Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Jan, 09 2026
When you are hiring a moving company, it may seem like they are speaking a different language. Why won’t anyone just tell you how much it costs to move your stuff from one place to another? Why are there so many choices and different words for the same thing? It can’t really be that complicated, can it? Yes and no.
How can I understand the cost and get the best price for my move?
You can start by picking up a few vocabulary words to help you have a conversation with movers. You are going to have a few conversations with them because the steps after vocabulary involve estimates. Don't worry, no hard math, just a little time spent. Here are some key terms that will help you understand the moving industry and how it charges for services:
Interstate vs. local: Any time a shifting company crosses a state line, it operates under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation, specifically the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, called FMCSA. FMCSA has some strict requirements for haulers because they have been trying to crack down on a small number of rogue operators that are giving the industry a bad name. Most companies are honest and hardworking, but the shady ones have a visible presence and make it hard for the good guys. So, FMCSA requires that any interstate operator must have a license and follow their rules. Since most companies want to handle local and long-distance business, the above-board companies are most likely going to register with FMCSA, so you can check their credentials on the website, even if you are making a local move.
Do they charge by weight or by the hour? This question usually is also dependent on whether the move is local or long-distance. Any interstate shifting will have a price that is determined by the weight of the shipment. If the contents of your household weigh 7,500 pounds (average for a 3-bedroom home) and you want to move 1,250 miles, the median cost last year for that move was around $4,300. Now let's say that it is a local move instead of long-distance. If the shifter says it needs Three Movers for 6 hours, that will probably cost about $1,200, although local differences are substantial. Some areas allow haulers to charge for driving time to and from your home or back and forth to the new residence. Some local shifters have a minimum, while others may not. Haulers may add other services, and we will discuss those shortly.
Why are the estimates so different? It is essential to get several appraisals, whether you are planning a local shift or going long-distance. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, it gives you a chance to talk to several companies and choose the one you are comfortable with. Price is important, but it's only part of the decision. Finding a mover you trust is just as important as finding one at a low price. This company will have control over the things you have bought, cared for, and collected that you want to keep and move to a new home. You can't entrust those items to just anyone. Second, estimates are different. There are binding and nonbinding estimates. A nonbinding estimate is not a guaranteed price. If the hauler has miscalculated the weight of your goods, you will be expected to pay more, even though you aren’t at fault. If you get a binding estimate, though, that price won’t go up even if the mover underestimated the weight. What can change the price is if you add things to the shipment or ask for additional services.
The basis of the estimate is a list of everything you want to move, and in moving lingo, it's called the inventory. When the mover comes to your house to provide you with the estimate, you will walk through with them and help create the inventory. You can let them know if something isn't going to be shifting with you (for example, a sofa you are giving to a relative or books you plan to donate to a library), but it is crucial that nothing is overlooked.
Along with the inventory, the estimate will include the mover’s tariff, which is a list of potential charges for other services. Packing is a good example. If you want the moving company to do the packing, they can take care of that for an hourly fee. Ask the hauler during the survey, and they can assess how many hours of packing are required for your home. Keep in mind that haulers are going to pack faster than you can, so if they estimate they need 15 hours to pack, you may not be able to get it done in the same amount of time. Make sure you find out what the hourly rate is and if that includes the materials. If it doesn't, you might want to buy the containers and other supplies yourself, because this can be a high-profit item for the company.
One definite advantage of hiring the relocators to pack for you (besides the overall pleasure of not having to do it) is the peace of mind. It is not something they draw attention to, but if you pack, it may limit your ability to seek reimbursement for something that gets damaged. We will talk about valuation protection shortly, but just remember that if you pack it, and they drop it, if the container is not damaged, it's your fault because of how you packed it. If they pack it, it's their fault.
Other services that the hauler can charge for (the mover will list these on the tariff) are long carries, which means that if the truck has to park more than a certain distance from your front door, there is an extra charge. Also, bulky items incur a fee, as do heavy items, disassembly and assembly of furniture, and any necessary crating of artwork. The relocator may charge you for stairs and elevators, and definitely for waiting time if you aren’t ready when they arrive.
What about insurance protection?
Moving insurance, also referred to as valuation, is an important topic. The estimate will provide two options if the move is interstate. If the job is local, talk to the shifter about your choices. Every FMCSA registered hauler will offer you a basic level of protection against loss or damage at no extra charge with the cost of your move. It's fair to make that decision but consider it carefully. The primary coverage, also called released value, does not offer a realistic reimbursement level for any potential loss. It is set at $0.60 per pound for any damaged, lost, or destroyed item. That isn't much. You should discuss with your shifter the cost of choosing the Full Value (also called Replacement Value) coverage instead. There is an additional charge for this option, but it will afford you the assurance of replacing items that sustain damage or get lost. This choice will have a deductible and limits associated with it, so you need to work through the specifics with the company in advance of the move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typical local moving costs in the U.S. range from $300–$1,500 for a studio to 2-bedroom home and $1,200–$3,500 for a 3–5 bedroom home. Pricing is hourly and based on 2–4 movers, total labor time, truck size, and fuel. Costs rise with stairs, elevators, long carry distances, packing help, traffic delays, and specialty items. Local moves usually fall within 50–100 miles. See details on local moving companies.
Average moving costs for long-distance moves typically range from $2,000–$7,500. A small apartment moving 500–1,000 miles often costs $2,000–$3,500, while a 4–5 bedroom cross-country move can exceed $8,000. Pricing is based on shipment weight, mileage, fuel surcharges, and delivery timing. Interstate moves are regulated by the FMCSA. Learn more about long distance movers.
Moving costs are influenced by home size, crew size, labor hours or shipment weight, and whether the move is local, intrastate, or interstate. Additional cost drivers include packing needs, stairs or elevators, long carry distances, parking restrictions, fragile items, traffic conditions, weather, and peak-season demand. Summer months and end-of-month dates typically cost more due to limited crew availability and higher demand.
Interstate movers calculate costs using shipment weight, total distance, and required services under FMCSA rules. Estimates may be binding or non-binding and must be provided in writing. Charges increase with packing, storage-in-transit, difficult building access, or expedited delivery. Typical delivery windows range from 5–14 days depending on distance and routing. Only licensed interstate carriers can legally perform state-to-state moves.
Packing is usually billed separately from standard moving costs. Professional packing typically adds $300–$1,500 or more depending on home size, materials, and labor time. Partial packing for fragile items costs less than full-home packing. Packing reduces damage risk and speeds up loading but increases total cost.
Accurate moving cost estimates require a detailed inventory rather than square footage alone. List furniture, boxes, specialty items, stairs or elevators, parking access, and desired services. Local moves are best estimated by total labor hours with 2–4 movers, while long-distance moves rely on shipment weight and mileage. Avoid verbal-only quotes and use written estimates or an average cost of movers calculator.
