How Much Will Your Move Cost? Here’s How to Figure it Out:

So how much does a move cost? It all depends. Years of moving experience shows that customers typically fall into one of three categories:

• Gazillionaire
• Employee relocating on the company’s dime
• Confused soul wondering aloud, “Good gosh, how much is this going to cost me?”

As you probably guessed, most of us are the third one. AMSA, the American Moving and Storage Association, tells us the average in-state move costs $1,170, while interstate moves average $5,630. But take that with a grain of salt, because the real answer lies is in the details of your specific move—from off-base estimates to logistical issues, from slower-than-syrup movers to incidental expenses, all big and small.

So how is it possible to even come close to predicting the final number so we don’t go into shock when we’re handed the bill?

Some things are out of our control, but there are definitely things you can do and look out for to make the moment we get that final bill pleasantly unsurprising.

The Baseline Cost of Moves

These are the basic questions you need to ask ahead of a move:

• Are you getting a full-service moving company to handle everything?
• Are you renting your own truck, then hiring moving labor separately?
• Are you doing everything yourself?

These are known as the three basic ways to move: A Full-Service Move, a Hybrid Move, and a DIY Move.

How much movers cost.

Getting a Full-Service Move? That means the movers load, unload, and drive the vehicle all on their own. The estimate? Though it will largely depend on the distance traveled and volume of the move, Full-Service Moves run north of $1,500-$2,000, on average, and sometimes can be more expensive if it’s a really big move.

Hybrid Moves, on the other hand, separate moving labor from moving vehicle. That means you hire a mover to load and/or unload your stuff, then rent the moving truck on your own, saving you a lot of money. Roughly, the cost can run anywhere between $300-$1,000 for a truck and movers, occasionally more.

A long distance or local move?

Local or state move? You’re looking at roughly anywhere between $100 to $300 for the moving truck, depending on the size needed and after accounting for mileage and insurance fees.

Moving long distance? Like, across the country? This will likely cost around $1,000, after gas and fees, and potentially lodging and food.

As for local movers, prices vary dramatically based on scheduling and location. Moving during a busy summer is just going to cost more than the dead of winter. Movers’ hourly rates also vary, depending on the size and distance of your move. Here are some generalized queries on price ranges for “2 Helpers for 2 hours”, taken straight from HireAHelper.com:

• Boston, Mass.: $250-$350
• Austin, Texas: $200-$300
• Baton Rouge, La.: $300-$400
• Los Angeles, Calif.: $250-$400

Of course, some movers do charge more, or sometimes less. Check out our movers’ reviews, give a few of them a call, get some estimates, and then go with who you feel best about.

You might love our:

Moving Cost Calculator

If the quote from your movers felt expensive …
Make sure it lines up with the costs reported by other Americans.

Finally, there’s the DIY Move, which hides plenty of hidden costs, such as:

• Gasoline
• Power tools
• Moving supplies
• Pizza and beer
• Heavy stress

Not to mention what it does to close friendships and schedules. You can get away with casually moving a bedroom with some friends, but let’s just say that in the past, I wish I had spent a couple hundred bucks to have had total peace of mind for those really stressful moves. As a mover, I recognize I am biased, but I am also just a person who has moved many, many times, just like you.

Why random internet searches for movers can cost more.

No matter which one you choose, having someone come out and do a thorough visual of your place and all your belongings can be an extra useful way to get the most reliable estimate of how much your move will cost, as it’s an estimate based on time needed.

Getting an estimate over the phone? That’s cool, but keep these two things in mind:

First, if someone can’t see all the things you want moved, no matter how pure their intentions, it is ultimately a guesstimate.

Why should I avoid “move brokers”?

Secondly, unfortunately, it’s a very real possibility that the “moving company” you quickly searched for on the internet is actually just a move broker. That’s another term for a middleman who will assure you that they can give you an accurate quote – which will sound too good to be true – then sell your move to the highest bidder who will, in turn, come out (most likely in a rental truck) and load up your stuff … before telling tell you that your final bill will be a lot higher than you were originally told.

It happens every single day. Don’t let it happen to you.

Get Help Loading Your U-Haul Truck

See prices for movers by the hour – instantly.

Read real customer reviews.

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When do you need help?Where do you need help?

That’s why after 20 plus years of experience moving people, I write for HireAHelper, a moving labor marketplace. All the movers are real movers with real reviews, which means absolutely zero of them are move brokers. Everyone here is the real deal.

Still, marketplace or not, keep in mind that the more stuff you have, the more important it is to get an in-person estimate so your movers can give you a good idea of how many people you’ll need for how many hours.

Extra, hidden mover costs.

How much stuff you have isn’t the only thing that determines the cost of your move. Here are some other important factors that some moving companies take into consideration when giving quotes:

• If the path from your door to the truck involves stairs or an elevator
• If the distance from your door to where the truck will be parked is particularly long (meaning 75 feet or more)
• If your movers can’t get their tractor-trailer anywhere near your place and they have to use a smaller truck to shuttle your stuff from your driveway to the big rig
• If you have any (or a lot of) heavy, bulky or unusual items, like pool tables or gun safes

All or some combination of these will likely bring your quote up. This is another reason an in-person estimate is important. But if you do find yourself having to give movers a run-down of your stuff over the phone, be sure to let them know the lay of the land so no one ends up surprised. Also, don’t forget to potentially tip your movers.

Optional, Accidental and Potentially Hefty Costs

There are some potentially optional costs that can add up quickly.

Packing costs.

Doing your own packing? Be aware that boxes can get expensive – a couple of bucks a pop on average.

Meanwhile, packing paper goes for around $30 per 25-pound bundle, and box tape runs at minimum a dollar per roll.

Thinking of using bubble wrap? Plan on dropping anywhere from $20-$50 a shot.

You’ll save some cash by doing your own packing, but your packing supplies can run you a couple hundred bucks, at least.

Rental Trucks.

Renting a truck? You may find one for $20 or $30 or $50 a day, but add gas, tolls, equipment rental, liability insurance, mileage charges and any fees included in the fine print of your rental agreement add up fast. (Read this rental truck guide for more info.) If you are moving long-distance, you also need to factor in food and lodging. And by the way, if you’re driving that truck, how are you going to get your car to your new home? Get a quote on a moving truck early.

How much does insurance cost?

Planning on getting your stuff insured? Full-service moving companies offer free basic coverage against loss or damage, equaling 60 cents per pound for any lost or damaged item. If you are okay with getting fifteen bucks in return for your newly-smashed flat screen TV, then this is the plan for you. Otherwise, you’ll want to consider paying for coverage that actually means something – which will cost you a percentage of what your stuff is worth in total.

What Moving Insurance Actually Does

(And why it might not help you!)

Storage and lodging.

And if your new home isn’t ready when you are? This unfortunate possibility comes with having to shell out more cash for the extra time your stuff has to sit on the moving truck, the extra time you have to hold onto your rental truck, or the storage space you have to rent until your home is finally ready for you. You might not include such expenses in your moving budget, but be aware of the potential for things to go wrong.

And what if you don’t get your life all packed up on time? You’ll have to hire packers last-minute. Obviously, this situation is entirely avoidable. All you have to do is make a careful and calculated estimate as to how long it will take you to pack everything. Then whatever time frame you come up with, multiply by two and a half. (Seriously.)

Incidental Costs

After moving people day in and day out for decades, I’ve heard everything under the sun when it comes to random moving costs the customers weren’t expecting. But the thing is, they almost are never random, just unexpected. The list of sometimes surprising incidental costs include:

• Restocking your pantry/kitchen, and replacing items you got rid of
• Paying deposits on utilities, cable, and public services at your new home
• Sucking up any cancellation fees or broken contract penalties for things like cable, phone and health club membership
• Repairing damage in your old home – or losing your security deposit if you don’t
• Changing your driver’s license and car registration
• Running a credit check to pass along to your new landlord and new utility companies
• Picking up all the little things you need for your new home: light bulbs, shower curtain, shades/curtains for the windows, cleaning supplies because you used up and wore out everything cleaning your old place so you could get at least some of your security deposit back
• Getting socked with penalties for being late paying bills because your mail didn’t get forwarded promptly, or you missed a bill altogether

Apartment costs.

Also, are you renting a new apartment? Obviously, don’t forget you have a security deposit as well as first and last months’ rent to shell out. Those can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to the value of the entire month’s rent. Buying a new home? That’s another topic altogether, but with that comes closing costs, realtor fees, appraisal costs, inspection fees, attorney fees and more. Yay!

Long-term costs.

There’s another part to this incidental list, which includes moving costs that are repeating or more long-term in nature.

• Does parking cost where you live, and how much?
• What are the average car and health insurance rates in your new state?
• With your new home will you be subjected to building maintenance fees? Property fees? Homeowners’ association fees? Do you have to buy special trash and recycling bins?

That’s a lot of stuff to take into account, huh?

Figuring out what your own move will cost is all about specifics, not averages. So get that in-person estimate (more than one, if you are able). Use a moving cost calculator. Find a deal on a reliable rental truck (and remember to read the fine print). Check out rates for coverage against damage. Keep an eye on all those incidental charges and keep a list of things you’ll need at your new place.

And please, leave yourself plenty of time to pack!

COLLEGE MOVING TIPS:

The first day of school often comes with a lot of preparation, nerves, and cautious optimism. Moving to college for a first day turns those emotions up to 100. For many students, it is the first time living away from their parents home, or at least the first time they are living by themselves. Many choose to attend school far away from their parents home, to experience college life in a new environment. Moving to attend college presents its own share of challenges for students, since many of them are dealing with the nuances of moving (along with many of the other nuances of adult life) for the very first time. Oz is no stranger to big moves, read our college moving tips below.

WHAT’S IN YOUR HOUSING (AND WHAT ISN’T)

Most first year students move into dormitories, communal student housing meant to gradually ease these freshman into independent life. Dorms will often include many furniture items that do not come in a typical apartment, like a bed, or a desk, or a dresser. Dorms will often have multiple students living within the same confines, roommates. Roommates will often bring many items of their own as well to contribute to the living space. Others opt to live in on their own in typical apartments. Apartments will have far fewer amenities but often will include necessities like air conditioners, refrigerators, and stoves.

IF YOU’RE MOVING INTO A DORM:

• Check the website to see what amenities the dorm has.
• Check with your roommates to see what they’re bringing.
• Look up the dorm’s policies to make sure they allow everything you want to bring.
• Keep the spatial confinements in mind.
• Look for a nearby home goods store to buy any needed items.

IF YOU’RE MOVING INTO AN APARTMENT:

• Ensure the commute to class won’t be problematic on school days
• Check the neighborhood’s noise levels for potential late-night studying
• Try and live with students or young professionals for schedule syncing.
• Set a budget for living expenses that includes monthly housing bills, groceries, etc.

STUDENT MOVE-IN DAY CHECKLIST

• Have a Plan of Action. The curb will be very busy; you’ll want to get out quick!
• Stick to essentials first, then move in other things later.
• Use the cart. Most college dorms have a large wheeled cart that students can utilize.
• Lend a hand to the other students moving in, or at least get out of the way.

ESTABLISH INDEPENDENT FINANCIALS

College represents the first time in many student’s lives where they won’t have mom and dad pay (directly) for everything. Setting up an independent (or at least individual) bank account and starting a credit card (or at least a debit card) is a great way to get started on the path to financial independence.

ENJOY IT

College is not just about the education and learning experiences, it’s also about growing as a person and having unique experiences. Enjoy the first few days after moving into college, and the newfound freedom to mingle with peers and explore a new city. When classes start, you won’t have as much time to look around.

How to Pack Paintings, Mirrors, & Wall Art for Moving:

The Mirror / Picture Box is the ideal solution for protecting your valuable artwork, large picture frames and mirrors.

When not properly stowed, mirrors, picture frames and other wall art can be bumped into, scratched, or otherwise damaged. Using the mirror / picture box can help you pack correctly to protect your valuables.

The mirror / picture box can be used to hold one or more frames at a time depending on their size.. You can also add some protective supplies like the Picture Packer Kit for more protection.

Benefits of using a Mirror / Picture Box:

• If you have a very large mirror or picture frame to move, you can purchase two Mirror / Picture boxes and telescope the two boxes together.
• Provides extra protection against wear and tear that may occur during a move or storage.
• Use the box along with the Picture Packer Kit to provide a snug, secure fit for your mirrors and frames. This will prevent the frame from shifting inside the box.
• The Mirror / Picture box meets shipping requirements so just use extra protective supplies to pack tightly before shipping.

Directions on how to telescope two Mirror / Picture Boxes together:

1. Begin at the top end of the first box by folding the small flaps in, then fold one large flap on top of the other and tape.
2. Move on to the second box and press along the dotted lines on the left and right sides until there is an indent or break in the cardboard. Without cutting the flap lock tabs on the bottom end of the first box, and by squeezing the second box sides so they intent, slide the second box into the open (bottom) end of the first box.
3. Slide your item(s) into the box, then on the open end of the second box, fold the small flaps in, fold one large flap on top of the other and tape. Secure the middle portion where the second box telescopes into the first box with tape.

For a visual representation on packing mirrors and other artwork watch the video below.

 

Save Your Sanity With These Moving Day Tips:

Is there anyone in the world who actually likes moving to a new home? Organizing and packing up years of accumulated stuff, keeping up with odds and ends, tripping over boxes—is there any way to make that sound fun?

While we may not be able to make moving an enjoyable experience, we have some tips to help relieve some of your stress. To start off, try not to think of moving to a new home as a single, overwhelming ordeal. Break the moving process down into easy-to-accomplish phases to keep you focused and motivated.

Here’s our suggestion for a four-phase move along with some interesting packing tips to make things easier.

Phase One: At Least Three Months Before Moving Day

1. Don’t waste time or space packing what you don’t use or need. Clear out closets, cabinets and any other random storage places and sell, toss or donate anything you haven’t used in more than a year. Have a pre-moving yard sale and make a little extra cash while you’re at it!

2. Start gathering sturdy boxes from grocery, furniture or electronics stores. It may take more time to get what you need, but they’ll be free!

3. Start pre-packing! If you’re selling your home, this will help you clear out clutter and make your home appear more spacious to prospective buyers. Pack up photos, knickknacks, rarely used dishes and cookware—almost anything you don’t use on a daily basis.

Packing Tips

—Label and/or color-code boxes to make unpacking easier. Place labels on the sides of boxes so you can see them when the boxes are stacked.

—For items that must be disassembled, keep screws, washers, and so forth in labeled plastic bags. Put all the bags in one box so they won’t get lost. Do the same with the cords from your electronics.

—Instead of wrapping each dish in newspaper or bubble wrap, separate your dishes with Styrofoam plates. Stack them in boxes vertically instead of flat. They’ll be less likely to break.

Phase Two: One Month Before Moving Day

1. Coordinate your moving dates with some overlap. Leave plenty of time between closing on your current home and the move-in date for your new home to paint or put in new flooring—whatever projects you have in mind—before you move in.

2. Go ahead and set up utilities and internet access at your new home and notify the post office of your new address.

3. Take measurements at your new home to make sure your current appliances and furniture will fit.

4. Keep packing!

Phase Three: One or Two Weeks Before Moving Day

1. Finish up the immediate updates to your new home.

2. Put up shower curtains at your new home and stock the bathroom with towels and soap so you can have a hot shower after a long day of moving. Have paper plates, disposable cups, paper towels and cleaning supplies at your new home so you don’t have to search for them the day of the move.

3. Pack a bag of essentials for each family member: medicines, toiletries and a change of clothes. Keep these handy so you’ll have everything you need for your first night in your new home without digging through boxes.

4. Nearly done packing!

More Packing Tips

—Take pictures of your electronic hookups so you have a guide to use when you get to your new home.

—Slip your hanging clothes into garbage bags while they’re still on the hanger. Simply transport them to your new closet and remove the bag.

Final Phase: Moving Day

1. All your prior hard work should make this day a simple matter of moving your things from one location to another. Make things even easier by having a friend watch your kids and/or pets so you can focus on the task at hand.

2. If you’re relying on volunteers to help you move, organize your teams in shifts so one group of friends helps you move out while the other helps you move in. That way no one has to give up a full day, and you get all the help you need.

Professional Movers Can Do the Heavy Lifting

If your budget allows, consider hiring professional movers who will take on much of the physical stress of packing and transporting your belongings. Remember, it’s your responsibility to keep things organized.

Look for companies that have a reputation for good customer service. Be sure you understand your responsibilities so you don’t end up paying more than you expect.

A Small Price to Pay for a Great New Home

Don’t let the task of moving keep you from finding a new home you and your family can enjoy. Take your time, think ahead, and keep your sense of humor!

If you think you’re ready to start shopping for a new home, we can put you in touch with a high-energy, high-octane real estate agent Dave recommends to help you make the home-buying process as smooth as your move.