How Much Does It Cost to Move? Moving Company Expenses Explained

Deciding to move homes is a big decision, and your budget plays a big part in that decision. How much money you can put aside for moving to your new home will also dictate how much of the process you can outsource to other people or have to take on yourself.  However, with so many of us strapped for time as it is, being able to pay someone to take on some of these tasks can remove stress. With cost and convenience in mind, this article will explore the question of how much it costs to move on average.

Pack, Move, Store—We’ve Got Your Entire Journey Covered!

The cost of moving companies

The average cost of a moving company ranges from $1,250 to nearly $5,000, depending on whether you’re moving locally or long distance. This is based on a 2-3 bedroom house, while a larger property will naturally cost more. When choosing a moving company, you need to consider the size of your property and the number of belongings you own, plus the mileage of your move. Long-distance movers have to factor in gas prices and tolls, as well as labor costs, so that can boost the price considerably, even to five figures in some cases. 

Learn more: The Ultimate Moving-Out-of-State Checklist 2024

7 Factors that impact your moving costs

It’s not just the cost of movers that you need to consider when you’re budgeting for a cost to move a house, whether it’s a minor or large-scale move. 

1. The size of your move

The more items you need to move, the more expensive it will be. And it’s not just the quantity of goods but also the size of the items. Heavier, bulkier items take longer to move and require more manpower, which can increase the costs. 

Learn more: Essential Apartment Moving Tips for a Smooth Transition

2. Packing services

Hiring a company to pack up your belongings is certainly easier and less stressful than doing it yourself, but it could add several hundred dollars to your overall costs. However, depending on your schedule and moving timeline, it could be money well spent for your circumstances. You may want to consider a full-service moving company that offers packing and provides transparent pricing for it.

Learn more: How to Pack to Move: A Complete Checklist

3. Storage

If you’re managing a complicated move, storage requirements may be needed to store your belongings before, during, or even after a move. Storage rates naturally vary depending on the size of storage you need and the location you’re storing your items in, so doing your research for the best price at the needed level of convenience is essential. 

4. Supplies

Purchasing moving supplies, such as packing tape, boxes, and bubble wrap, all add up and unless you have enough supplies for your move already, these need to be budgeted for. 

5. Timing

If you’re moving over the weekend, or during a peak season for moving companies, this will increase the costs of your move compared to an off-season, weekday move. 

Learn more: Best Moving And Packing Tips That Will Make Your Move Dead Simple

6. Insurance protection

You’ll likely want some form of liability cover if you’re using a moving company, and this isn’t typically factored into your base moving fees. There are typically several levels of protection, based on the level of coverage you need.

7. Additional Moving Costs

There are also various additional services you may need to consider. Moving specialty items like pianos or valuable antiques and art needs specific expertise. Costs such as stair carry fees, unpacking services, expedited moving fees, extra stops, etc. may all have extra fees. And while tips aren’t essential, they’re certainly appreciated and should be budgeted for. 

Learn more: How To Find The Best Moving Truck Rental For Your Needs

3 Tips: Keeping moving costs down

Moving can be very expensive, especially if you have a lot of belongings you want to take with you. But there are some ways you can keep the costs down and save a few dollars along the way.   

1. Sell unwanted items

It’s often not until you’ve started going through your belongings that you realize just how much you hold onto that you no longer need. MPB, a business specializing in the sale and trade of used camera equipment, states that thousands of us are sitting on a treasure trove of unused tech — from cameras and phones to smartwatches, TVs, and other gadgets — that could amount to well over $1,000 in resale value. If you’re packing away your belongings and stumble across an old camera you no longer use or discarded phones, why not sell them for a profit? It’s money that can be put towards your moving costs and prevents items from going to waste. 

Learn more: How to Sell Your Unwanted Stuff: 4 Best Tips

2. Make use of free boxes and supplies

Your local grocery store or office buildings are likely to have used boxes going to waste. See if you can use them to keep the cost of moving supplies lower. If not, take a look on Craigslist or local Facebook groups as other people may have recently moved and have boxes available for free. 

3. Time your move wisely

When you move makes a big difference in cost, so if it’s possible to delay your move to a weekday or in a period when prices are lower, it can really help you save money on moving. More people tend to move in the spring and summer and especially during the last weekend of the month, so try to avoid moving during these times if you’re able to.  

Learn more: How to Plan for Daylight Saving Time

Types of Moving Services

• Full-Service Moving: This is a full-fledged option where the movers take care of everything from packing, loading, transportation, and unpacking. It is suitable for people who value convenience.
• Self-Service Moving: In this option, customers do the packing and loading, but the movers transport the goods, thus saving costs.
• Specialty Moving: For moving special items like pianos, antiques, artwork, and so on, which require extra care and safe moving.
• Local moving: It usually involves short-distance relocation from one city to another or nearby areas, and charges tend to be relatively low due to smaller distances traveled.

Breakdown of Moving Services Costs

The cost to move will depend on distance, service level, and the amount of belongings.

Labor costs entail packing, loading, and unloading, which are paid according to region and season; transportation fees account for fuel and mileage, which are well-defined in determining the cost of moving across the country. 

Packing supplies, including boxes and tape, add to moving company expenses, mostly during full-service moves. It also covers your belongings, and costs can vary depending on the value of your belongings and the expense of the moving company. Finally, storage fees for moving can be included if you have a lag between moving out and into your new home. 

Other Fees to Expect

Besides regular moving costs, other fees may apply depending on your situation.

Stair or elevator fees may apply if movers need to move through a large number of floors. Special handling charges may also apply if you are moving some pretty delicate or heavy items like pianos or safes. 

Storage fees may apply in long-distance moves if your new home is not ready. Cancellation fees might apply when changing plans. 

Knowing these other moving expenses will not blindside you with costs, and the costs of moving are no mystery. 

How to Plan a Budget for Your Move

• Get Estimates From Several Companies: Ask at least three companies for quotes. Compare the prices of moving companies’ services and find the cheapest rates.
• Select Services Based on Whether You Need Them: Decide whether you need a full-service moving service or if you will save how much it costs to relocate by doing part of the moving service yourself.
• Preparation Accounts for Supplies: Underestimation of expenses for boxes, tape, and bubble wrap is part of relocation when moving a house or apartment.
• Insurance: Consider coverage of valuable items if a long-distance move is made.
• Financial Planning for Additional Costs: Always reserve some money to cater for additional charges that may be charged such as long carry charges or the costs of moving storage to avoid a sudden low-planned amount later.

Comparison of Moving Costs by Type of Move

• Local Moves: Usually between $300 to $1,500 depending on distance, labor, and transport fees.
• Long Distance Moves: These are the costliest type of moves and may incur anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000. Fuel and mileage are considered for this one
• International Moves: The cost to ship abroad can be as much as $5,000, including shipping, customs, and storage in order to move.
• Specialty Moves: Fragile or oversized items like pianos or antiques can cost an additional fee. This expense starts at around $200.
• DIY: Save money: Rent your own moving truck. On average, the cost of renting a moving truck is about $50-$100 per day for a cost to move yourself.

How do you get affordable moving services?

It takes research and good planning to get cheap moving services.

Request quotes from three moving companies so you know what you are dealing with and who’s the cheapest. Seek seasonal discounts or promotions, often available in off-peak months, which would be a way to reduce moving fees. 

If you are comfortable handling the logistics yourself, then you can seek DIY options, which mostly cut down on moving company costs. You can also rely on online reviews and recommendations from friends or family members to identify reputable companies with competitive rates, thereby balancing affordability and quality in your moving expenses. 

Pack, Move, Store—We’ve Got Your Entire Journey Covered!

Conclusion

It will vary greatly depending on the different costs involved, therefore, making it very important to understand the breakdown of expenses of moving companies and coming up with a realistic budget.

From fees for moving to additional moving storage costs everything impacts your moving expense. Compare moving company prices and look for low-cost alternatives to allow you to make the right decisions and save money on average moving expenses. Whether you’re relocating within the same city or require the cost to relocate across states, careful planning and budgeting can make your move both economical and stress-free, thereby ensuring you start life in your new home with peace of mind. 

FAQs for How Much Does It Cost to Move

1. How Do I Get an Accurate Quote for My Move?

To receive an accurate estimate, fill in the details about your possessions: the number of items, weight, and specific needs, such as fragile or oversized goods. Inform them about the moving distance, potential obstacles like stairs or narrow hallways, and additional services like packing or storage. Ask for either an in-home or virtual estimate so they can calculate everything on-site.

2. Is There a Small Print for Extra Charges When Hiring Movers?

Well, yes, there might be some additional charges resulting from long carries, elevator fees, or the disassembly and reassembly of furniture. A clear breakdown of such possible fees from the moving company will prevent any surprises. Moreover, it’s better to go through the agreement thoroughly before signing it.

3. What is a Binding and Non-Binding Estimate?

A binding estimate is a fixed price that the mover quotes even before he moves your stuff, and totally ignores the actual weight and volume of your possessions. On the other hand, a nonbinding estimate is just an approximation that can be changed based on the preliminary evaluation of the mover and can actually change depending on the volume or weight of the move.

4. Does it save more money moving during weekdays than on weekends?

Actually, moving on weekdays is usually cheaper than weekends. Weekends are in more demand, and the prices surge up. Take advantage of this if flexibility allows; you may get a lower rate and perhaps better availability from the moving company on a weekday.

5. What Do I Need to Know About Moving Insurance Costs and Coverage?

Moving insurance does depend on the level of coverage that you choose. Basic is typically included by movers, which means they pay out on a per-pound basis, but will probably not pay out entirely for valuable or fragile items. Full-value coverage or a third-party insurer will provide better protection, however. Discuss your options with your moving company and see what is included.