Your Move Details
Move Type
Home Size
Service Level
Move Season
Extras & Add-ons
Stairs at Origin or Destination
Estimated Cost Range
$— — $—
Rough editorial estimates for planning purposes — actual quotes vary widely. Always get 3+ quotes from licensed movers.
Cost Breakdown
DIY vs. Movers (estimated ranges)
| Option | Cost Range | Tradeoff |
|---|
💡 Cost-Saving Tips Based on Your Inputs
What Affects Moving Costs?
Moving costs are driven by a handful of key variables. Understanding them helps you compare quotes and spot overcharges:
- Distance: Local moves are priced by the hour; long-distance moves are typically priced by weight and mileage.
- Home size / weight: More belongings = more truck space + more labor time = higher cost.
- Service level: Full-service (pack + move + unpack) costs significantly more than labor-only or DIY.
- Timing: Summer (June–August) and weekends cost more due to demand. Mid-week, off-season moves are almost always cheaper.
- Access challenges: Long carries (parking distance from door), no elevator, or many stairs add labor time.
- Specialty items: Pianos, pool tables, safes, and hot tubs require special equipment and extra labor.
Moving Cost Estimates by Home Size
The ranges below are rough editorial estimates based on publicly available moving cost data. They are provided for budget planning only — not as quotes. Actual costs vary significantly by region, specific companies, time of year, and the exact weight and distance of your move. Always get at least 3 in-home or video estimates from licensed movers.
| Home Size | Local (full-service) | Regional (full-service) | Cross-country (full-service) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $350 – $800 | $1,200 – $2,500 | $2,000 – $4,500 |
| 1-Bedroom | $500 – $1,200 | $1,800 – $3,500 | $2,800 – $6,000 |
| 2-Bedroom | $750 – $1,800 | $2,500 – $5,000 | $4,000 – $8,500 |
| 3-Bedroom | $1,200 – $3,000 | $3,500 – $7,000 | $5,500 – $12,000 |
| 4-Bedroom | $1,800 – $5,000 | $5,000 – $10,000 | $7,500 – $16,000 |
| 5+ Bedroom | $3,000 – $8,000+ | $7,000 – $15,000+ | $10,000 – $22,000+ |
Estimates based on industry-wide ballpark data. For very large homes (5+ bedrooms), individual quotes vary extremely widely — always get in-home estimates.
Full-Service Movers vs. DIY: Which Is Right for You?
The honest answer depends on your situation:
- Choose DIY if: Your move is short (<50 miles), you're physically able to help, you have friends who can assist, you have flexibility on timing, and saving money is the top priority.
- Choose full-service if: You're moving long-distance, you have many large/heavy items, you're on a tight timeline, or the cost of your time + physical risk is high.
- Consider hybrid: You pack, movers load and drive. This middle path is often 30–40% cheaper than full-service while saving your back on moving day.
FAQ
Local moves (under 50 miles) are typically charged by the hour. A rough planning range for a 2-bedroom local move with full-service movers is $500–$1,500 depending on the size of your home, number of stairs, and time required. Always get 3+ real quotes from licensed local movers before committing.
Cross-country moves (1,000+ miles) involve a broader range of costs. A rough planning range for a 2-bedroom cross-country move with full-service movers is $3,000–$8,000. The actual cost depends on the weight of your belongings, exact distance, and additional services. Get 3 binding estimates from licensed interstate movers.
DIY truck rental is almost always cheaper than full-service movers in cash cost, but factor in your time, physical labor, fuel, mileage fees, and the risk of damage or injury. For short moves, DIY is often 50–70% cheaper. For very long distances, the gap narrows due to fuel and potential extra rental days.
Moving costs are highest June through August (peak season) and on weekends and month-end dates. Moving in October–April (excluding holidays) or mid-month on a weekday can save 10–20% on mover rates. Off-peak movers also have more availability.
The biggest add-on costs are: full packing service (adds $400–$1,200 depending on home size), long carry or no elevator, specialty items like a piano (+$200–500), and storage ($100–300/month). Stairs at either location also add labor time.
These are rough editorial estimates for budget planning — not actual quotes. Actual costs vary widely based on your location, specific items, exact route, timing, and which companies you contact. Always get at least 3 in-home or video estimates from licensed movers before committing.
For interstate moves, verify the company has a valid USDOT number (check via FMCSA). Get a binding estimate in writing. Avoid companies that demand large cash deposits upfront or give quotes without seeing your belongings. Check reviews on Google and Better Business Bureau.