Moving costs vary enormously depending on home size, distance, and how much help you hire. In 2026, a local move for a 2-bedroom home averages $800–$2,500. A cross-country move for the same home runs $4,000–$10,000. But the range within each category is wide — knowing what drives costs helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
Moving Cost by Home Size and Distance
These ranges reflect full-service moving (movers pack and move everything) at national average rates. Labor-only moves, where you do the packing, typically run 30–40% less.
| Home Size | Local (<50 mi) | Long Distance (50–500 mi) | Cross-Country (500+ mi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bed | $500–$1,200 | $1,500–$3,500 | $2,500–$5,000 |
| 2 bedrooms | $800–$2,500 | $2,500–$6,000 | $4,000–$10,000 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,200–$4,000 | $4,000–$8,500 | $6,000–$14,000 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,000–$6,000 | $6,000–$12,000 | $9,000–$18,000 |
These are rough ranges — your actual quote will depend on the weight of your belongings, specific origin and destination addresses, time of year, and which company you hire. Always get at least 3 written quotes before booking.
What's Included in Moving Costs?
Labor is the biggest cost driver for local moves. Movers typically charge $100–$200 per hour for a 2-person crew. A standard 2-bedroom local move takes 4–6 hours, putting labor alone at $400–$1,200. A 3-bedroom move with stairs or a long carry from the truck takes longer — budget 6–10 hours.
Distance and weight drive long-distance pricing. Most interstate moving companies charge based on the total weight of your shipment and the mileage. Average household weight is roughly 1,000 lbs per room. A 3-bedroom home typically weighs 7,000–10,000 lbs. At $0.50–$0.70 per lb per mile, a 1,000-mile cross-country move adds up fast.
Packing services add $300–$1,500 depending on home size. Professional packers are faster and more experienced with fragile items, but you pay for it. Many people split the difference: pack most rooms themselves and hire packers for the kitchen and fragile items only.
Packing materials — boxes, tape, packing paper, bubble wrap — add $100–$400 for a typical home. Buying used boxes on Facebook Marketplace, getting free boxes from liquor stores or bookstores, and using towels and linens as padding can cut this cost significantly.
Storage, if there's a gap between your move-out and move-in dates, typically costs $100–$300 per month for a 10×10 unit. Many moving companies offer short-term storage ("storage in transit") as part of a move package.
Full Service vs. Labor Only vs. DIY Rental Truck
Full service (movers pack, load, transport, unload, and sometimes unpack) is the most expensive option but the lowest stress. Best for long-distance moves, large homes, or moves with a hard deadline. Costs 35–50% more than labor-only for the same move.
Labor only (you pack, movers load and transport) is the most popular option for local moves. You save on packing labor and have full control over how fragile items are packed. Most local moving companies offer this model.
DIY rental truck is the cheapest option for local moves but the most physical. Truck rentals from U-Haul, Penske, or Enterprise start at $30–$60/day for a small truck, up to $100–$200/day for a large 26-foot truck. Local moves also require fuel and insurance ($10–$30/day extra). For cross-country moves, add mileage charges ($0.99–$1.29/mile with most companies) plus fuel — a 2,000-mile cross-country move in a large truck can cost $1,500–$2,500 in rental and fuel alone.
Hidden Moving Costs to Watch For
Many moving quotes don't include everything. Watch for these common add-ons:
- Stairs and elevator fees — Most movers charge $50–$100 per flight of stairs or elevator use. Disclosed in the quote, but easy to miss.
- Long carry fees — If the truck can't park close to your door, movers charge extra for the distance. In urban areas with no parking, this is common.
- Shuttle fees — If your street is too narrow for a full-size moving truck, a smaller shuttle truck is required, adding $200–$400.
- Specialty item fees — Pianos, safes, pool tables, and oversized items often have per-item fees of $100–$300.
- Fuel surcharges — Variable and usually applied to long-distance moves. Always ask if fuel is included in the quoted rate.
- Liability and valuation coverage — Basic coverage is 60 cents per pound, which is nearly worthless for valuable items. Full replacement value protection costs 1–3% of the declared value of your belongings.
Tips to Save on Moving Costs
- Move mid-week and mid-month — Weekends and month-end dates (when most leases turn over) are 15–25% more expensive. Tuesday–Thursday is typically cheapest.
- Avoid peak season — May through September is the busiest moving season. Moving in winter (January–March) can save 15–30% and gives you more date flexibility.
- Book early — Summer moves fill up fast. For June, July, and August moves, book 6–8 weeks in advance to get the best rates and dates.
- Declutter before you move — Every item you don't move saves on labor time and long-distance weight. Sell, donate, or trash anything you wouldn't buy again at its current value.
- Get 3+ written quotes — Prices vary 30–50% between moving companies in the same market. Require in-home (or video) estimates for accurate long-distance quotes — phone estimates are often low and subject to adjustment.
- DIY the packing — Packing yourself saves $300–$1,500 and gives you control over fragile items. Start 3–4 weeks before move day and work room by room.
How to Vet a Moving Company
Moving scams are unfortunately common. Before booking, verify the company has a valid USDOT number (required for interstate moves, searchable at fmcsa.dot.gov), check reviews on Google and the Better Business Bureau, and get the quote in writing. Be wary of companies that demand a large cash deposit or won't give a written estimate — these are red flags.
For local moves, ask specifically whether the company is licensed in your state and carries workers' compensation insurance. You don't want liability if a mover is injured in your home.
How Many Boxes Do You Need?
A 2-bedroom home typically needs 30–50 moving boxes. The exact number depends on how much stuff you have and how densely you pack. Use our packing box calculator for a room-by-room estimate based on your specific home.