Updated June 17, 2026
Estimate your moving cost.
Local or long distance, a realistic estimate in seconds.
Open the calculatorProfessional movers cost $800 to $2,500 for a local move and $2,500 to $8,000 or more for a long-distance move in 2026. Your final bill depends on distance, the size and weight of your shipment, the time of year you move, and any add-on services such as packing or storage. Getting three written, binding estimates is the single most important step before you commit to any company.
Local Move Cost Breakdown
Local moves are typically billed by the hour. Most companies charge for a two- or three-person crew plus a truck. Here is what you can expect to pay in 2026:
| Home Size | Estimated Hours | Typical Total |
|---|---|---|
| Studio or 1-bedroom | 2 to 4 hours | $300 to $800 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | 4 to 7 hours | $600 to $1,400 |
| 3-bedroom house | 7 to 10 hours | $900 to $2,500 |
| 4+ bedroom house | 10 to 14 hours | $1,500 to $3,500+ |
Hourly rates for a two-person crew typically run $90 to $150 per hour depending on your city. Adding a third mover usually adds $30 to $50 per hour but cuts total time, often making it worthwhile for larger moves.
Long-Distance Move Cost Breakdown
For moves that cross state lines, pricing shifts from hourly to weight-based. Interstate movers are required by federal law to provide either a binding estimate or a non-binding estimate before your move date. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates all interstate household goods carriers, and you can verify any company through the FMCSA official site.
| Move Distance | 2-Bedroom | 4-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | $2,000 to $4,000 | $4,500 to $7,000 |
| 500 to 1,500 miles | $3,500 to $6,000 | $6,000 to $10,000 |
| 1,500 to 3,000 miles | $5,000 to $9,000 | $9,000 to $15,000+ |
What Factors Drive Mover Costs Up or Down?
Distance and Shipment Weight
These two variables drive the largest portion of your long-distance bill. Carriers weigh your loaded truck and subtract the empty truck weight to get your net shipment weight. Every 1,000 extra pounds can add $100 to $400 to a cross-country move.
Time of Year
Summer (May through September) is peak moving season. Rates can be 20 to 30 percent higher than in winter. If you can move in October through March and avoid major holidays, you will almost always pay less.
Stairs, Elevators, and Long Carries
Movers charge extra when they have to carry items up multiple flights of stairs or walk long distances from a truck to your door. These fees can add $50 to $150 or more depending on your building layout.
Packing Services
Full-service packing adds $500 to $2,000+ depending on home size. Partial packing, where movers handle only fragile or specialty items, typically runs $100 to $400. Doing your own packing is one of the fastest ways to cut costs.
Specialty Items
Pianos, safes, pool tables, and large artwork require specialized equipment or extra crew. Expect to pay $100 to $500 per specialty item over and above your base quote.
Types of Moving Estimates
Before signing anything, understand the three types of estimates:
- Binding estimate: A firm price that cannot increase even if your shipment weighs more than expected. This protects you from surprise bills on delivery day.
- Non-binding estimate: An approximation. The final bill can be higher or lower based on actual weight. Federal rules cap how much more you can be charged at delivery, but overages are still possible.
- Binding not-to-exceed estimate: You pay the estimated price or the actual cost, whichever is lower. This is the consumer-friendliest option and worth asking for specifically.
How to Verify a Mover Is Legitimate
Moving fraud is a real problem. Rogue movers collect a deposit, then hold your belongings hostage for more money on delivery day. Before hiring anyone for an interstate move, look them up at FMCSA's Protect Your Move resource. You can confirm the company has a valid USDOT number, active operating authority, and a real insurance certificate. Never hire a mover that will not provide a USDOT number or that insists on a large cash deposit upfront.
Get a Personalized Estimate
The ranges above give you a starting point, but your actual cost depends on your specific route, home size, and chosen services. Use our long-distance moving cost calculator to get a tailored estimate in minutes, then compare it against three in-home quotes from licensed carriers.
Understanding Moving Insurance and Liability
Every licensed interstate mover must offer two levels of liability coverage. Released value protection is included at no charge but pays only 60 cents per pound per item damaged. Full value protection costs extra (typically $50 to $150 more) and requires the carrier to repair, replace, or pay current market value for items that are lost or damaged. For most households with electronics, antiques, or other high-value goods, full value protection is worth the added cost. You can also check whether your existing homeowner's or renter's insurance policy covers belongings during a move, which may make additional coverage from the mover unnecessary.
Quick Tips to Keep Costs Down
- Declutter before movers arrive. Less weight equals a lower bill.
- Book at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance, especially for summer moves.
- Move mid-month and mid-week when demand is lower.
- Pack your own boxes and buy supplies in bulk.
- Get at least three binding estimates and compare them line by line.
Estimate your moving cost.
Local or long distance, a realistic estimate in seconds.
Open the calculator