Long Distance Moving Cost Calculator

Hiring a moving company can alleviate much of the stress and strain of moving into a new home. It saves you from the most laborious work of loading and unloading items, and you won't have to worry about piloting a giant moving truck that you're probably uncomfortable attempting to drive.

Using professional movers is also more expensive, but knowing the details when it comes to costs can shave a substantial sum from the final bill.

Average cost of a long distance move

The average cost of a long-distance move is $3,758, based on the average of moves over the last 12 months.

Many factors play a role in determining the price of moving, including the distance of the move, how many rooms are being relocated, and whether or not any extra services are needed.

The only way to get an accurate estimate of your moving cost is to complete the Quote on Demand tool above.

Secrets to Cut Your Moving Costs

Best Day to Move: Wednesday
Lowest Priced Month: January
Highest Priced Month: June
How Far In Advance Should You Book a Move: 2 Months

Cost Factors Impacting Your Move

When hiring a moving company, many variables influence the final cost. Simply asking the company, "How much does it cost?" could result in a higher payment than a savvy consumer would pay. So, we'll explain the factors that most influence final cost.

Beyond the average cost, additional costs depend on factors like how much work you want to do yourself, how much protection you need for your items, how large your home is, and how far you're moving, among other things.

The first question is what sort of moving company you'll be hiring.

Comparing Professional, Highly-Rated Companies and Budget Outfits. You'll need to choose between going with a more professional company or an inexpensive company. When hiring a moving company, using a professional outfit helps make a smooth move with no hiccups. The least expensive companies often are less reputable and may not correctly handle your furniture or other specialty items on the move. Also, higher-rated companies will be more personable and easier to work with. But, going with a cheaper company may be worth the reduced cost. It's all about what you're comfortable with and able to afford.
A Quick Word on Binding Estimates. A binding estimate locks in a final price before the move even happens. When you agree to a binding estimate with the company, that value is what you pay no matter what. If the company needs more movers or unexpected costs come up, you'll still pay what you agreed. So, getting such a binding estimate secures a price you can afford.
The Size of the Home and the Number of Items to Move Strongly Influences the Final Price. Moving things into a large home can cost a hefty sum. A studio or one-bedroom home costs significantly less. You can reduce costs considerably by removing the dead weight in your home before the move, like old couches you're not really into anymore.
The Pricing Difference Between a Long Distance Move and a Move Within the Same State. Long distance moves are most easily calculated by measuring the weight and distance traveled to your new home. The moving company will weigh the truck before and after loading it to determine how much weight is being moved. The heavier the load, the more you'll be paying on a per-pound basis. Distance charges are usually accrued on a per-mile basis. A shorter move costs significantly less and is usually charged by a flat hourly rate.
The Logistics of Getting to Your New Home. You'll also need to decide how to get to your new home. You'll have details to wrap up at the old house while your possessions are on the road. You'll need to pay expenses for hotels along the way when you're driving to your new home, and if you choose to fly, you'll need to pay for tickets and possibly a hotel.
Packing Services? Significant Savings are Found in Doing it Yourself. Each mover for the company is paid on an hourly rate basis. If you can do some of the work, you'll pay less. One way to avoid higher costs is to purchase packing materials and pack and wrap your furniture and possessions before the movers arrive.

Potential Additional Costs To Consider

Add-on Services: For more security and less chance of damage to your goods, you can request that felt pads, stretch wrap, or mattress bags be used when your items are packed in the truck. Sometimes these add-ons are taken into account in the original quote, or you'll have to request these added protections with increased cost. The type of moving gear the company uses affects the final cost.
Moving Supplies: Before the movers arrive and begin loading items, you'll be packing boxes, wrapping furniture, and bubble wrapping fragile items to prepare. You might think these items won't cost much, but when you're boxing and packing hundreds of items, you may need 10 or 20, or 40 boxes. The additional costs add up.
Temporary Storage: Moving and storage often go hand-in-hand. If you're moving into a smaller space, you may need to store your extra belongings. Or, you may have it in mind to give some of your things to family or friends. Getting to that step may take some time as moving is a full-time job while it's in process.
Once you've gotten settled into your new home, you can move on to your plans for items in storage. Keeping storage costs in the equation while you plan for the price of moving is wise.
Seasonal Rates: Often, people's moves must fit with school schedules. Parents save the moving for late spring and summer when the kids finish the school year. This results in significantly increased prices during that boom period for moving companies. You can alleviate some moving costs using a moving company during their slow season. It's also a smoother move when the company isn't swamped with jobs.

As you can see, the cost of a move hinges on careful planning that savvy consumers should consider before their move. Being hip to the hidden costs helps you make your move less expensive. Knowing the costs of a move, you'll arrive in your new home satisfied that you saved on the way.