How Much Does It Cost to Move? Local and Long-Distance Moving Cost Factors
Moving quotes vary a lot from company to company. Understanding how movers price a job helps you compare quotes fairly and avoid surprises on moving day.
What drives the cost
| Cost factor | Impact | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | High impact | Local moves are usually priced by the hour; long-distance by weight or volume and miles. |
| Amount of stuff | High impact | More rooms and heavier items mean more labor and a bigger truck. |
| Packing services | Medium | Full packing adds labor and materials. |
| Timing | Medium | Summer, weekends and month-end are peak times. |
| Access | Medium | Stairs, elevators, long carries and parking restrictions add time. |
| Specialty items | Medium | Pianos, safes and fragile antiques need special handling. |
| Valuation / insurance | Lower | Basic coverage may be limited; full-value protection costs more. |
| Storage | Lower | If move-out and move-in dates don't line up. |
Budget checklist: what to include
- Movers' labor or line-haul charge
- Truck / fuel / travel fees
- Packing materials
- Packing and unpacking labor
- Specialty item handling
- Valuation coverage
- Storage
- Tips for the crew
- Cleaning and repairs at the old place
- Utility setup and deposits
- Travel, meals and lodging for long moves
Ways to save
- Declutter before you get quotes.
- Move mid-month, mid-week and outside summer if you can.
- Pack yourself, and hire pros only for heavy lifting.
- Get at least three in-home or video estimates.
- Ask whether an estimate is binding.
Questions to ask before you hire or book
- Are you licensed? (Interstate movers in the U.S. must be registered with FMCSA and have a USDOT number.)
- Is the estimate binding, non-binding, or binding not-to-exceed?
- What valuation coverage is included?
- Are there fees for stairs, long carries or shuttles?
- What's the deposit? (Be wary of large cash deposits.)
Ready for real numbers? The only way to know your price is written quotes for your exact job. Request quotes from local pros or plan it in our budget calculator.
Interstate mover registration: see the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's consumer resources at fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move. This guide explains cost factors rather than quoting dollar figures, because moving costs vary widely by route, volume and season.