| Home Size | Local (<50 mi) | Short (50–250 mi) | Long (250–1K mi) | Cross-Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-BR | $400–$900 | $1,200–$2,500 | $2,000–$3,500 | $2,800–$4,500 |
| 2-bedroom | $700–$1,500 | $2,000–$3,500 | $3,000–$5,500 | $4,000–$7,000 |
| 3-bedroom | $1,000–$2,200 | $2,800–$4,800 | $4,000–$7,500 | $5,500–$9,500 |
| 4-bedroom | $1,400–$3,000 | $3,500–$6,000 | $5,500–$9,000 | $7,000–$12,000 |
| 5+ bedroom | $1,800–$4,000 | $4,500–$7,500 | $7,000–$12,000 | $9,000–$16,000 |
| Factor | DIY (Truck Rental) | Full-Service Movers |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (3-BR local) | $300–$700 | $1,000–$2,200 |
| Cost (3-BR cross-country) | $2,000–$3,500 | $5,500–$9,500 |
| Time investment | 1–3 days of hard labor | You supervise, they work |
| Damage risk | Higher (no training) | Lower (insured, experienced) |
| Insurance | Basic truck coverage only | $0.60/lb standard, full value extra |
| Best for | Small moves, tight budget, flexible time | Large homes, long distance, valuables |
The mover’s quote is not your total cost. Budget an extra $500–$2,000 for things that add up fast: packing supplies ($100–$400 for a 3-bedroom), temporary storage if move-in and move-out dates do not align ($150–$400/month), utility connection and disconnection fees ($50–$200), cleaning the old place ($200–$400 for a professional deep clean or lost security deposit), address change and mail forwarding ($1.10 online), renter’s or homeowner’s insurance gap coverage, pet boarding during the move ($30–$75/day), and meals and lodging if driving long-distance ($100–$300). Tips for movers add another 15–20% to the moving labor cost.
The cheapest window is mid-October through mid-April, excluding the December holidays. Within that window, mid-month weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) are the least expensive. The most expensive time is the last weekend of May through the first weekend of September, with June and July being the absolute peak. Summer moves cost 20–30% more and book up 4–6 weeks in advance, so if you must move in summer, book as early as possible and be flexible on exact dates.
Long-distance movers price by weight (typically $0.50–$0.80 per pound) or by cubic feet. Weight-based pricing is more transparent and regulated by FMCSA. A 2-bedroom home weighs roughly 5,000–6,000 lbs, a 3-bedroom 7,500–9,000 lbs, and a 4-bedroom 10,000–12,000+ lbs. Be cautious of movers who quote by cubic feet and then claim your belongings take up more space than estimated — this is a common moving scam. Always get a binding or binding not-to-exceed estimate in writing.
Compare estimates from licensed, insured movers in your area