Moving Cost Estimator
Get a realistic ballpark for your next move based on home size, distance, and whether you hire full-service movers or go DIY with a rental truck.
*Estimates only, based on typical US industry averages. Actual quotes vary by mover, season, and access (stairs, elevators, parking distance).
Planning the drive too? Split fuel and lodging costs with your travel companions.
Road Trip Cost Splitter📦 Planning Your Move
What drives the price of a move, and how the numbers on this page are calculated.
How it Works
We estimate the weight of your belongings and crew size needed from your home size, then price local moves by crew-hours and long-distance moves by weight plus mileage.
The Formula
Local Full-Service = Crew x Hours x Hourly Rate + Flat Fee. Long-Distance Full-Service = Weight x Rate/lb + Distance x Rate/mile. DIY = Truck Rental + Gas + Supplies (+ Lodging if over 400 miles).
Pro Tip
Book movers 4-6 weeks ahead for a summer move and get at least three written, binding estimates - the lowest verbal quote is rarely the final bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move a 2-bedroom apartment locally? +
A local move (under 50 miles) for a 2-bedroom home with full-service movers typically runs $800-$1,200, based on a 3-person crew working 6 hours at roughly $45/hour per mover, plus a flat truck and travel fee. A DIY truck rental for the same move usually costs $150-$250 including truck rental, gas, and moving supplies.
Is it cheaper to rent a truck or hire movers? +
DIY truck rental is almost always cheaper in raw dollars - often 60-75% less than full-service movers - but you trade money for your own labor, time, and the risk of injury or property damage. For long-distance moves, full-service movers who charge by weight and mileage can sometimes be competitive with one-way truck rental once you factor in gas, tolls, and lodging for a DIY multi-day drive.
What factors most affect long-distance moving costs? +
The two biggest drivers are the total weight of your belongings (more rooms = more pounds = higher cost) and the distance traveled. Full-service interstate movers typically charge $0.60-$0.80 per pound plus a per-mile linehaul fee. Season also matters - summer moves (May-September) can cost 15-30% more than winter moves due to demand.
Do I need to budget for lodging on a long-distance DIY move? +
Yes, if your drive exceeds roughly 400-450 miles you likely can't safely complete it in one day. Budget one hotel night for every 400-450 miles of driving, at an average of $100-$150 per night, plus meals on the road. This is a cost DIY movers frequently forget to include when comparing against professional movers.
How can I lower my moving costs? +
Move during the off-season (October-April), avoid weekends and the first/last few days of the month, declutter and sell or donate items before getting a weight-based quote, pack boxes yourself instead of paying for full-service packing, and get at least three binding written estimates before booking a long-distance mover.