How much does a local move cost?

A local move under 100 miles typically costs $800-$2,500 for a 2-3 bedroom home using professional movers. Studio and 1-bedroom moves average $400-$1,200. Larger 4+ bedroom homes range from $2,000-$5,000. These costs include labor, truck rental, basic supplies, and insurance. The primary cost driver for local moves is the number of hours required, which correlates directly with the volume of belongings and distance between homes.

When is the cheapest time to move?

The cheapest time to move is during off-peak months from October through April, when rates are 20-30% lower than peak summer pricing. Within any month, mid-week moves (Tuesday through Thursday) cost less than weekends, and mid-month dates are cheaper than month-end when lease turnovers spike demand. According to AMSA data, approximately 70% of all moves happen between May and September, so moving off-peak gives you both lower prices and wider availability of quality movers.

Should I hire professional movers or do it myself?

For local moves with a small household, DIY moving (renting a truck and enlisting friends) saves 50-70% compared to hiring professionals. However, for long-distance moves, large homes, or households with valuable or fragile items, professional movers provide insurance coverage, proper equipment, and efficiency that justify the cost. Professional movers also reduce the risk of injury -- back injuries are the most common moving-related injury according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How much should I tip movers?

The standard tip for professional movers is $20-$40 per mover for a half-day (4 hours or less) and $40-$60 per mover for a full-day move. This works out to approximately 15-20% of the total labor cost split among the crew. For exceptional service -- careful handling of fragile items, navigating difficult stairs, or working in extreme weather -- consider tipping toward the higher end. Tips should be given in cash directly to each mover at the end of the job.

How do I verify a moving company is legitimate?

For interstate moves, verify the mover's USDOT number on the FMCSA website. Check for valid operating authority, insurance, and complaint history. For local moves, verify state licensing and read reviews on multiple platforms. Red flags include requiring large upfront deposits, providing estimates over the phone without seeing your belongings, and lacking a physical business address. The FMCSA reports that moving fraud complaints average over 3,000 per year.

Moving Cost Calculator

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How Moving Costs Are Estimated

Moving cost estimation is the process of calculating the total expense of relocating a household based on distance, home size, labor, and additional services. According to the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA), the average cost of an intrastate (local) move is approximately $1,400, while an interstate (long-distance) move averages $4,890. These figures vary significantly based on the weight of belongings, distance traveled, and time of year.

This calculator breaks costs into five components: labor, truck rental, packing materials/services, basic insurance coverage, and customary tips. Local moves (under 100 miles) are primarily charged by the hour, while long-distance moves are calculated using shipment weight and mileage. Labor typically represents 40-60% of total moving costs. You can pair this with our moving box calculator to determine packing supply needs, and our budget calculator to plan the overall financial impact.

The Moving Cost Formula

Moving costs are calculated differently for local and long-distance moves:

Local Move (under 100 miles): Total = (Hours x Number of Movers x Hourly Rate) + Truck Rental + Packing + Insurance + Tips

Long-Distance Move: Total = (Shipment Weight x Per-Pound Rate) + (Distance x Per-Mile Rate) + Packing + Insurance + Tips

Labor Rate = $25-$50 per mover per hour (local); based on weight for long-distance
Truck Cost = $50-$150/day locally; $0.50-$1.50 per mile for long-distance
Packing = $25-$50 per room for professional service; $15-$30 per room for DIY supplies
Insurance = Approximately 1-5% of total move cost for full-value protection
Tips = $20-$50 per mover for a standard move

Worked example: A 2-bedroom local move (30 miles) with 3 movers for 6 hours at $35/hour: Labor = 6 x 3 x $35 = $630. Truck = $80. Packing supplies = $75. Insurance = $32. Tips = $120 (3 x $40). Total = approximately $937. Peak season (May-September) adds a 25% surcharge, bringing the total to approximately $1,171.

Key Terms You Should Know

Bill of Lading -- The official contract between you and the moving company. It details the shipment weight, services, charges, and delivery dates. Review it carefully before signing.
Binding Estimate -- A guaranteed price from the mover based on an in-home or virtual survey. You pay the quoted amount regardless of actual weight. Preferred over non-binding estimates.
Non-Binding Estimate -- An approximate cost that can increase if your shipment weighs more than expected. The final bill is based on actual weight.
Valuation Coverage -- Moving companies offer two levels: Released Value (free, covers $0.60 per pound per item) and Full Value Protection (paid, covers repair or replacement at current value).
Peak Season -- May through September, when approximately 70% of all moves occur according to AMSA data. Rates are 20-30% higher, and booking 4-8 weeks ahead is recommended.
Access Fee -- An extra charge applied when movers cannot park within a certain distance (usually 75 feet) of your door, or when stairs, elevators, or narrow hallways are involved.

Average Moving Costs by Home Size

The following table shows typical cost ranges based on data from AMSA and moving industry surveys. These represent averages for the continental US and include labor, truck, and basic supplies:

Home Size	Local Move (< 100 mi)	Long-Distance (1,000 mi)	Avg Weight
Studio/1BR	$400 - $1,200	$1,500 - $3,000	~2,000 lbs
2 Bedrooms	$800 - $2,000	$2,500 - $5,000	~5,000 lbs
3 Bedrooms	$1,200 - $3,500	$4,000 - $7,500	~7,500 lbs
4+ Bedrooms	$2,000 - $5,000	$5,000 - $12,000	~10,000 lbs

Practical Examples

Example 1: Local Studio Move (DIY). Sarah rents a cargo van for $50/day plus $0.69/mile for a 15-mile move. She recruits two friends. Van cost: $50 + $10.35 = $60. She buys $30 in boxes and supplies. Pizza and drinks for helpers: $40. Total: approximately $130 -- a fraction of the $800+ professional quote.

Example 2: 3-Bedroom Professional Move (50 miles). The Williams family hires 3 movers at $35/hour for an estimated 8 hours. Labor: $840. Truck: $150. Professional packing: $350. Insurance: $50. Tips: $160 (about $53 each). Peak season surcharge (25%): $388. Total: approximately $1,938. They compare this against our budget calculator projections.

Example 3: Cross-Country Move (2,500 miles). Mike is relocating from New York to Los Angeles with a 4-bedroom house weighing approximately 10,000 lbs. Freight cost: $5,000. Packing service: $800. Full value insurance: $400. Tips: $200. Total: approximately $6,400. Moving off-peak in February saves 25%, reducing the estimate to approximately $4,800.

Tips to Reduce Moving Costs

Move off-peak. October through April rates are 20-30% lower. Mid-week and mid-month dates are the cheapest. According to AMSA, only 30% of moves happen during off-peak months, meaning more availability and lower prices.
Declutter before the move. Every 100 lbs eliminated from a long-distance shipment saves $50-$100. Sell, donate, or discard items you no longer need before packing.
Get at least 3 binding estimates. Prices vary significantly between movers. The FMCSA recommends getting written estimates from at least 3 licensed movers and checking their registration on the federal database.
Pack yourself. DIY packing saves $200-$800 depending on home size. Professional packing is worth it for fragile items and large kitchens, but you can handle bedrooms, closets, and storage areas yourself.
Use free boxes. Source boxes from liquor stores, bookstores, and online marketplaces instead of buying new ones. See our moving box calculator for how many you need.
Consider a hybrid approach. Load a portable storage container (PODS, U-Pack) yourself and have it transported professionally. This combines DIY labor savings with professional transport for long distances.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for decisions specific to your situation.