How Much Do Movers Cost In 2025?

The cost of hiring a professional moving company will vary based on numerous factors. In fact, according to some moving company estimates, the average cost for a full-service move can range from $600 to $15,000. The lower range of the estimates is for smaller, local moves, the middle range represents hiring an interstate moving company for a longer-distance move. The top end of this estimate is reserved for hiring international moving companies for big relocations.

Estimated Moving Costs

MOVE TYPE	AVERAGE COST RANGE
Short-distance move	$600 - $3,500
Long-distance move (1,000 miles)	$1,500 - $8,300
Cross-country move	$3,000 - $12,000
International move	$2,500 - $15,000

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Moving costs are largely determined by the size of your home (i.e., how much you’re moving) and how far you’re moving. Of course, there are many other factors at play here, but below we’ve broken down some general costs based on these two major factors. Keep in mind that your individual moving cost will vary, so be sure to reach out for several quotes.

MILES	1-BEDROOM	2-BEDROOM	3-BEDROOM
250 or Less (Short Distance)	$600 - $2,000	$1,200 - $2,750	$2,000 - $3,500+
1,000+ (Long Distance)	$1,500 - $5,600	$3,300 - $6,500	$4,900 - $8,300+
2,500+ (Cross Country)	$3,000 - $6,000	$4,500 - $7,500	$9,000 - $12,000+
International	$2,500 - $9,000+	$4,000 - $11,000	$8,000 - $15,000+

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Local movers will often charge per hour, so you’ll typically see this type of estimate if you’re only moving a few blocks away or across the city. Local moves typically cost $45 to $80 per hour per mover, but we’ve seen costs that top $150 per mover per hour in some circumstances.

Below are some estimates based on the number of movers and how many movers you’ll typically want for a certain size move. Bear in mind, though, that every moving company will tackle this differently, and there are many other factors that determine cost and number of movers, including what they’re moving and how far.

HOME SIZE	NUMBER OF MOVERS	AVERAGE COST PER HOUR
1-Bedroom	2	$90 - $160
2-Bedroom	2 - 3	$90 - $240
3-Bedroom	4	$180 - $320
4-Bedroom	4	$180 - $320
5-Bedroom	5	$225 - $400

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Key factors that will impact how much you will pay your movers include:

Distance

As you’d expect, the shorter the distance of your move, the less you’ll have to pay. Local moves are usually considered within 100 miles of where you currently live. A move beyond a 100-mile radius in-state or out-of-state is a long-distance move.

Local moves can cost under $1,000 on the lower end, whereas a cross-country move can reach $7,000.

Weight

How much everything weighs is typically the most significant cost of a move. Every moving company will handle this a bit differently, but costs starting around 50 cents per pound are to be expected. Heavy items like pianos or antique furniture can quickly add to your cost, as can having a large number of furniture pieces.

Packing and Materials

The amount you will pay for packing services and supplies depends on how much you need to rely on movers to pack your household goods and if you need the movers to supply boxes or other packing items. You can often find used boxes for free from local online groups or stores and do the packing yourself to save money. You can also buy moving supplies from local hardware stores or from your movers directly.

Packing typically costs around $70 per hour on average if you hire professionals, but the number of packers can greatly affect this number.

Number of Movers

Two movers can usually handle a local journey, but a longer-distance trip will likely require more movers. Your household size, namely the number of bedrooms, will also impact the number of movers needed for the job.

Timing of Move

Moving costs vary depending on the time of year. For instance, peak moving time falls between May and September, when moving companies charge higher prices based on demand.

Service Type

Most moving companies offer full-service or labor-only moves, with labor-only being a more affordable option since you will be responsible for packing everything up, while a moving company will typically only load and unload boxes and drive them to your destination. If you opt for a self-service move, expect the moving company to supply a truck and driver, but you will need to do everything else yourself, including packing, loading and unloading your items.

Insurance Coverage

If you’re planning an interstate move, you’ll have two main options for protecting your valuables during your move. The first option is Release Value Coverage, which is included with your move at no extra charge. This covers any damage, paying 60 cents per pound per item. You can also spring for full-value protection coverage. The cost of this protection and details will vary a bit by mover, so be sure to ask, but this generally covers an item’s current market replacement value, replacement by a similar item or its repair.

If you’re moving within the same state or internationally, ask your moving company for your specific options. You may also consider third-party moving insurance, but this will typically come at a cost of a certain percentage (usually 1% to 3%) of the estimated value of your items.

• Moving Add-ons: Adding on things like moving materials and expedited services will increase your overall moving costs.
• Speciality Services: Any unique items, such as instruments, pool tables or other hobby items, as well as those that are particularly fragile, such as antiques or art, may add to your moving costs. Piano moving, for instance, can add $300 to $1,500 to your total. Be sure to ask about these items specifically, as some may require special lifts or materials.
• Auto Shipping Costs: Shipping your car along with any personal items can majorly add to your cost and be a moving project all on its own. Car shipping costs typically range from 60 cents to $1.70 per mile.
• Moving Date: Your moving date can have an effect on your final price. Moving during the weekend will typically cost more, as will moving during peak months, which are typically May through October.
• Storage Services: You may need storage services for various types of moves, including those that involve downsizing or gaps between moving out and moving in. You typically pay around $50 to $300 per month for a storage unit, depending on the size.
• Tipping: There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for how much to tip movers, but people usually estimate around 10% of the move total or around $20 to $50 per mover. Any tip will be appreciated, but be sure to include it in your budget.

Moving costs can vary based on many different factors and even across different companies, which is why we suggest obtaining quotes from several companies for each move. We reached out to 69 moving companies, asking each about a local and long-distance, two-bedroom move to get a sense of pricing.

Below, find examples from some of our top moving company choices to see just how much the costs from moving companies can differ. As always, remember that these are just sample moves, and some are just ballpark quotes. You should always reach out for your own quotes.

MOVING COMPANY	LOCAL QUOTE*	LONG-DISTANCE QUOTE**
Mayflower Transit	$3,600	$3,900
JK Moving	$5,000	$6,750
United Van Lines	N/A	$2,250
Colonial Van Lines	$2,100	$2,650
Allied Van Lines	$5,000	$4,500
International Van Lines	$5,324	$5,543
Bekins Van Lines	$1,500	$3,450
American Van Lines	$3,709	$4,500

*Our researchers requested an estimate for a “two-bedroom” full-service packing and moving from Brooklyn, NY, to Charlotte, NC – a total distance of 630 miles.
** We requested a similar-sized move from Brooklyn, NY, to Summit, NJ – a total distance of roughly 25 miles.

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What’s Typically Included in a Moving Quote?

Every moving company will handle moving quotes a little bit differently, but typically a moving quote will include details like your move date and location, moving details, such as the estimated time it will take, the number of miles between the origin and destination, the number of movers and/or the estimated number or weight of items. Sometimes the quote will also include a survey of items. Be sure this is accurate so your quote is as true as possible.

Moving quotes will also often include whether the moving quote is binding or nonbinding, which we’ll detail below.

Binding vs. Nonbinding Estimates

When you get an estimate or a quote from a moving company, you should check to ensure it’s a nonbinding quote or a binding quote or estimate. Binding estimates are locked in prices, barring any unforeseen circumstances, such as parking permits, additional stairs, etc., so be as accurate as you can when obtaining a quote. In fact, movers will often require an in-home survey for binding quotes in order to ensure accuracy. If any unforeseen circumstances happen during an interstate move, a moving company must prepare a new binding estimate, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You’ll be responsible for 100% of that binding estimate at the end of your move.

A nonbinding estimate is less set in stone, but a moving company cannot require you to pay more than 110% of the nonbinding estimate, according to the FMCSA. Remember, this is only for interstate moves. If you’re moving within a certain state, inquire with local authorities or, at the very least, ask your moving company about local regulations around binding quotes.

Bill of Lading

Movers are legally required to give you a bill of lading. You can treat this similarly to a contract or proof of service. It will typically include your info and the moving company’s information, as well as details about the move, like the date and location. You’ll both sign the bill of lading, and it serves as proof of the move and will be important should you need to file any insurance claims, so keep it handy. A bill of lading won’t always have cost information on it, so you can and should also request a receipt in this case. See an example bill of lading for moving here.

Are Moving Costs Negotiable?

Moving costs can be negotiable. We recommend getting several quotes for your move and if you like a company, but it didn’t give you the lowest quote, you can try sharing the lower quote from a competitor in hopes it will match it. Alternatively, if a moving cost is out of your budget, you can let the company know and customer service representatives can tell you if there is any wiggle room or if you can make some tweaks to lower your bill. If you’re flexible on moving services, days or times, let them know.

The number of moving companies out there can be overwhelming. Before conducting any research, consider the parameters of your move and what services you require.

• What is the size of your household? For example, moving out of a five-bedroom home is very different from moving out of a studio apartment.
• How far are you moving? Are you moving locally, somewhere else in your state, to a neighboring state or across the country?
• How much are you willing to do yourself? If you live in a smaller home or prefer a hands-on approach, you might choose to pack everything on your own. Alternatively, you could hire a moving company and opt for partial packing services, letting movers handle the more delicate or bulky items while you manage the rest.

Clearly defining your specific moving needs will help you narrow the field and focus on companies with proven experience handling your specific type of move.

Many movers offer an hourly rate or a flat fee, depending on the company and the type of move you’re planning.

If both options are available and you’re not sure which is best for you, consider factors such as the distance and size of your move, the services you need, your budget and your stress tolerance.

You’ll also want to weigh the benefits and disadvantages of each of these pricing methods to determine which one aligns best with your priorities and circumstances.

Flat Rate Move

PROS	CONS
Guaranteed price	Contracted cost could end up being an overestimate
Best for long-distance moves in case of delays due to weather or traffic	May not include certain services requiring clients to pay for extra costs
Movers will work more efficiently to finish the job quickly since there isn’t an hourly rate incentive	Difficult to compare quotes between companies due to different calculation methods
	Typically requires you to provide a detailed inventory of your household in order to establish a quote

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Hourly Rate Move

PROS	CONS
Best for local moves, especially when you have a smaller household	Costs can be unpredictable
Can occasionally be cheaper than paying a flat rate	Movers may work slower to get in more hours
Easier to compare quotes between moving companies	Movers may feel pressure to work faster to reduce costs, potentially leading to mistakes
Greater flexibility in services	May create more stress since you are paying by the hour
Can save you money if you plan on packing yourself

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Declutter for Your Move

Downsizing means you’ll need fewer moving boxes, which can save you some cash if you need to purchase packing materials. Also, see if you can sell some items to offset moving costs.

Create a Budget Spreadsheet

Moving involves many expenses, so maintaining an estimated budget as you research movers is essential to help you keep track of costs and make adjustments where needed. Expect the unexpected when moving, so include a contingency buffer, such as 10% of your estimated total, to cover any unforeseen costs.

Pack Your Own Boxes

Having movers pack your boxes can add to your costs, especially if you’re paying your movers an hourly rate. The more you can pack on your own, the more you’ll save.

Use a Portable Moving Container

Many moving companies provide this service, which allows you to pack items into one container before moving day. The movers bring the container to your new residence, and you can unload it at your leisure.

Move During Off-Peak Periods

Summer is historically the most expensive time of year to move. If you can, move during the fall or winter when demand is lower and prices are more affordable.

Get Multiple Mover Quotes for the Best Value

Use your research as leverage to negotiate the best price. Make sure to receive written estimates after a company representative has ideally reviewed in person all the household items you plan to include in your move.

Check for Hidden Fees

Review your estimate to verify that all the aspects of your job are included to guard against any surprises. Some movers may charge extra for carrying large items, stairs, furniture disassembly/re-assembly and long-carry fees (when movers have to carry your items a significant distance between your home and the truck). Also, confirm you aren’t being charged for costs or services that don’t apply to your move.

Hunt for Free Packing Supplies

Check with local store managers to see if they can give you free sturdy boxes. Gather sturdy, sizable boxes from businesses such as liquor stores and supermarkets to save on packing expenses.

Move Yourself

If you can’t afford to hire professional movers and have experience moving yourself or feel confident you can handle the planning, heavy lifting and troubleshooting, going the self-move route can save thousands of dollars.

1. Screen All Companies

Verify that every moving company you’re considering is a licensed interstate mover with a U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration number and is approved by the American Moving and Storage Association.They should have insurance and credentials.

2. Get Referrals

Ask family, friends and co-workers if they have a moving company they recommend.

3. Review Their Track Records and Credentials

Check the Better Business Bureau to confirm the companies are accredited and have high ratings. For customer reviews, visit platforms such as Yelp, Google Reviews and TrustPilot.

4. Confirm the Business Location

Visit the moving company business in person or online to verify that the listed address is associated with the company name and not a residence.

5. Carefully Review the Estimates

Determine which type of estimate the mover is providing. A nonbinding estimate means the mover can charge you up to 10% above the original estimate, a nonbinding to-exceed estimate means you are not responsible for overages above the original estimate, and a binding estimate guarantees the price for all the services included in the contract. The mover will charge you if you opt for additional services beyond what your contract includes.