You’re moving. Great. Now the big question hits: how much is this going to cost me?
You ask a moving company, and they say, “Well… it depends.” Which is about as helpful as a wet cardboard box.
Let’s fix that.
In this guide, we’re going to break down exactly what affects moving company prices, how to get a real estimate, what sneaky fees to look out for — and how to make sure you’re not paying more than you should. All without the corporate jargon or vague “it varies” nonsense.
Why Understanding Moving Costs Matters
Here’s the thing: moving isn’t just physically exhausting — it can destroy your budget if you go in blind.
People get blindsided all the time:
- “Wait, stairs cost extra?”
- “You mean the quote didn’t include boxes?”
- “They charged me $200 for ‘long carry’? What even is that?”
Knowing what you’re paying for means you can plan smarter, avoid scams, and breathe easier on move day. Think of it like ordering catering for a wedding. You need to know if you’re paying for just the food — or if that price includes plates, setup, and someone to clean the mess.
What Goes Into the Cost of a Move?
No two moves are priced the same. But here are the key ingredients that make up your moving company cost:
- Distance
Local move = cheaper. Long-distance = not so much. - Size of your move
A studio takes less time (and fewer people) than a five-bedroom house with a piano and three fish tanks. - Time required
Local moves are often billed by the hour. The longer it takes, the more you pay. - Number of movers needed
More stuff = more hands = higher price. - Packing services
If you want pros to do the packing (and you do, if you value your glassware), that’s extra. - Supplies
Boxes, tape, blankets — they all cost money. Some companies include them, some don’t. - Accessibility
Got stairs? A tight elevator? Long walk from truck to door? That’s going to cost more. - Time of year / day of week
June through August? Weekend? Yep, you’re paying a premium. - Storage
If you can’t move in right away, you’ll need temporary storage — and that’s another fee. - Insurance / valuation coverage
Standard liability is minimal. Want real protection? It’ll cost a bit more.
Example:
A small local move with no stairs might run $400. A cross-state, full-service move from a 3-bedroom home? Think $2,500–$6,000, depending on distance and services.
Local vs. Long-Distance Moving Company Prices
Let’s compare apples and oranges:
|
Factor |
Local Move |
Long-Distance Move |
| Pricing Model | Usually hourly | Usually flat rate |
| Cost Estimate | $300–$1,200 | $2,000–$7,000+ |
| Timeline | Same day | 2–7 days (sometimes more) |
| Licensing Required | State/local license | Federal DOT license (for interstate) |
Tip: For moves that cross state lines, always ask for the company’s USDOT number. It’s your safety net against shady operators.
Flat Rate vs. Hourly Rate: What’s Better?
It depends on the kind of move you have.
- Flat rate is better for:
- Long-distance moves
- Large, complex jobs
- When you want price certainty
- Hourly rate is better for:
- Local moves
- Small, quick jobs
- If you’re on a tight budget and time-efficient
Real-Life Scenario:
Two movers at $150/hour. They quote 4 hours = $600.
But on move day, the elevator’s broken, and it takes 6 hours. Boom — now you’re paying $900.
So unless you’re sure it’ll be quick, flat rates can save your wallet — and your nerves.
Hidden Fees to Watch For
Ah yes, the “surprise” fees. These can sneak up on you like a box labeled “books” that’s actually full of bricks.
Common extras:
- Long carry fee (if movers have to walk more than 75 ft. from truck to door)
- Stair fee (usually after 1–2 flights)
- Bulky items (pianos, safes, large furniture)
- Fuel/travel surcharge
- Last-minute bookings
- Toll fees (on long-distance)
- Packing materials
- Storage fees
- Cancellation fees
🚩 Red Flag:
If a company won’t provide a written estimate with clear breakdowns, walk away. Transparency is non-negotiable.
What Does a Full Service Moving Company Cost?
A full service moving company is like valet — they handle everything.
What’s included:
- All packing materials
- Packing of all items
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Loading and unloading
- Transport
- Unpacking
- Trash and material removal
What it costs (rough estimates):
| Home Size | Local (Full Service) | Long-Distance (Full Service) |
| Studio/1BR | $800–$1,200 | $1,800–$3,000 |
| 2–3 BR | $1,500–$2,500 | $3,500–$6,000+ |
| 4+ BR | $2,500+ | $6,000–$10,000+ |
It’s not cheap — but for busy people, families, or anyone who hates packing, it can be so worth it.
How to Get a Realistic Moving Estimate
Here’s your quick checklist for quote sanity:
- Get at least 3 estimates — not just one.
- Ask for in-home or video walkthroughs — better accuracy.
- Request a binding or “not-to-exceed” estimate.
- Ask: What’s not included? (Many surprises hide in that line.)
- Get everything in writing — always.
- Clarify reschedule and cancellation policies.
Pro Tip:
If one quote is dramatically lower than the others, don’t celebrate — investigate. It usually means something’s missing.
Final Tips to Save on Moving Costs
You don’t have to spend a fortune. A few smart moves (pun intended) can trim your bill:
- Declutter before moving — less stuff = lower cost
- Move mid-week or mid-month — cheaper than weekends/month-end
- Do the packing yourself — if you can do it right
- Label boxes clearly — so movers aren’t wasting time
- Be organized on move day — time is money
- Disassemble furniture yourself — IKEA will understand
- Compare reviews, not just price — cheap movers can be very expensive later
So, How Much Does a Moving Company Really Cost?
Short answer: it depends (yeah, sorry — but now you actually know what it depends on).
Long answer:
- Local move? Expect $300–$1,500.
- Long-distance? Budget $2,000–$7,000+.
- Full-service? Add $1,000–$3,000+.
- Want peace of mind? Priceless.
The key is not just finding a good price — it’s knowing what you’re paying for. When you understand the math behind moving company prices, you can make smarter decisions, avoid shady surprises, and start your new chapter with less stress.