You're Moving? Here's How to Get Your Free Moving Quote – and Avoid Any Surprises!
So, you’ve got a big move coming up. Maybe you’re switching apartments across town or heading halfway across the country. But no matter how far you’re going, one thing is for sure—
And the cost of moving might surprise you more than you think! On average, a local move can run anywhere from$300 to $1,500,while a cross-country move could set you back between $2,000 and $5,000.
And if you’re moving internationally. Well, that can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 or more!
Now, we know what you're thinking—“Great, but how can I know exactly how much my move will cost?”
Well, use our free moving cost calculator above to estimate how much your move will cost.
You see, moving costs can vary like crazy.
There are labor costs for the movers (yep, they charge by the hour), mileage fees for the truck, and even extra charges for things like specialty items.
But our moving cost calculator takes all of that into account.
It’s fast, free, and gives you a clear estimate based on the specifics of your move.
So, instead of getting hit with random costs you weren’t expecting, you’ll know exactly what’s involved.
And, if you need to cut costs, our calculator even gives you tips on how to do that.
Note: We cover most U.S. zip codes for long-distance moves and all major cities for local moves. Plus, all the van lines in our network are registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), so you can trust that they operate legally.
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Moving costs can vary a lot depending on a bunch of factors, but if you’re wondering what the average moving cost is, here’s a rough idea.
For a local move(within the same city or region), you're probably looking at somewhere between $300 and $1,500—yeah, it’s a bit of a range, but that’s because it depends on how much stuff you’re moving and how much help you need.
If you’re heading cross-country, though, the price tag jumps up a bit.$2,000 to $5,000 is the ballpark for long-distance moves,
And if you’re planning an international move, you can expect the cost to be anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 or more.
But those numbers can change depending on the season, how much you're moving, and any special services you need (like packing or moving fragile items).
That's why our moving cost calculator is so handy—it gives you a more accurate estimate based on your exact situation, so you're not left guessing how much your move will cost.
If you're moving within the same city or maybe just across town—it sounds like a local move, right?
While local moves tend to be less expensive than long-distance or international moves, a lot goes into it.
The average cost of a local move is between $300 and $1,500, but this depends heavily on factors like how many movers you need, the size of your home, and the amount of stuff you're moving.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect for a local move:
| Cost Type | Average Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Labor Rate | $100 - $200 per hour | Most moving companies charge by the hour. The rate depends on the number of movers and the size of your move. |
| Truck Rental | $50 - $150 per hour or a flat fee ($100-$500) | Charges depend on truck size, duration of use, and distance within the city. |
| Packing Services | $100 - $500+ | Depending on how much you need to be packed, this could be extra, including packing materials and labor. |
| Additional Fees (Stairs, Elevators, etc.) | $50 - $150 | Extra charges for stairs, long carries, or elevators. Often added for moves in apartment buildings. |
| Insurance | $50 - $200+ | If you opt for insurance, it can be added to the total cost based on the value of your belongings. |
| Fuel Charges | $25 - $100 | Some movers may charge for fuel based on the distance driven during your move. |
Pro tip:It’s always a good idea to get a free quote based on your specific needs to get a more accurate picture.
Cross-country moves are a bit of a different beast, with more factors to consider than a local move. That’s why the price range is so broad.
Whether you're moving from New York to California or from Texas to Washington, long-distance moves come with their own set of costs.
Unlike local moves, where you pay by the hour, cross-country moves are usually priced based on distance, weight, and the type of services you need.
On average, cross-country moves can range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more.
Here’s the thing:the farther you go, the higher the costs can climb.
| Mileage | Studio/1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedrooms | 4+ Bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250–500 miles | $1,300 – $3,085 | $2,700 – $4,600 | $3,000 – $6,500 |
| 500–1,000 miles | $1,500 – $3,400 | $2,900 – $5,100 | $3,400 – $6,800 |
| 1,000 miles | $2,100 – $4,600 | $3,200 – $5,700 | $3,800 – $7,600 |
| 1,500 miles | $2,300 – $4,800 | $3,400 – $5,900 | $4,000 – $7,900 |
| 2,000 miles | $2,400 – $5,100 | $3,600 – $6,200 | $4,200 – $8,100 |
| 2,500+ miles | $2,400 – $5,000 | $4,800 – $7,300 | $6,200 – $11,300 |
When it comes to international moves, we’re talking a whole new ballgame. Unlike local or even cross-country moves, the cost of moving internationally depends on where you're headed, the amount of stuff you’re bringing, and the services you choose.
On average, international moves can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more,but there’s no one-size-fits-all price tag.
Here's a rough breakdown based on some common destinations, distances, and the size of your home:
| Region/Distance | Studio/1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedrooms | 4+ Bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|
| To Canada (500-1,000 miles) | $2,000 – $3,500 | $3,500 – $5,500 | $4,500 – $7,000 |
| Europe (2,500–5,000 miles) | $3,000 – $5,000 | $5,500 – $8,000 | $7,000 – $10,000 |
| Asia (5,000–8,000 miles) | $3,500 – $6,500 | $6,000 – $9,000 | $8,000 – $12,000 |
| Australia (8,000+ miles) | $4,000 – $7,000 | $6,500 – $10,000 | $9,000 – $15,000 |
| South America (2,000–5,000 miles) | $2,500 – $4,500 | $4,500 – $7,500 | $6,000 – $10,000 |
These costs include container shipping, insurance, and customs clearance. However, depending on the destination, additional fees may apply.
International moves are more complex, and each country has its own customs regulations, which can also affect the price.
Remember, these are rough estimates. Many variables, such as shipping methods (air vs. sea), port charges, and any additional services (packing, specialty items), can change the final cost.
Moving containers has become a popular option for many people, especially those looking for flexibility in their move.
They’re convenient, often more affordable than hiring full-service movers, and allow you to pack and load at your own pace.
The cost of renting a moving container typically depends on the size of the container, how long you need it, and the distance you're moving.
On average, moving containers can cost anywhere from $100 to $2,500+ depending on these factors.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of what you can expect for container rentals:
| Container Size | Rental Cost (per month) | Shipping Cost (per mile) | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8-foot container | $100 – $300 | $0.50 – $1.00 | $500 – $2,000 |
| 16-foot container | $150 – $400 | $0.75 – $1.50 | $800 – $2,500 |
| 20-foot container | $200 – $500 | $1.00 – $2.00 | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| 40-foot container | $300 – $600 | $1.25 – $2.50 | $1,500 – $4,500 |
Container Size: The larger the container, the more it will cost. A small 8-foot container is usually good for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment, while a 20-foot or 40-foot container is better for bigger homes or long-distance moves.
Rental Cost:This is the fee for the container itself. The price usually depends on how long you need the container (renting for longer periods will increase the cost).
Shipping Cost:Shipping Cost: This is how much it costs to transport the container from your old home to your new one. Rates vary based on distance, size, and whether you're moving locally or cross-country.
Estimated Total Cost:This combines the rental and shipping costs for a rough total cost estimate. Again, the cost can fluctuate based on your specific move.
Shipping your car across the country (or even internationally) is another consideration when you're moving.
The cost of shipping a car can vary depending on how far it's going, the method of transport, and the type of car you have.
On average, car shipping can range from $500 to $1,500 for domestic moves, and for international shipping, the cost can go anywhere from$1,000 to $5,000+.
| Shipping Method | Distance | Cost Range | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open-Air Transport | Up to 1,000 miles | $500 – $1,000 | The most common and affordable option. Your car is shipped on an open trailer (like a flatbed truck). |
| Open-Air Transport | 1,000–2,000 miles | $800 – $1,200 | A slightly higher cost for longer distances, but it is still budget-friendly. |
| Enclosed Transport | Up to 1,000 miles | $800 – $1,200 | A more secure method involves shipping your car in a fully enclosed trailer, which protects it from weather and road debris. |
| Enclosed Transport | 1,000–2,000 miles | $1,000 – $2,000 | Ideal for luxury or classic cars where extra care is needed. |
| International Shipping | 2,000+ miles | $1,000 – $5,000+ | Depending on the destination (Europe, Asia, etc.), international shipping costs vary greatly. Typically includes port fees, customs, and taxes. |
| Door-to-Door Shipping | Any distance | $200 – $400 extra | If you need the car picked up and delivered directly to your home (instead of a terminal), expect to pay a premium for convenience. |
Key Factors Affecting Car Shipping Costs:
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You’d think it’s just about the distance and the amount of stuff you’ve got, but there are actually quite a few factors that can affect how much you’ll end up paying.
Here are the major factors that can impact your moving costs:
The farther you go, the more you’re going to pay—pretty simple. A local move within the same city is going to be a lot cheaper than moving across the country or internationally.
Just make sure you’re prepared for that extra fee when you're moving cross-country or overseas.
The bigger your home and the more stuff you have, the more it will cost to move.
Movers typically charge based on the size of your home (e.g., 1 bedroom, 2-3 bedrooms, etc.) or the weight of your belongings.
More stuff means more labor, more space in the truck, and more time spent packing and unloading.
The time of year—you might not realize it, but it can greatly impact your moving costs.
Moving companies are busier during peak times, such as summer, the end of the month, or around the holidays.
When demand is high, prices go up if you can, try to schedule your move during the off-season (like fall or winter) to save a little extra cash.
If you’re looking for a full-service move, expect to pay more.
Packing and unpacking services, specialty item handling (like fragile or oversized items), and furniture disassembly can add up quickly.
While it’s totally convenient, it’s not free!
Moving to the 10th floor of an apartment building without an elevator?
Or maybe your new place has a narrow staircase, making it tricky to get your furniture up?
Moving companies may charge an additional fee for these situations since it takes longer and requires more effort.
Sometimes, things don't go as planned. Maybe your new place isn't ready yet, or you just need a little more time to get everything settled.
If you need storage during your move, expect to pay extra.
While not always necessary, insurance can give you peace of mind when moving your things. I If you have high-value items or fragile antiques or just want that extra protection, consider getting moving insurance.
Sometimes, the logistics of your location can affect your moving cost.
Is there limited parking space for the truck?
Is your street too narrow?
If movers have to park farther away from your home or deal with any other access issues (like stairs or obstacles), you might be charged an extra fee.
People don't always think about it, but bad weather (like snow, rain, or heat) can slow down a move.
If road conditions are tricky, your moving company may add extra charges to cover the time and resources required to transport your things safely to your new home.
Let’s be honest: moving can get expensive.
But there are plenty of ways to save money and keep those costs down.
Move During the Off-Season
If you can, try to schedule your move during the off-season. Summer, especially, is the busiest time for movers, which means prices are higher due to increased demand. The best times to move are typically in the fall or winter when fewer people relocate.
Declutter Before You Move
This one is a no-brainer—decluttering will not only make packing easier but also save you money. The less stuff you move, the less you'll pay. Take the time to go through your belongings and donate, sell, or throw out things you no longer need.
Pack Yourself
Hiring movers to pack your things can add up quickly. If you’re up for it, consider packing everything yourself. You can get free or low-cost boxes from local stores or online marketplaces. Just be sure to pack everything safely, especially fragile items.
Choose a Smaller Moving Truck
Sometimes, it’s easy to overestimate how much space you need. If you’re moving from a small apartment or studio, you don’t need a huge truck. Choose a smaller vehicle to save on rental costs and fuel charges.
Ask for Discounts and Promotions
Don’t be afraid to ask! Some moving companies offer discounts or promotions, especially during the off-season. Whether it’s a percentage off or a special deal for booking early, it never hurts to ask.
Move on a Weekday
If you have flexible schedules, try to move on a weekday instead of a weekend. Weekends tend to be peak times for movers, and that can increase your costs.
Pack Your Own Supplies
Moving companies charge for packing materials like bubble wrap, tape, and boxes. Skip those extra charges by sourcing your own packing materials. You can often find free boxes at local stores, liquor stores, or through online groups. Use towels, blankets, or even old newspapers to wrap delicate items.
Use a Moving Container Instead of Full-Service Movers
If you want more control over your move, consider using a moving container instead of full-service movers. With moving containers, you can pack at your own pace and only pay for the container delivery and transportation.
Plan Ahead and Get Multiple Quotes
The earlier you plan your move, the more time you'll have to shop around and compare quotes from different moving companies. Getting multiple quotes will give you a better idea of what's reasonable and help you find the best deal.
Avoid Extra Fees
Before signing anything, always ask about potential extra fees. Some movers charge for things like parking permits, long carries, or moving during odd hours. Being upfront about your needs and location will help you avoid these unexpected costs.
Our moving cost estimator provides a highly accurate estimate based on the details you provide, such as the size of your home, distance, and additional services required. However, keep in mind that actual moving costs may vary due to unexpected factors like weather, road conditions, or delays.
Yes! Our calculator can estimate the cost for international moves, but the final price will depend on your destination country, customs, and shipping method. The estimate you receive will provide a ballpark figure, but for precise details, it’s best to contact moving companies.
While our moving cost estimator includes most of the major charges, hidden fees like fuel surcharges, tolls, or tips for movers may not be included in the initial estimate. Be sure to ask the moving company about these potential extras.
The moving cost estimator only takes a few minutes to complete. Once you enter your details, you'll receive an estimate right away. It’s a quick and easy way to get an idea of your moving costs.
Nope! You can use our moving cost estimator as many times as you like. Whether you're comparing prices for different moving dates or exploring different options for your move, feel free to calculate estimates as often as you need until you find the best plan for your budget.