Moving Costs

Always insist on a Binding Estimate rather than a “Non-Binding” one. A binding estimate guarantees that the final cost will not exceed the quoted price, provided you don’t add more items to the truck on moving day. This prevents “ransom moving” tactics where companies demand more money before unloading your belongings.

While not mandatory, it is standard practice for good service. In 2026, the benchmark is $5 to $10 per hour per mover, or a flat 10% to 20% of the total labor cost, split among the crew. Providing cold water and a quick lunch is also a common courtesy that keeps the crew energized.

• The “One-Year” Rule: If you haven’t touched an item in a year, don’t pay to move it. Decluttering is the fastest way to lower your quote.

• Mid-Week Moves: Tuesday and Wednesday are typically cheaper than Friday or Saturday.

• Off-Peak Months: Moving between October and April can save you up to 20% compared to the high-demand summer months.

• Hybrid Moving: Rent a portable container (like a POD). You do the packing, but they handle the cross-country driving.

For a medium-sized home (2–3 bedrooms), expect to spend $300 to $600 on boxes, heavy-duty tape, bubble wrap, and moving blankets. You can cut this significantly by sourcing “once-used” boxes from local retailers or community marketplaces.

Standard movers provide “Released Value Protection” for free, but it only covers about $0.60 per pound. This means if they break a 50lb, $1,000 TV, you only get $30. In 2026, many homeowners opt for “Full Value Protection,” which typically costs 1% to 5% of the total value of your goods but ensures items are repaired or replaced at current market value.

Be sure to ask your mover about:

• Stair Fees: Charges for homes with multiple flights of stairs.

• Long-Carry Fees: If the truck cannot park near your front door.

• Shuttle Services: If a semi-truck can’t fit on your street and a smaller van is needed.

• Storage-in-Transit: If your new home isn’t ready on arrival day.

For local moves, most companies charge between $50 and $200 per hour, depending on your location and the size of the crew. A typical two-bedroom move usually requires three movers and takes about six hours, resulting in a labor cost of approximately $1,440.

Three “pillars” determine your quote:

• Volume/Weight: The more stuff you have, the larger the truck and the more movers required.

• Distance: Fuel, tolls, and driver “on-the-clock” time are calculated per mile.

• Service Level: Choosing “full-service” (where they pack every dish for you) can add $2,000 to $4,000 to a standard quote compared to a “labor-only” move.

Moving costs have risen due to “triple-threat” economic factors: increased fuel prices, higher labor wages for professional crews, and the rising cost of packing materials (like corrugated cardboard and high-grade plastic wrap). Additionally, because more people are moving to specific “growth hubs,” demand for trucks in those lanes is higher, leading to surge pricing.

The cost of moving varies significantly based on distance and service level. For 2026, the national average for a long-distance move (approx. 1,000 miles) is about $4,570. Local moves typically range from $1,200 to $2,200 for a standard three-bedroom home. If you choose a “DIY” route with a rental truck, costs can drop to between $1,200 and $2,400 for the same distance.