or packing paper, you can expect to be billed accordingly. Some companies also offer these materials for purchase, making it easy to have everything on hand. All movers usually provide cling wrap and moving blankets at no cost.
  • Extra Stops: If you need the movers to swing by a storage unit or make a stop at another residence, then it is going to cost more for mileage and time.
  • Expedited Delivery: Long-distance moves usually have a delivery time window that allows the moving company to more efficiently plan and deliver your stuff, thereby reducing costs. If you need your stuff to arrive by a certain date, then you are like to pay more.
  • Time of year: Costs tend to spike during the summer, which is considered peak moving season. Planning a move between October and April can often lead to more favorable rates.
  • Moving date: Prices are usually lower if you schedule your move for the middle of the week and the middle of the month. Weekends and the start or end of the month often come with higher rates, largely due to increased demand.
  • Tipping: Moving is hard work and most workers don't get paid a lot. Tipping goes a long way in helping workers maintain a livable income from this type of work. The amount you tip is up to you. Anywhere between $20 - $100 per worker is common.

    • Types of moves

    Local move

    Local moves are within a city and usually less than 50 miles. Moving companies often charge a basefare for the move, which will include any mileage up to 50 miles. If the distance is more, they will charge extra per mile. The primary cost factor for local moves is the time it will take to load and unload your home.

    Long-distance move

    Long-distance moves, or interstate moves, are moves that can be from one city to another. The primary cost factor for long-distance moves is the distance that you are moving.

    International move

    International moves to another country is much more complicated and will require specialist movers that have connections with other moving companies in your destination country.

    Car moving

    Car moving is a specialist service where movers will load your car, or other vehicle, onto a car-hauling trailer and transport it to your destination. The advantage of car moving is that you don't need to drive your car a long-distance and it can save you adding mileage to your vehicle.

    FAQ

    Yes, many movers provide packing and unpacking services for an extra fee. Full-service movers can pack your belongings, load and unload the truck, and even unpack at your new home.
    Yes, some movers will charge a fee if you ask them to stop at more than one location, or they will simply charge for the extra time it takes.
    Yes. Items like grand pianos, pool tables, hot tubs , and safes will require speciality movers and often come with additional charges due to their size and complexity.
    The amount you tip depends on you, but anywhere between $20 - $100 per worker is common.