How Much Does It Cost to Move?

Moving can be an exciting yet stressful experience, and understanding the costs involved is essential for planning your relocation effectively. The total cost of moving can vary depending on things like the distance of your move, the size of your home, the amount of belongings, and whether you hire professional movers or opt for a DIY approach. 

Whether you’re moving locally or across the country, various factors impact the total cost. Below, we’ll explore the key contributors to moving expenses, provide tips to save money, explain how to calculate your costs, and answer common questions to help you plan a budget-friendly move with ease.

Factors That Contribute to the Cost of Moving

1. Local Moves vs. Long-Distance Moves

When you move across town, the costs to move will be less than moving long distances either in-state or out-of-state. This is because local movers often include a set amount of time in your initial moving quote. If they go over that time, then they will charge an hourly rate.

With long-distance moves, the cost of moving is based on the weight of the goods being moved. Therefore, your mover should provide you with details showing the weight of the empty truck and the estimated weight of your items when preparing your moving quote. 

2. The Size of the Home

The size of your house often determines how much stuff you will need to move. The larger the home, the more belongings you need to pack and move. For example, the moving costs for a 3-bedroom house will cost less than a 4- or 5-bedroom home. 

3. The Amount of Packing Materials You Need

This factor goes along with the previous one and is based on the volume of belongings you will need to pack. Remember to include different sizes of moving boxes, bubble wrap, padding, packing tape, and other essential moving supplies you will need when calculating your costs. 

4. DIY Move vs. Hiring Movers

A DIY move does cost less than hiring local movers or long-distance movers. Yet, you are responsible for taking care of all aspects of the move, including renting a truck, packing, loading and unloading, and driving the truck to your new house.

5. The Cost of Add-On Services

When you hire full-service movers to assist with your relocation, they can offer add-on services, such as packing and unpacking services. If you decide to take advantage of these, your moving budget will increase.

6. When You Are Moving

You should expect to pay more when your move date is on the weekend or during the summer months. These are peak times for moving companies, whether you pay for a truck rental or hire full-service movers.

7. The Distance You Are Moving

Local movers will often include a flat rate for moving a certain distance, such as up to 100 miles. However, if your local move is more than 100 miles from your current home, then you should expect to pay a per-mile fee. 

Long-distance movers usually charge based on the weight of your belongings. However, they may still charge a per-mile rate as well. So make sure to verify what additional charges there will be when you get an estimate. 

8. How Much Advance Notice You Give

You can expect to pay more if you wait until a few weeks before your moving day to rent a moving truck or hire movers. The more advance notice you give, the lower your moving costs. Even if you are not entirely sure of the moving date, having an approximate move date can lock in your moving costs. 

9. Moving Insurance

Protecting your belongings while they are being relocated may require you to obtain moving insurance coverage through the moving company. However, some insurance providers do provide moving insurance protection. 

So, it is worthwhile to check with your agent to see if your homeowner’s insurance has this protection. If not, then you will want to include moving insurance in your moving budget. 

10. Common Additional Costs 

Depending on the type of moving services you require, there may be added moving fees, such as:

• Storage Fees – If you need to store some of your belongings before moving, you will have storage fees.
• Long Carry Fees – If your movers have to carry your items over a long distance to or from the moving truck, they may charge this fee.
• Specialty Moving Fees – Specialty items include grandfather clocks, pianos, large mirrors, paintings, and other fragile items requiring special handling.
• Stair Carry Fees – If your movers have to move items up and down several flights of stairs, usually more than one floor, you may be charged a stair carry fee.
• Expedited Delivery Fees – This fee applies to long-distance moves when you want your items delivered faster than the usual delivery time, which can take up to a few weeks.
• Additional Stops Fees – If you require your moves to stop at your storage unit or other locations to pick up belongings before delivering them to your new house, they could charge this fee.
• Tipping – While tipping is optional, many people will tip their movers when they do an exceptional job.

Tips to Save Money When Moving

Moving doesn’t have to break the bank. Use these simple tips to save money:

• Declutter: Sell, donate, or toss items you don’t need to reduce moving costs
• Use Free Supplies: Find free boxes and use household items like towels for padding
• Pack Yourself: Save on labor costs by packing and labeling your own boxes
• Move Off-Peak: Schedule your move on weekdays or in winter to get lower rates
• Compare Quotes: Get multiple estimates and choose the best value, not just the lowest price
• Rent a Truck:DIY moves can save a lot on local or small moves
• Enlist Help: Ask friends or family to assist with loading and unloading
• Book Early: Reserve movers or trucks in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes
• Avoid Extra Fees: Plan ahead to minimize charges like stair or long-carry fees
• Negotiate Add-Ons: Ask for discounts on packing or storage services when bundled

How to Calculate Your Moving Costs

Estimating your moving costs starts with understanding the key factors involved. Begin by listing all potential expenses, including hiring movers, renting a truck, purchasing packing supplies, and any add-on services like packing or storage. 

For local moves, calculate costs based on the hourly rate and estimated time, while for long-distance moves, factor in the weight of your belongings and the distance. Use free online moving cost calculators to get a quick estimate tailored to your specific details. 

Don’t forget to account for additional charges like fuel, tolls, or special handling fees for fragile or bulky items. Request a detailed written estimate from your moving company to ensure no hidden costs. With careful planning and these tools, you can create an accurate moving budget and avoid surprises.

FAQ

How much does it cost to move to another state?

Average costs for moving interstate vary but typically range from $1,400 to more than $8,000, depending on the weight of your belongings, the distance, and additional services.

How do you create a moving budget?

Plan your move by listing all expenses, including movers, truck rental, packing supplies, and add-on services. Use online moving calculators and get written estimates to plan accurately.

What’s the most expensive part of moving?

The most expensive part is usually hiring movers or transportation costs, especially for long-distance moves, due to labor, fuel, and weight-based fees.

How 800CashToday Can Help Reduce Your Moving Expenses

At 800CashToday, we make moving easier and more affordable by simplifying the home-selling process and offering unique benefits. With us, there’s no need for costly repairs, real estate agents, or appraisals—we buy your home as-is, so you can skip the hassle. 

Plus, we offer up to $10,000 in cash advance to help cover your moving expenses and provide free local moving services to take some of the financial burden off your shoulders.

By selling your home for cash to 800CashToday, you can focus on starting fresh in your new space without the stress of traditional home-selling hurdles. Contact us today to get started!