How Much Does It Cost to Move?
Get a ballpark estimate of your moving costs based on home size, distance, and move type. All figures based on 2026 industry averages.
Average Moving Costs in 2026
| Home Size | Local Move | Long Distance | Cross-Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Full Service vs. Labor Only vs. DIY Rental
Full service (movers pack and move everything) costs 35–50% more than labor-only but saves significant time. Best for long-distance moves or when time is short.
Labor only (you pack, they move) is the most popular choice for local moves. You control how fragile items are packed and save on packing labor. Most local movers offer this model as their standard service.
DIY truck rental from U-Haul, Penske, or Enterprise is the cheapest option for local moves — $30–$150/day plus fuel. For cross-country moves, factor in mileage ($0.99–$1.29/mile), fuel, and lodging. The cost difference from full-service shrinks considerably for long hauls.
Tips to Save on Moving Costs
- Move mid-week and mid-month — Weekend and month-end moves cost 15–25% more due to demand
- Avoid peak season (May–September) — Winter moves are significantly cheaper and easier to schedule
- Declutter first — Every item you don't move saves on labor and long-distance weight pricing
- Get 3 written quotes — Prices vary 30–50% between moving companies in the same market
- Book 6–8 weeks early for summer moves — Late booking means fewer date options and higher rates
What Do Moving Companies Actually Charge?
Local movers charge by the hour — typically $100–$200/hr for a two-person crew with a truck. Long-distance movers charge by weight and distance. A 2-bedroom household typically weighs 5,000–7,500 lbs. At $0.50–$0.70 per pound per 1,000 miles, a 1,500-mile move for a 2-bedroom home can run $3,750–$7,875 in base transportation costs alone, before fuel surcharges, packing, and liability coverage.
Always request a binding estimate — not a non-binding one — for long-distance moves. Non-binding estimates can increase significantly at delivery if the actual weight exceeds the estimate.
DIY Moving Cost Breakdown
| Item | Local Move | Cross-Country |
|---|---|---|
| Truck rental (26 ft) | $100–$200/day | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Fuel | $40–$100 | $300–$700 |
| Moving boxes and supplies | $100–$250 | $150–$350 |
| Labor (friends/hired help) | $0–$300 | $0–$600 |
| Hotel (if needed) | — | $100–$300/night |
| Total DIY estimate | $240–$850 | $1,550–$4,350 |
Packing Tips That Reduce Moving Costs
- Start 4–6 weeks early — Rushing means hiring packers or working inefficiently on move day
- Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes — Folds take much longer to unpack and often cause wrinkles and damage
- Label every box on the side, not the top — Boxes get stacked; side labels stay visible
- Disassemble large furniture in advance — Movers charge for time; pre-disassembling saves hourly cost
- Keep high-value items with you — Jewelry, documents, electronics, and irreplaceable items should travel in your vehicle