How Much Does a Moving Company Cost?
Local moves cost $300-1,500 ($25-50 per mover per hour). Long-distance moves cost $2,000-7,500 based on weight and distance. A 2-bedroom local move averages $400-800; cross-country moves start at $3,000+.
Key Takeaways
- Local moves (under 100 miles) are typically charged hourly.
- Stairs, long carries, and difficult access add $50-150 to the total.
- Weekends and month-end dates cost 10-20% more than mid-week, mid-month moves.
Explanation
Local moves (under 100 miles) are typically charged hourly. Rates range from $25-50 per mover per hour, with most companies requiring a 2-3 hour minimum. A 2-3 mover team for a 2-bedroom usually takes 4-6 hours.
Long-distance moves are priced by weight (usually cents per pound) plus distance. Expect $0.50-1.00 per pound for cross-country moves. A 2-bedroom home's contents typically weigh 5,000-7,500 lbs.
Additional costs include packing services ($25-40/hour), packing materials ($100-300), moving insurance, storage, and special items like pianos ($150-500 extra). Don't forget to change your address when moving to avoid lost mail. Always get binding estimates to avoid surprises.
There are three types of moving estimates, and choosing the right one matters. A non-binding estimate is just a guess—the final bill can be higher. A binding estimate locks the price but may not cover additional items discovered on moving day. A binding not-to-exceed estimate is ideal: you pay the quoted amount or less if your shipment weighs under the estimate, but never more. Always request this last option when available.
Tipping movers is customary but not mandatory. The standard range is $5-10 per mover per hour for local moves, or $20-50 per mover for a full-day long-distance job. If the crew handled heavy items like a gun safe or navigated three flights of stairs, tipping on the higher end is appropriate. Provide tips in cash directly to each mover rather than through the company.
Things to Know
- Stairs, long carries, and difficult access add $50-150 to the total. Learn how to move heavy furniture yourself to reduce professional mover costs.
- Weekends and month-end dates cost 10-20% more than mid-week, mid-month moves.
- Get at least three quotes and verify movers are licensed and insured. Use our guide on how many boxes you need to provide movers with accurate volume estimates.
- Verify a moving company's USDOT number on the FMCSA website (safer.fmcsa.dot.gov) before hiring. Unlicensed movers may hold your belongings hostage for inflated fees, a scam reported thousands of times annually to the Better Business Bureau.