Estimated Relocation Cost Calculator

Moving is less hectic when you are financially prepared. But, correctly determining the amount of money you need to move can be tricky.

If you overestimate your budget, you source more funds than you need or may dispose of items unnecessarily to afford the move. If you underestimate costs, you could end up frustrated by having to spend more money than planned. It helps to get as close to the actual figure as possible.

Estimating costs can be difficult to do from the top of your head. You are welcome to use the North American Quote on Demand moving estimate calculator for a more precise breakdown of your moving costs. We also offer household moving, international moving, and corporate moving services, both short and long-distance.

Why Use a Moving Cost Calculator?

When planning a move, it's important to have a clear understanding of the costs involved. This is where a moving cost calculator comes in handy. By using a moving cost calculator, individuals can get an estimate of how much their move will cost and budget accordingly. Here are some reasons why using a moving cost calculator is beneficial:

Accurate Estimates: One of the primary benefits of using a moving cost calculator is that it provides accurate estimates. This can help individuals avoid any surprises and ensure that they have enough funds to cover their move.
Compare Quotes: By using a moving cost calculator, individuals can compare quotes from different moving companies. This can help them find the best deal and save money.
Budgeting: A moving cost calculator can help individuals budget for their move. It allows them to see how much they need to save and plan accordingly.
Customization: Many moving cost calculators allow individuals to customize their estimate based on their specific needs. This can help them get a more accurate estimate and avoid overpaying for services they don't need.

Overall, using a moving cost calculator is a smart move for anyone planning a move. It can help individuals save money, avoid surprises, and ensure that they have enough funds to cover their move.

How Do I Estimate Moving Expenses?

Ordinarily, to estimate the relocation costs, you take the estimated time to complete the move and multiply it by the moving company's hourly rate. Then, add the charge for other things like packing material, travel time, and tips if you work with movers.

The decision to hire professional movers or to move the belongings yourself will depend on a few factors. Consider how you weigh against the following factors:

Enough time to pack the belongings yourself
An idea of the size of the moving truck you would need
Know-how of how to pack fragile items to avoid breakage
Adequate help to lift heavy appliances and boxes aboard the truck

If the idea of handling the moving is stressful to you, it may be best to ask professional movers to help.

Estimating the Cost of a Short-Distance Move

Approximating the cost of a long-distance move is a bit complex. It's best to use a moving cost calculator because it considers many factors involved in interstate moves. The following fundamental factors influence the cost of moving:

The distance to travel - costs rise the further away you go.
Size of the load – the larger the load you are moving, the more expensive it will be.
Job complexity - the more risk, time, and effort needed, the higher the cost of moving. Also, if you require some special handling tools, extra moving services, or run into obstacles, the costs go higher.
Time of the year - if you move during peak season, such as summer, the costs will be high because most people move at that time, and the movers are busy. Moving yourself vs. hiring a professional mover – it's cheaper to move yourself than hiring professional movers, but you will be more tired.
The date of moving - it's more affordable to move in the middle of the month than at the beginning or end of the month. It gets even cheaper if you move in the middle of the week.
Liability coverage for your items - a contract with the movers, gets you some basic liability coverage. But, you can pay more to enjoy the full value protection of your items. If something breaks, the company refunds the total value of your item.

What Is The Average Cost Of Relocation?

After outlining all possible costs, the question now is the amount, on average, you would need to move. The average cost ranges from $1,500 to upwards of $10,000+, depending on the distance and size of the load.

Here are some examples:

The typical cost of moving from a small one-bedroom apartment of about 2,000 pounds moving weight will be $1,500 if the distance is only a few hundred miles. When moving across the country, this cost could go upwards of $4,500.
If you move from a 2-3 bedroom house with approximately 5,000 pounds weight, the average cost is $2,700 and could go beyond $7,000 if you're moving long-distance.
For families with a large load, say an average of 7,400 pounds moving weight for from 2-3 bedroom house moving weight, the cost of moving locally is about $3,800 and upwards of $5,300+ for a long-distance move.

Additional Costs Of Moving

Whether moving a short or long distance, there are additional costs that come about. Some are due to the items you have in your residence, while others are associated with your new location. Add these extra costs to your approximate moving costs. They include:

Cost of moving special items - Know the cost of transporting special items that such as motorcycles, pianos, safes, pool tables, and other bulky items you own. Moving companies charge extra for these items because they are sturdy.
Unpacking services fees – movers typically transport your items and leave them for you to unbox at your own time. But, you could pay some additional fees to have them pack everything for you.
Elevator fees - You may have to pay some more if you are moving to a residence that has a narrow elevator that would increase the number of trips. Some companies also charge extra if the elevator ride is lengthy.
Stair carry fees – most companies charge stair carry fees for each additional staircase after the first one. The cost of this can rack up, especially if the load is large and there are many staircases.
Storage fees – you may require a storage facility, especially if you are moving a long distance. If you are storing your stuff for only a short time, a moving company will do. But, if you are storing your items long-term, it can get quite expensive. Opt for a local storage facility.
Stops – when you sign your contract, the moving company assumes that it's a one-way trip without any stops. So, if you need to make some stops at a storage unit or a relative's house, the movers may charge an additional fee.
Tips – after a tiring job, it's important that you tip the movers to appreciate their hard work. The amount you give depends on the work it takes to move.

Bring Down Your Cost and Save Money during Your Move

Here are ways to bring down your moving cost:

Downsize

Sort through your property and identify items you can trash, donate, or sell. It reduces your moving weight and brings down the cost of moving. Only take with you what you need.

Borrow packaging supplies

Instead of buying the packaging supplies, ask friends to lend you any boxes, tape, or packing paper they may have. Free packing supplies could save you hundreds of dollars in expenses.

Book early

If you plan to move during the summer, when the movers are busiest and the prices high, book your mover many days before. Ideally, book the moving services 90 days in advance. If you wait till the last minute, the mover may charge you high prices, or worse still, not be available at all.

Take up the D-I-Y alternative

Moving companies offer Do-It-Yourself options like hiring moving containers or rental trucks. The option is much cheaper than seeking the services of movers but needs some heavy lifting on your part. Alternatively, you could hire labor separately or call on friends and families to help, and these options could significantly lower your relocation costs.

Get many quotes

There are many moving companies available in an area, and often, their prices differ, sometimes by large amounts, especially for long-distance moves. So, don't just settle for the first mover you find. Consider at least three price estimates and weigh between them. Also, since the companies are working to win your business, you could ask for price matching if a cheaper quote is available elsewhere.

In Closing

For an accurate estimate of moving costs, consider using the North American Van Lines estimated relocation cost calculator. You only have to enter where you are moving from and where you are moving to, and we will give you an accurate quotation of your moving costs. You can also call our customer service representatives at 800-228-3092 for more information. We offer unmatched resources to help you sail through your next move.