How Much Does a Professional Moving Company Cost? Pricing Guide for 2025

Whether you're downsizing or planning a cross-country relocation, planning a move can be pricey! While preparing you and your family for the upcoming transition, you'll want to ensure you fully understand the moving company costs you'll need to pay.  In this article, we'll break down the different moving company prices so you can better understand the ROI of hiring professionals. Here's everything you need to know:

Breaking Down the Numbers: What You Can Expect to Pay

Several different factors can influence the cost of hiring a moving company. The main factors include distance, time of year, weight of your items, and the moving services you require. The exact cost of your move may vary by the moving company and your unique needs. If your move requires specialty services, you'll need to factor in those prices.

Here's how the cost of local and long-distance moves compare:

Local Moving Costs

Local relocations tend to be more affordable. Most local relocations can be completed in one day or over a weekend. There's also less driving and resources involved with these types of moves. Even though you might think it would be more affordable to DIY your move yourself, you can't beat professional guidance. 

Movers will help streamline your local relocation, ensuring your items are safe and protected in transit. They'll help you carefully pack, transport, and unpack your items with care. With the help of local movers, you can streamline your relocation and complete the job quicker and more efficiently.

Long-Distance Moving Costs

Cross-country and long-distance relocations are often more expensive than local moves because your pricing will include more travel expenses and fees. You can expect to pay more for gas, transportation, and hourly rates for hiring the movers. The weight of your items will also impact the price you're quoted.

Average Cost Ranges for Common Moves

The average cost will vary, depending on where you're moving to or from. Here's how the prices compare for some of the most common types of moves:

Understanding Additional Fees and Charges

Some moving companies may send you a low-cost estimate to begin with and then add on additional fees or excessive charges after the move. Before signing any contract with a moving company, you'll want to thoroughly read the contract to check for additional fees.

Some fees the movers may charge include:

• Parking tickets or toll fees
• Fuel surcharges
• The cost of additional moving supplies and boxes

These charges can begin to add up if you aren't careful. Before you commit to the lowest possible moving company price you find, you'll want to fully understand the contract you're about to sign.

The Core Factors Influencing Moving Company Costs

So, how much do moving companies charge? Every move is different, and the price you pay will depend on several factors. The eight core factors will impact the moving company prices. This includes:

• Distance: The distance will determine how many tools, resources and labor are needed. The further you move, the more you can expect to pay for travel and moving expenses.
• Volume and Weight: Most moving companies charge by the weight of your items. You can expect higher costs and fees if you relocate with heavy appliances or bulky belongings.
• Moving Services: You can customize your quote with different moving services. The moving company cost will be cheaper if you plan to self-pack and need help transporting your items. Full-service moving packages are more expensive but provide additional peace of mind.
• Time of the Year: Moving during the summer on a weekend is more expensive than moving during the winter months on a weekday. If you're flexible with timing, you can cut costs by planning your move during the off-season.
• Accessibility: The accessibility of your current or future move can also impact the cost of your moving expenses. Small elevators, narrow alleyways and stairs can slow the moving process, leading to longer hours for the movers.
• Valuation Coverage: Basic valuation coverage is included in all moving quotes. You'll need to pay an extra fee for additional coverage.
• Storage Needs: Storage may be required if you're downsizing or moving temporarily. The cost of renting storage will vary depending on the size of the unit and the duration of the lease.
• Additional Fees: Moving companies may include additional fees. Common charges include fuel surcharges, moving supplies, toll fees, or extra hours that weren't accounted for.

Comparing Moving Companies: What to Look For

When exploring pricing from different moving companies, you'll want to thoroughly read the contract to understand the costs. Don't be afraid to ask questions or address your concerns. The movers you choose to work with should be there for you every step of the way, and you should feel comfortable discussing the pricing with them in depth.

When gathering quotes from different moving companies, you'll want to look for:

• Transparent pricing models
• Training, certifications, licenses and insurance
• DOT and FMSA authorization
• Customizable moving packages and services
• Better Business Bureau accreditation
• Positive customer reviews

Tips for Saving Money on Your Move

If you're looking to save on your household moving costs, here's what you need to do:

• Decide what items you want to keep, donate, or throw away
• Thoroughly read through the moving contracts
• Check for hidden fees and unnecessary charges
• Pack your belongings yourself
• Be flexible with your moving dates
• Get multiple quotes from different moving companies

Are you ready to start planning your next local or long-distance relocation? North American Van Lines is here to help. We offer affordable moving company prices and transparent estimates. The price we quote you is what you can expect to pay for your expenses. When you choose us over our competitors, you'll also get free online resources, around-the-clock customer support, and our local expertise.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote to get started.