Moving Cost Calculator

A local move (under 50 miles) with full-service movers costs $800 to $2,500 for a 1 to 2 bedroom home and $2,500 to $5,000 for a 3 to 4 bedroom home. Local moves are typically charged by the hour ($100 to $200 per hour for a 2 to 3 person crew) plus a truck fee and supplies. A DIY truck rental for a local move costs $50 to $200 plus fuel.

A long-distance move (500+ miles) for a 3-bedroom home costs $3,500 to $7,000 with full-service movers. Cross-country moves (2,000+ miles) range from $5,000 to $12,000 depending on the amount of belongings and services. Long-distance moves are priced by weight (typically $0.50 to $0.80 per pound) and distance rather than hourly rates. A 3-bedroom home averages 7,500 to 10,000 pounds.

The cheapest time to move is during the off-peak season from September through May, with the lowest prices typically in January and February. Peak season (June through August) adds a 20 to 30% premium because demand from families moving before the school year is highest. Mid-month moves are also cheaper than end-of-month moves when most leases turn over. Weekday moves can save an additional 10 to 15% compared to weekend moves.

DIY moving costs roughly 50% less than full-service movers. Renting a 26-foot truck for a cross-country move costs $1,500 to $3,000 plus fuel ($400 to $800) and tolls. However, you must load, drive, and unload yourself. Full-service movers handle everything for $5,000 to $10,000 for the same move. For local moves under 100 miles, the savings from DIY are smaller ($500 to $1,000) and may not be worth the physical effort.

Basic coverage (included free) provides $0.60 per pound per article, meaning a 50-pound TV damaged in transit is only covered for $30 regardless of actual value. Full-value protection (typically 3% of move cost) covers the full replacement value or repair cost of damaged items with a deductible of $250 to $500. For a $5,000 move, full-value insurance costs about $150 and is strongly recommended for households with valuable furniture or electronics.

Moving a piano costs $300 to $800 for local moves and $500 to $2,000 for long-distance, depending on the piano type (upright vs grand). Pool tables cost $200 to $600 to move. Safes and gun cabinets cost $200 to $500. Fine art requiring crating costs $150 to $500 per piece. These items require specialized equipment, extra labor, and careful handling that standard movers charge as add-ons.