This moving cost calculator estimates a move two ways: local moves by crew size, hourly rate and hours; long-distance moves by household weight and mileage — the two pricing languages movers actually speak.


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Local Moves Sell Hours; Long Moves Sell Pounds

Choosing the place you're moving into is our Rent Affordability Calculator. Part of our Everyday Life Calculators collection.

Worked Examples (Verified)

  • Local 2-bedroom (defaults): 7 crew-hours × $180/hr = $1,260 (range $1,008–$1,512)
  • Long-distance 2-bedroom, 1,200 miles: 6,000 lb × $0.75/lb = $4,500 — the same household costs 3.5× more to move across states than across town; distance is destiny in moving math
  • Weight is the lever you control: shedding 1,000 lb before a long move saves ≈ $750 at the default band — the pre-move purge has a literal price list

Moving Discipline

  • Get three quotes; the outlier-low bid is the industry's oldest horror story (hostage loads and “revised” weights).
  • Verify licensing: interstate movers need a USDOT number; check complaint history before the deposit.
  • Released-value coverage (60¢/lb) is nearly worthless for electronics — a 4 lb laptop is insured for $2.40; price full-value protection for fragile households.
  • Peak season (May–Sep) and month-ends carry surge pricing; a mid-week, mid-month, off-season move can cut 20–30%.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to move?

Locally, a 2-bedroom typically runs $1,000–$1,800 (crew-hours × $120–$220/hr). Long-distance, the same household (6,000 lb) runs ≈ $3,000 at 500 miles to $6,000+ cross-country by weight-and-distance pricing. This calculator estimates both models with a typical range.

How do long-distance movers charge?

Primarily by weight (your shipment on a certified scale) and distance, plus services: packing, storage, specialty items. Typical effective rates run $0.50–$1.00+ per pound depending on distance — the model this calculator implements, with home-size weight presets.

How much do movers charge per hour locally?

Roughly $120–$220 per hour for a 2–3 person crew with truck, varying by market and season; extra movers cost more per hour but finish proportionally faster on big homes. Minimums of 2–4 hours are common, plus travel time to your door.

Is professional packing worth it?

It adds ≈ 20% (materials + labor) and buys speed, insured-fragile handling, and your weekend back. Hybrid path most people take: movers pack the kitchen and breakables, you pack clothes and books. On long moves, carrier-packed boxes also strengthen damage claims.

When is the cheapest time to move?

Mid-week, mid-month, October through April. Summer weekends at month-end are the industry's peak pricing — the defaults' $1,260 local move can quote $1,700 in late June in hot markets. Flexibility on dates is the biggest single discount available.

Is this moving cost calculator free?

Yes — free, instant, no sign-up.