How Much Does It Cost to Move?

Moving to a new home is an exciting chapter, but one big question looms for many people: how much does it cost to move? Understanding the costs of moving is crucial for planning a stress-free relocation. The good news is that with a bit of planning and the right information, you can tackle moving expenses confidently and even find ways to save money.

By knowing what factors affect your moving quote—from moving distance to extra services—you can plan ahead and avoid surprises. In this guide, we’ll break down typical moving costs when hiring professional movers in the U.S. and offer tips to help keep your relocation affordable.

Average Cost to Move

When you hire professional movers, your total moving cost is made up of several components. Here’s a breakdown of the key cost factors and what you can expect from each.

Base Moving Costs: Distance & Home Size

The base moving cost is largely determined by the distance of your move and the size or weight of your packed items. In general, local moves (within the same city or under ~50 miles) are charged differently than long-distance moves:

• Local Moves: For short distances, local moving companies usually charge an hourly rate for a crew and truck. This rate can range roughly from $50 to $200 per hour depending on how many movers and trucks are needed. A local move can average around $1,400 (for short distances). The size of your home matters because more rooms or belongings means more work hours. For example, moving out of a studio apartment will be much cheaper than moving from a 4-bedroom house to the other side of town.

• Long-Distance Moves: For interstate or cross-country moves, pricing is typically based on the total weight of your belongings and the miles traveled, rather than just hours. The farther you go and the more stuff you have, the higher the cost. Long-distance moves average about $3,500—though cross-country moves costs can climb well beyond that depending on mileage​. If you have a larger space, like a standard 2-3 bedroom home, moving within the same city costs about $2,300 on average, while the same move over 1,000 miles is around $4,300​.

These base moving charges cover loading the truck, transporting your items, and unloading at your new home. Every moving company will ask about your origin and destination, and do an inventory of your belongings (either by a walk-through or an online form) to calculate this base cost. For moving costs tailored to your specific needs, fill out our moving calculator.

Professional Packing Services Costs

Packing up your home is a big job—and some moving companies offer professional packing services to handle it for you. If you opt for this convenience, remember it comes at an additional cost on top of the moving fee. Professional packers may charge by the hour or by the box. On average, packing services cost between $60-$80 per hour per packer. This typically includes the labor of packing as well as standard packing materials (boxes, tape, padding). For a larger home, packing could take a team several hours. For example, it might take multiple people seven or eight hours to pack a three-bedroom house, which could cost roughly $1100 to $2000.

Instead of charging per hour, some companies charge a flat rate per box or item packed (like a set price for each wardrobe box or dish pack). While hiring packers adds to your moving costs, many people find it worthwhile because it saves a lot of time and ensures items are packed correctly for transit. If your budget is tight, you can decide to handle the packing yourself to cut costs—or maybe have professionals only pack fragile or high-value items. Remember to factor in the price of packing supplies if you opt for a DIY move; buying boxes, bubble wrap, and tape can add up, although there are ways to find free supplies.

Self Storage Moving Costs

Sometimes during a move, you can’t take everything directly to your new home. Maybe your lease dates don’t line up, you’re downsizing, or you’re moving long-distance and need a temporary space for your stuff. In such cases, you might need to rent a storage unit, which will add to your moving cost.

Professional movers often offer short-term storage or storage-in-transit options. This means they’ll hold your packed goods in a warehouse or facility for a certain period (like a few days or weeks) and then deliver them once you’re ready. Movers usually charge for storage by the day or month, and the fee depends on the volume of items and how long you need storage. For example, a moving company might offer the first 30 days free and then charge a monthly rate for storage thereafter, or simply a flat daily rate based on your shipment size​. If you anticipate needing storage, get a clear quote for this from your mover.

Another storage solution is renting a storage unit at a self storage facility for any overflow belongings. The cost of self storage varies by location and unit size, but it could range from $35-100 per month. This route gives you flexibility—you can access your items and typically pay month-to-month. When budgeting your moving costs, don’t forget to include any storage option you plan to use, and choose what’s most cost-effective for your situation.

Additional Moving Fees & Charges

In addition to the base moving cost and any packing/storage add-ons, be aware of additional or unexpected moving costs that may arise. Every move is unique, and certain circumstances or services will result in additional charges. Here are some common additional fees to plan for:

• Specialty Item Handling: If you have large, heavy, or delicate items like a piano, a pool table, a hot tub, or antique furniture, movers may charge an extra fee to handle them. Moving bulky items often requires special equipment or extra crew members for added safety. For instance, moving a grand piano or a bulky safe isn’t part of a standard quote—it’s an added service because of the weight and care needed​. Be sure to mention any specialty items during the quote process so the cost is included upfront.

• Long Carry or Stair Fees: Does your home have a long walkway or lots of stairs? If the movers have to carry items a significant distance from your door to the truck—typically over 50-75 feet—or navigate multiple flights of stairs, there might be a surcharge known as a long-carry fee or stair fee. This compensates the crew for the extra time and effort. Similarly, if an elevator reservation is required or there are other access challenges—like narrow streets where a smaller shuttle truck is needed—there could be an extra charge.

• Insurance Coverage: Basic moving insurance is usually included with professional moving services but only covers a minimal amount—around 60 cents per pound per item. For better peace of mind, you can purchase full-value protection from the moving company or a third-party insurer. Opting for higher coverage will add to your moving costs​. The price might be a flat fee or a percentage of the declared value of your goods. If you have a lot of high-value items, the extra insurance cost could be worth it. Always ask your professional movers what insurance is included and get the added costs upfront. Use our moving insurance calculator, to estimate the cost for protecting your items.

• Tipping the Movers: Don’t forget to budget for tipping your moving crew. Tipping is not mandatory, but it’s a customary way to thank the people handling your heavy furniture and boxes and is generally expected if you’re happy with the service. A common guideline is to tip around 15–20% of the total moving bill for the whole crew to split, or about $20-$40 per mover for a local half-day move (more for a full day). For long-distance moves, especially if different crews load and unload, you might tip each team separately. While tipping adds to your overall moving expense, it contributes to a positive moving experience and rewards the movers for their hard work.

Always ask your moving company about any potential extra fees when getting a quote. Reputable movers will be transparent and explain charges for special situations. By knowing about these ahead of time, you can budget accordingly and avoid surprise charges on moving day.

Seasonal Price Variations

The time of year you move can affect how much you pay. The moving industry has peak seasons and off-seasons, which can influence pricing due to demand. Summer is peak moving season—roughly May through August. During these months, many families take advantage of school breaks to relocate, and movers’ schedules fill up quickly. Higher demand means higher prices in general. You might notice that quotes for a June or July move are higher than quotes for November. In fact, industry data shows that summer moves tend to cost the most, with July often being the priciest month to move.

If you're moving during winter or fall, this can help save costs, as it's considered the off-season. Fewer people move in the colder months, so moving companies may offer lower rates or have more flexibility. December is typically the cheapest month to move, with average moving expenses several thousand dollars less than in July​. Weather can be a consideration if you live in a snowy area, but if your schedule allows, an off-peak move might stretch your budget further.

Even within a month, timing can matter. End of the month is crunch time for moves, as leases often end then, so movers are busiest. If possible, try booking a mid-month moving date. Weekday moves are sometimes a bit cheaper than weekends because weekends are peak demand. While day-of-week differences aren’t as dramatic as seasonal ones, you might find more availability and slightly better rates Monday through Thursday​.

If you have flexibility, consider planning your move date strategically. An off-peak move—like a mid-week day in October or February—could save you money compared to a peak-season weekend in June. No matter when you move, book your movers well ahead of time to lock in your date and rate.

Moving Cost Comparison Table

To help visualize your moving costs, here’s a quick-reference table summarizing the typical costs associated with each aspect of your move:

Note: This table is a general guide for reference only. Actual costs will vary based on specific moving details and geographic locations within the U.S.

Budgeting Tips for Your Next Move

Facing all these moving costs might feel daunting, but there are plenty of ways to reduce moving stress by planning and saving. A well-managed moving budget can make the difference between a smooth, affordable move and a stressful, costly one. Here are some expert tips to help you manage or even reduce your moving costs:

• Get multiple quotes & watch for hidden fees: Request quotes from at least two to three reputable moving companies. Have each do a thorough walk-through—in person or virtual—so they account for everything. Ask if the quote is binding (fixed price) or non-binding, and get details on what could incur extra charges. Many people end up paying more than initially quoted because of add-ons or inaccurate estimates. Don't forget to mention that attic full of boxes, the extra heavy sofa, or the tight storage under your staircase. Clarify if things like fuel, flights of stairs, long carries, or large items are included in the moving quote. Being upfront and getting a written estimate that covers all basics will help prevent surprise costs.

• Plan your move at the right time: Timing can influence your cost. If you can schedule your move during a less busy time, do it. Moving mid-month or on a weekday might score you a slightly lower rate than a month-end Saturday. Similarly, if your schedule is flexible, think about moving in the off-season to take advantage of lower demand. Early planning is key—booking your movers well in advance can sometimes lock in a better price and ensure you’re not stuck paying last-minute rates. Not only could this save money, but movers will have more availability which means you’re more likely to get your first-choice moving company and date.

• Declutter and downsize before you move: One of the simplest ways to cut moving costs is to move less stuff. Go through your home and identify items you don’t need or use anymore. Donate, sell, or recycle your things before you start packing. Every box you don’t pack is money saved as movers charge partly based on volume and weight. Having fewer belongings means a smaller truck, fewer labor hours, and maybe no storage unit needed. You might even make a bit of extra cash by holding a garage sale or selling furniture online, which can go right back into your moving budget. Plus, starting life in your new home with less clutter can feel refreshing!

• Save on packing materials and pack yourself: Packing can be a big expense, but it’s also an area with big savings potential if you DIY. Purchasing boxes and bubble wrap from a moving store gets expensive, so look for free or cheap packing supplies. Often, local shops or grocery stores have sturdy boxes they’ll give away. You can also use household items like suitcases, laundry baskets, and tote bags as moving containers. For padding, get creative with towels, blankets, or clothing to pack fragile items instead of buying a ton of bubble wrap. Packing strategically to fit items efficiently into boxes can also reduce the number of boxes and the size of the truck needed, saving you money​. By packing on your own, you avoid paying movers’ labor for this task. It may take time and effort, but you’ll likely save a few hundred dollars. And if you do need some professional packing help, consider a hybrid approach. Hire movers to pack only your kitchen and fragile artwork, and handle the easier items yourself. Every bit that you can do on your own reduces the final bill.

• Use cost-effective storage solutions: If your move involves a gap between living in your homes or you have items you can’t take to the new place right away, compare storage options to get the best deal. While letting the moving company store your belongings is convenient, it might not always be the cheapest choice. Check the price they charge for storage and compare it to renting a self storage unit on your own. Similarly, portable moving containers can sometimes serve as storage and transport in one, which could be cost-effective. The key is to choose the right size and duration you need and avoid paying for more storage time or space than necessary.

• Choose the right moving company: When finding a moving company, prioritize licensed, insured, and well-reviewed moving companies that have a track record of honesty and reliability. A trustworthy mover will work with you to stay within budget and won’t hit you with last-minute fees. Read reviews or ask friends for recommendations so you know what to expect. In the long run, picking a reliable company can save you money—and headaches—by ensuring your belongings are handled properly and that the price you agreed on is honored. It’s about getting the best value for your money, not just the cheapest price. Sometimes spending a little more on a top-rated mover can mean avoiding broken items, delays, or surprise costs that cheap companies might spring on you.

By following these tips, you’ll be in great shape to manage your moving costs. The goal is to create a moving budget and find ways to trim expenses without sacrificing the quality of your move. With a solid plan, you can feel optimistic that your move will be both affordable and smooth.

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Moving soon? Find reputable moving companies, truck rentals, and more with Extra Space Storage Moving Resources. And for your storage needs, we have affordable storage units located across the U.S. to help make your transition easier. Find a storage unit near you!